Up North: The Arena League undergoing transformative changes

The Arena League brought excitement, fun, and even a championship to Duluth this summer.

However, the league is already entering a transformative stage.

Eye popping touchdowns, plays, and even hits over the wall was action that hadn’t been replicated in the leagues first season. Heading into season two though, there are some fundamental differences fans can look forward to.

“We are looking for a roster of around 20,” said Steve Walters, the Duluth Harbor Monsters. “In the arena itself, dressed for the games, there is going to be 16 players. Last year we had 6-on-6. We are now moving to 7-on-7 because we are looking for a more national branded style of football. We believe as a league that the 7-on-7 look is a much more user friendly experience if you will.”

The players on the field aren’t just increasing in number though, the league is has also welcomed two new expansion teams, the Hot Springs Wiseguys and formerly the Eau Claire Jammers, now the Eau Claire Axeman.

“When you’re doing something like this, if people are not responding to it, it’s a problem, right?” said Tim Brown, the commissioner of The Arena League. “I think at this particular point we realize that we do have something that people want to want to see and from that standpoint, you know, we’re gonna keep pushing it.”

A team specific change; the Harbor Monsters will hold open tryouts in West Saint Paul on January 11th.

While changes around the league are happening, the expectation for fans in Duluth is to come back out, and do exactly what they did last year.

“We had a great fan base. We hope to bring that back again. We had a great representation from the team and the community. We definitely plan on doing that if not more this season upcoming. So just get ready to rock and roll,” said Harbor Monster head coach Tony O’Neil.

“This year is going to be so much bigger and better,” said Walters. “It is going to be more exciting across the board. We are very very excited as a staff and as a team for what we are going to be able to present to you this year.”