The Arena League, a new indoor football circuit scheduled to debut in Summer 2024, has announced its four inaugural teams.
Teams will operate in:
. Duluth
. Kansas City, Missouri
. Springfield, Missouri
. Waterloo, Iowa
The still-to-be-nicknamed Duluth team will play its home games at the DECC's Duluth Arena beginning in June. NFL Hall of Famer and former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown is chairman and commissioner of the grassroots league.
His stat line towered over the league: a .383 batting average, 17 home runs, 68 RBIs, 23 doubles, three triples, 48 runs scored, 28 walks, and 15 stolen bases over 52 games. His OPS landed at 1.252, powered by a .471 on-base percentage and a .781 slugging percentage.
This isn’t corporate sports media. This isn’t fluff. Howie Sports is Independent. Local. Unfiltered. Fifty years in the game — telling you who’s hot, who’s not, and who needs a swift kick in the butt.
The Hilltoppers, led by super-sophomore Chloe Johnson (31.3 points per game), enters the tournament as one of the favorites in the eight-team bracket and could meet No. 3 seed New London-Spicer or No. 6 Minnehaha Academy in the semifinals if both teams advance.
The Vikings could add another veteran quarterback, draft another young passer and force McCarthy to earn his way back into the starting job. Competition is the reality of the NFL, where roster spots — and careers — are constantly on the line.
Under the leadership of Chamber President Matt Baumgartner, Duluth and St. Louis County Days has become a respected presence at the Capitol. Legislators expect it. Policymakers notice it. And participants leave knowing their region’s voice has been heard.
