The NLL Minnesota Swarm on Friday announced that they are leaving the market "for a yet-to-be-determined location next season," according to Michael Rand of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Swarm Owner John Arlotta said that it was "time to move," citing "difficulties in negotiating a new lease at its longtime home of Xcel Energy Center, difficulties competing with other pro sports in the Twin Cities, and a diminished base of season-ticket holders and corporate sponsors." Arlotta: "We can’t be plugging holes and taking backward steps. We have to be on a forward trajectory. ... We need to find an arena that works better for an individual owner." Arlotta, who "along with his son Andy will continue to own and run the franchise, declined to discuss potential landing spots for the Swarm." He said, “A number of places look promising, but it’s not done yet." Rand noted even with lacrosse "blossoming as a sport in Minnesota and with an average attendance of nearly 8,700 for nine home matches last season" -- the highest since '10 -- the franchise "lost money." Also, the Swarm in '13 "lost a major corporate sponsor, Treasure Island Resort and Casino, prompting Arlotta to send an e-mail to fans asking for their support" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 5/23).
