Minnesota Swarm To Leave The Twin Cities
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Swarm are packing up and leaving the state after 11 seasons.
Swarm co-owner John Arlotta announced Friday night that the National Lacrosse League team will relocate for the 2016 season.
The move comes after weeks of rumors and speculation about the team's future after renewals were not offered to season ticket holders at the end of the season.
"Our lease at Xcel Energy Center ended this year, and it became obvious that the economics would not lend themselves to a sustainable business model for an independently owned NLL franchise," Arlotta said.
The Swarm, who played at the Xcel Energy Center for 11 seasons, were founded in 2004 and originally owned by Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold.
Arlotta and his brother, Andy, bought the team in 2008.
"We're excited about the future of our franchise and we're dedicated to continuing the Swarm and growing the sport and the NLL," Arlotta said.
Possible future locations for the franchise have not been discussed with the media, but Milwaukee and Florida are rumored destinations.