Minnesota Thunder soccer team moving to St. Paul

ST. PAUL (AP) -- The Minnesota Thunder is moving to St. Paul where the professional soccer team will play most of its home games next season at Central High School, the team announced Monday.

"We are excited to move into the center of the Twin Cities," said Jim Froslid, team president and general manager.

The Thunder may play 10 or more games at the James S. Griffin Stadium at Central High School, Froslid said. Next season's schedule was still pending.

For the past 14 years, the Thunder has played at the National Sports Center in Blaine. The move to St. Paul makes the team more accessible to fans and brings it closer to the large ethnic communities of Hispanic, Somali and Hmong, where soccer is a top sport, team officials said.

Froslid also cited a warm reception from St. Paul Schools Superintendent Pat Harvey and Mayor Randy Kelly.

"They are committed to helping us bring the world's most popular sport to a larger, more diverse fan base, while maintaining our positive impact on children," Froslid said.

The Thunder likely will play its home opener at the Metrodome in Minneapolis and a few games at other sites, but most of its home games will be at the recently renovated Griffith stadium, he said.

Froslid said the team plans to improve concessions with international food vendors, add facilities for children and is working with Metro Transit on a game-day bus ride promotion.

Kelly, who welcomed the Thunder at a Monday news conference, said the team is an example of the kind of inexpensive, family-oriented attraction the city wants to increase.