The structure of the opening weekend leaves little room for gradual buildup. For Albany, it is a chance to reaffirm its position. For Minnesota and the rest of the field, it is an early test of whether preseason projections hold or begin to shift.
“We’re going to bring joy to people and we’re going to do it through football. Football’s our tool. Football’s our vehicle.” -- Minnesota Monsters general manager Meadow Lemon
“I want to be the greatest D lineman to ever play arena football. So that's why I'm still out here crafting and getting better every day because that's my goal, to be the best ever.” -- Claude Davis, former New York Jets practice squad player
“The guys are expected to play fast, know what they're doing, communicate, make sure they stay in the weight room, eat well, and take care of their bodies because you can't make the club in the tub.” -- Minnesota Monsters head coach Daron Clark Jr.
“As a league, we’re proud of where we stand entering our second year and even more excited about where we’re headed. We’re committed to growing the game and taking Arena Football to the next level." -- AF1's Gary Compton
“We’re not coming into a new league to blend in. We’re coming to compete, and compete at the highest level.” -- Minnesota Monsters' Ja’Vonte Johnson
Howie is a longtime Minnesota journalist, independent columnist and author covering sports, power and civic life. His daily column is sponsored by Lyric Kitchen . Bar of Duluth. Minnesota Monsters star wide receiver Jamal Couch has spent much of his professional football life carrying a label that sounds flattering on the
There is a buzz in the air right now about Minnesota Monsters arena league football at Amsoil Arena. Training camp opens 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