Howie: Why Jacob and Brianna Lambert bet on arena football in Duluth
There is a buzz in the air right now about Minnesota Monsters arena league football at Amsoil Arena. Training camp open on March 23. You can feel it. Something special is building.
There is a buzz in the air right now about Minnesota Monsters arena league football at Amsoil Arena. Training camp open on March 23. You can feel it. Something special is building.
The Minnesota Monsters have made their move by stepping into a stronger league and bringing the team into Amsoil. Tuesday afternoon is the community’s opportunity to meet the players, see the vision for the franchise and decide whether Duluth intends to build something lasting around it.
When ownership asks fans to pick their seats at $200, they’re not just selling tickets. They’re asking the city to co-sign the project. They’re saying: Trust us early. Commit early. Help us build this from day one.
"I'm excited to see the move to AF1. I'm hoping that the Monsters can continue to grow their tradition of excellence against the next tier of talent representing teams from across the country. The move into Amsoil is another exciting development, bringing fans closer to the action." -- Don Ness
A veteran emphasis may define the Monsters’ identity more than anything else. Clark said he deliberately avoided inexperienced arena players, opting instead to load camp with proven winners. At least 16 players on the current roster, he said, have won arena championships.
As the Minnesota Monsters prepare for their Arena Football One debut, our goal is simple: deliver elite football, unforgettable live entertainment and a welcoming environment where fans of all ages feel connected to the team on the field.
Defending Arena Football One playoff champion Albany Firebirds collected the No. 1 ranking in the annual 50YardFootball.com AF1 preseason poll, released Tuesday. The Nashville Kats, the 2025 playoff runner-ups, ranks second. The Minnesota Monsters are third in as they transition after capturing The Arena League championships in 2024 and
Howie Hanson is editor & publisher of 50 Yard Football, which covers arena/indoor football leagues. The Minnesota Monsters enter 2026 not as a curiosity, but as one of the most intriguing franchises in arena football’s newest era. Just two seasons ago, this team was born in Duluth as
AF1’s approach — structured evaluation, real coaching, honest feedback and decisive action — has turned the National Scouting Combine into more than a showcase. It has become a proving ground. And for those who proved themselves once the pads went on, it has already paid off.
Week 1: vs Albany Firebirds — Apr. 11 Week 2: BYE Week 3: vs Michigan Arsenal — TBD Week 4: vs Oceanside Bombers — May 3 Week 5: vs Michigan Arsenal — TBD Week 6: BYE Week 7: at Nashville Kats — May 22 Week 8: at Kentucky Barrels — May 30 Week 9: vs Oceanside
“The city of Duluth embraced this team when they were the Duluth Harbor Monsters. Going to all these games — for me to take that away from them would have been selfish.” -- New Minnesota Monsters owner Jacob Lambert
Duluth has always supported teams that show up honestly and invest consistently. The formula hasn’t changed. Don’t overpromise. Don’t disappear when things get hard. Build something people can recognize as theirs. When that happens, this city responds — not with blind loyalty, but with earned trust.
1. Vegas Knight Hawks (IFL) 2. Albany Firebirds (AF1) 3. Green Bay Blizzard (IFL) 4. Nashville Kats (AF1) 5. Arizona Rattlers (IFL) 6. Minnesota Monsters (AF1) 7. Fishers Freight (IFL) 8. Orlando Pirates (IFL) 9. Quad City Steamwheelers (IFL) 10. Tulsa Oilers (IFL) "Vegas has to be considered the
Twelve games per team. A defined start in April. A defined finish in July. Balanced home-and-away slates. Built-in byes. Repeat matchups that suggest geography matters again. It reads less like a marketing flyer and more like an operating plan.
Minnesota’s home schedule begins in Week 7, when Nashville visits. Kentucky comes to Minnesota in Week 8.
AF1 teams Minnesota, Michigan and Washington announced several roster moves today. Minnesota added depth on defense and size up front, Michigan bolstered its offensive line, and Washington saw one player sign with the Canadian Football League. One release was also announced. Recent Transactions Signings Jarvai Flowers, WR, 6-foot, 180 pounds,