Reflecting on the Sudden Move to Blaine

You can find this Article was published at Blue Sky Soccer

http://blueskysoccer.com/index.php?module=pagesetter&func=viewpub&tid=1&pid=657

By Brian Quarstad

St. Paul, MN (May 12, 2008) -- In a surprise move today, the Minnesota Thunder announced that they played their last game at James Griffin Stadium last Saturday, May 10th, 2008. The team is moving back to their former location at National Sports Center (NSC) in Blaine, the field the Thunder called home for 14 years before moving to St. Paul 5 years ago. Members of the Dark Clouds supporters group were told of the news last Saturday evening in an informal meeting with Manny Lagos, president of the MN Thunder and Djorn Bucholz, General Manager. Manny explained the specifics of the deal and informed us that a press conference would be held Monday or Tuesday after the parties involved were told of this abrupt change. I've had a bit of time to reflect on the bigger picture of how this move will affect the team, the fans and business partners.

Before the Thunder moved to St. Paul 5 years ago, I was told the team had taken numerous fan polls through the years. Time and again the results showed overwhelmingly that the majority of ticket buyers wanted to see the team move into the city. The very successful guerrilla marketing campaign called, "Soccer in the City" was launched. The team moved to James Griffin Stadium, home of St. Paul Central High School as well as the playing field for numerous college and high school teams in the city. James Griffin Stadium, with all of it's obvious flaws, also had its merits. Recently, the campaign turned into "World Class Soccer in St. Paul."

So, is a sudden move away from James Griffin Stadium, out of St. Paul, and 20 miles north to suburban Blaine a good idea? Here's what I've been thinking. . .

Brian Quarstad writes for Blue Sky Soccer.com and for Craven Cottage Newsround, A Fulham Football Club blog. He may be contacted by sending an email to bq@blueskysoccer.com

Comments

[StPaulSoccerFan]

So what is happening to the soccer stadium the Thunder is supposedly building for the team and the new youth program?

[kids left hanging - again]

I see it's May 13th and still not a single blog back on StPaulSoccerFan's post. So lets get this blog going.

It drives me crazy that the youth players keep getting hosed in this Thunder deal. All this it's on, then off, then on, then off, then new and improved, then no news. I believe the key to success in any youth program is stability and consitancy of which there is NONE when it comes to the Thunder's past and current organization. be careful when betting your kids traning on the whims of the Thunder Club.

P.S. at least at NSC your car is less likely to get broke into.

[Andy Kaasa]

Hi Guys,

I am going to post these comments in the blog section and hopefully you will get some more responses.