Bruce is pretty much dead on here.

Historically, the Thunder/Stars have taken their time in signing new players, although they might have been in contact or even working those players out for a significant amount of time before they sign them.

Also, the club likes to announce signings a little closer to the start of the season in an attempt to generate some ink close to ticket buying time. Every once in a while, it even works a bit.

As far as exhibition matches, it's a matter of finding teams who are ready to commit to dates, plus finding venues. Since usually, at this time of year, full pitches not covered in snow are hard to find around here, it makes it a little harder to find places to play. When the club has spent the money for away camps, such as the Omaha training camps in the mid '00s and the foreign tours of '93 and '95, exhibitions were set earlier. When the team has had to operate on the cheap, they have been scheduled on the fly, so to speak.

All in all, I'm not concerned about the quality of the squad. I am confident that Djorn, Manny, et al, will come up with a competitive team again.

My only quibble is that I think, if marketed properly, the pre-season could be a way of generating extra ink and increased attendance for the season. But they need more lead time on each exhibition to do it.

"I'll ask about any other exhibitions while I'm at the combine" promises

That little old jersey collector

Me

"The adventage of being at home is very much with the home side." - Denis Law, BBC sports

I understand that not a lot of teams are playing this time of year, but wouldn't it be possible to at least scrimmage the MTA or Shattuck kids? I don't care who you have to throw onto the field against them, just get our guys (whoever they are, however many will be on the final squad) minutes playing together.

Then try to sell tickets to the Dome opener to whoever you're playing against :P

I've seen at least 10 of last year's players at training, but the team isn't officially in training camp yet, are they?

bullsear, saw your comment on my site as well. Evidently Edmonton must have announced that game as I don't think the Stars have made any announcements yet.

The Stars will have some preseason games they will announce soon. I don't think they will be anything big however. And, we sort of live on an island here in MN with no really good D1 college teams close by which means to play someone decent you have to travel and that costs money.

And don't expect them to open organized practice any sooner then they previously announced. I hate that we can't go to a warm weather site and train. But with out budget it just not in the cards nor will it be unless we can find a benevolent owner with deep pockets. Traditionally the teams doesn't start training until about 4 weeks before the season starts.

Who needs a long preseason and lots of friendlies when your coach has a magic wand?

If any NASL coach has a magic wand, it's Lagos. After last season, who can be in doubt?

Is there any word on when the new kits are released?

Next month.

The rumors are the new kits are going to completely blow away last year's kits.
I asked, "Better than Nessie?" and the answer was along the lines of, "oh yeah."

Does anyone know if they're planning to do an online unveil of the new jersey? Can't wait to see it.