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DULUTH — The Minnesota Monsters are leaving Duluth for the Twin Cities after the organization determined a larger market would offer better long-term opportunities for the arena football franchise.
The team announced the relocation Friday, ending its run in Duluth and beginning preparations for a move to the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
Monsters owner Jacob Lambert thanked fans, sponsors, players, coaches, staff members, volunteers and community leaders who supported the organization during its time in Duluth.
“Duluth welcomed the Minnesota Monsters and gave our organization an opportunity to grow,” Lambert said. “I want to personally thank everyone who attended our games, supported our players, partnered with our organization, and believed in what we were working to build. The relationships and memories we created in Duluth will always be an important part of the Monsters’ history.”
The organization said the decision followed an evaluation of its long-term business and operating opportunities. The Monsters cited access to a larger regional market, additional corporate sponsorship opportunities, a broader potential fan base and greater organizational resources as reasons for the move.
“This was not an easy decision, and it does not diminish the gratitude we have for Duluth,” Lambert said. “We believe the Twin Cities will give the Monsters the best opportunity to strengthen our organization, increase our visibility, and build a sustainable future. We are excited about what comes next, but we will never forget the people in Duluth who helped us reach this point.”
The Monsters did not immediately announce their Twin Cities home venue.
The organization said additional details about its venue, upcoming season, ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities and community events will be announced as plans are finalized.
The relocation closes the Duluth chapter for a franchise that had attempted to establish a foothold in the northeastern Minnesota sports market while competing in professional indoor football.
The move gives the Monsters access to a substantially larger population and corporate base, but also places the organization in a more competitive professional sports and entertainment market.
For the Monsters, the next test will be whether the larger market produces the attendance, sponsorship support and long-term financial stability the organization believes it needs to grow.
