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Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN Minnesota Thunder The Twin Cities, as they are known, are a hotbed of youth soccer, with some history of professional soccer. The Minnesota Kicks had a string of successful seasons at the gate in the NASL in the mid 70's. In the same way the league itself was headed, though, they left "not with a bang but a whimper" in 1982. The Robbie family (then owners of the NFL Miami Dolphins, and one time owners of such soccer franchises as the Miami Toros), relocated the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers to Minnesota in 1984 (upon their move to Minnesota, then striker Ricardo Villa refused to leave Florida to follow the team, retiring instead, presumably because of the climate up north. Makes one wonder if he were aware of the concept of "Summer," as certainly a Minnesota summer is a warmer affair than a winter at Spurs). The Strikers played one "outdoor" NASL season, in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, then 4 seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League before folding. Some Strikers' alums include Alex Bunbury (former Canadian National Team member), Thomas Rongen (current United States Under-20 National Team Coach), and Ken Fogarty who briefly served as the coach of the Kansas City Wizards of MLS. Best known (to US fans) of the crop who played in Minnesota through the years are current D.C. coach Ray Hudson and Burn coach Mike Jeffries (both of the Strikers), former Canada national keeper Tino Lettieri (Kicks and Strikers), Revolution striker Taylor Twellman's father Tim (Kicks), and Charley George ((he of the famous F.A. Cup winning strike for Arsenal) Kicks). The Minnesota Thunder (www.mnthunder.com) started from humble amateur beginnings to become a model A League franchise. Champions in 1999, they played three consecutive A League Championship matches (1998-2000) against the Rochester Raging Rhinos, with each side winning when hosting the match. Home matches are played at James Griffin Stadium in St. Paul, Minnesota. The stadium itself is intimate, but not spectacular. It has bleachers running the length of both sides of the field. The atmosphere and activities at matches is very family-friendly. Concessions are reasonably priced, and there's a decent selection. NOTE: "Reserved" seats at a Thunder match are not reserved as such. It merely means access to the midfield sections of the stand, where the benches have backrests. The rest of the stadium has "backless" benches. The USA Cup (www.usacup.org), usually held in mid-July, is one of the largest youth tournaments in the country. Held at the same National Sports Center it features teams from most states and several countries each year. SECOND NOTE: MLS and other exhibition matches are usually scheduled by the Thunder during this tournament. While this makes for large crowds (upwards of 5 figures) and good atmosphere, it also makes parking a bear, so get there early. One new, and we hope lasting, legacy of the Robbie family is the Elizabeth Lyle Robbie stadium (www.gophersports.com/Facilities/soccer_stadium.asp), adjacent the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus. It is a nice facility, seating about 1,000, and home to the Minnesota Gophers' women's soccer team. National Sports Center Colors: Home: white, black, white Honors: A-League finalists 1994-1995, 1998, 2000, A-League champions 1999, A-League semi-finalists 1996 Around Town Pubs and Restaurants [L=www.kierans.com]Kieran's Irish Pub[EL] Half Time Rec Ole Piper Inn Hotels and Accomodations Minneapolis Metro North Other Things to Do Usually, visitors are interested in seeing the Mall of America (www.mallofamerica.com), and it is such a tourist attraction, there are many hotels nearby. These hotels have the advantage of close proximity to the airport (5 minute drive). The Twin Cities is also known for a vibrant theater community, with Broadway shows coming to both Minneapolis (The State Theater), and St. Paul (The Ordway Center), and dramatic shows at the Guthrie, and many other smaller venues (see www.twincities.com for entertainment listings). It's also a well known for its music scene, with the semi-famous First Avenue (which can NO LONGER be called the "House of Prince," mind you; www.first-avenue.com ), and dozens of smaller clubs (see www.citypages.com for more info on music). Lakes with walking paths dot both cities, especially south of downtown Minneapolis (Harriet, Calhoun, Lake of the Isles), and north and northwest of St. Paul (Phalen, Como). With such a short summer, Minnesotans take advantage of their outdoor time! Soccer Specialty Stores Soccer USA additional Soccer USA locations at: Indoor Facilities Braemar Golf Dome (no boards, futsal on artificial turf) [L=www.soccerblastmn.com]Soccer Blast Minnesota[EL] (MISL-style indoor) [L=www.cscsports.com]Cities Sports Connection[EL] Points of Interest [L=www.mnhs.org/places/historycenter/location.html]Minnesota History Center[EL] [L=www.prairiehome.org/]A Prairie Home Companion[EL] (live Radio) Valleyfair (amusement park) [L=www.fringefestival.org]Minnesota Fringe Festival[EL] (August only - theatre) [L=www.startribune.com/stories/1615/783756.html]World's Largest Twine Ball[EL] (for you "Wierd Al" Fans) [L=www.smm.org]Science Museum of Minnesota[EL] [L=www.walkerart.org/jsindex.html]Walker Art Center[EL] Mall of America Relevant Links |