it was good to see that press release so full of excitement and i have no doubt that moving games in to st paul and or minneapolis will improve attendance significantly

several things were not mentioned in the press release like tailgating so i am anxious to see what develops on those fronts over the next few months

i'm just glad that a field was finalized for at least next year and the team can move on to improving the squad and winning a title

There seems to be a nice buzz around the announcement. KSTP mentioned the move yesterday during the 6 pm news. While MPR both last night and this morning has had a tiny soundbite with Jim Froslid talking about the positive aspects of the move.

There's also a bunch of articles in the Strib:

Soccer: Thunder move from Blaine to St. Paul

Little blurb

Reprint of info from the Pioneer Press

Not about the Thunder, but Froslid is quoted

I will work thru my issues of the beautiful game on the gridiron, and I'm sure that the City and School District are very protective of their new facility ... So I'll try not to rant and rave over that issue.

I would encourage the quest for additional supporters section at the west end for several reasons:

Downtown Site Lines
Sun angle (as opposed to east end zone, like Mac's issue)
Proximity to Pedestrian Crossing

Also big winners from last season was the sideline bar table/stools. I, however, enjoy the games among the teeming masses and their enthusiasm despite not carrying a tune.

I can see the pedestrian bridge being a 'living' bill board on match day.

I've staked out my tail gate location under the second shade tree across the freeway adjacent to corner of Central Medical Lot. (aerial views by mapquest dot com, intersection Lexington and Marshall)

By my eye about 400 yds from tailgate to west end zone. Same calculation from our Blaine tailgate location was 500 yds via ticket window to beer tent.

The field seems a little narrow at 65 yards.

Its good that they made an announcement early instead of at the last minute.

Mmmmmm, International Food Tent...

I asked Jim Froslid if he could answer some of the questions I've seen on the board recently, and he graciously consented to answer, even after I said I'd post them here.

Here's an excerpt:

Jim Froslid:

"BEER -- Beer has not been a big revenue source for the Thunder. We have done it as a service. There may be clever ways to satisfy the beer drinkers. Time will tell."

All right Thunder fans, next summer we need to step up and show our support for the Thunder:

Drink more beer!

Donovan

Awhile back Mayor Rybak was on MPR's midmorning broadcast and I thought I'd call in to ask him about the Thunder. Its a short little bit but I thought some of ya might like to hear it.

http://news.mpr.org/programs/midmorning/listings/mm20031201.shtml

Its Thursdays show. I get to ask my question 35.5 minutes in. Enjoy.