Falling Stars: The Local Impact of the North Stars Relocation

Abstract

In 1993, The State of Hockey was shocked by the relocation of their beloved National Hockey League franchise, The Minnesota North Stars. Reasons for the move were numerous; slipping attendance, a failed deal for a new arena, and even an extramarital affair by the team's owner were all cited. The dislocation of the North Stars not only broke the hearts of fans, but also affected the local community's economy. Many places around the arena, such as sports bars and restaurants, relied on the team to bring them business. Articles from newspapers, as well as other sports magazines, and memoirs and testimonies from people within the organization will shed light upon the decisions made by the franchise. Economic census data on the team and the surrounding area shows how Bloomington was affected when the North Stars moved.