june 5, 2025
Rob Thompson, Director of Creative Services for the St. Paul Saints, tells me about his Saint Paul path,
"I first moved to Downtown Saint Paul in August of 2003 when I was 19 years old, attending school at Musictech College (later renamed McNally Smith College of Music) majoring in Guitar Performance. Coming from my hometown of Fergus Falls, it was a big change compared to the small town lifestyle that I knew growing up.
My first apartment was in the 7th Place Apartments, living right above Jimmy Johns, Wild Tymes Sports Bar, Candyland, and right around the corner from Mickey's Diner. It was cool. I instantly settled into living in a big city, and was drawn to what Downtown had to offer. So much so that I moved back Downtown for a second time, living in the Mears Park Place Apartments in Lowertown from 2006-2008, while I was earning my Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design.
What I discovered living there was how much I enjoyed being connected to the skyway system of Downtown Saint Paul. The skyway had a little bit of everything, and when you don't want to go outside in the winter, it becomes very convenient. Fast forward to 2015, when I took a job as Graphic Designer at Allegra/Image360 located in the skyway of the Alliance Bank Center. And then in 2019 I started working for The St. Paul Saints at CHS Field in Lowertown.
What I love about my job as Director of Creative Services for The St. Paul Saints is the people I work with. And knowing that together we get to provide a fun experience for everyone who comes through our gates. Even if it’s just for a few hours at a time, people can come and enjoy a baseball game or event, and escape the stresses of daily life. Being located in Downtown St. Paul I think overall adds to the intrigue.
They can enjoy what Downtown has to offer either before or after coming to the ballpark, which only enhances the experience. I always tell people that before I worked here, I was a fan first. And when you’re a fan of the place you work, it only makes the enjoyment of what you do that much better."
The hardest thing to see right now is how many businesses have had to shut their doors in Downtown Saint Paul. Change will always happen in any city, but I feel like this city is still suffering the aftermath of the pandemic, which has created an economic change in how Downtown Saint Paul operates. I walk through the skyway now, and it's like walking through some abandoned city that time forgot about. What used to be a very vibrant and energetic area, has now reverted backwards and has a very empty feel to it.”
Rob looks ahead,
"I'm hopeful that Downtown Saint Paul can get back to where it was prior to 2020. There are a lot of good people who are passionate about this city, and it will take time, but I'm confident the right group of people will work together to bring Downtown Saint Paul back to life for both businesses and residents.
In the meantime, I plan on doing what I've always done at my current job, which is continue to be part of an organization that connects with our community, and show that community they will always have a fun place to go in Lowertown. Our fanbase has always been there for us, which has played a crucial role in the success of the St. Paul Saints, and we will continue to be there for them so we can help make our community the best it can possibly be."
Rob tells me about his favorite places Downtown Saint Paul,
“I'm definitely biased, but it's hard for me to not say CHS Field. I get to work at a beautiful ballpark with the buildings of Lowertown as a backdrop day in and day out. It's hard to beat on a warm summer night. Outside of that, I have some great memories spending time on the 7th Place Plaza when I first moved here, as well as several different activities that have taken place at Mears Park over the years. If there's is one thing I could bring back, it would be spending my lunch break outside while enjoying all the food trucks that used to line the streets of Mears Park.”
Rob kindly concludes with this, "Thank you (Katie) for taking the time to create such a great project. I really look forward to seeing it come to fruition, with the chance to read about a number of different people that make up this great community."
Creating and running this project is truly such an honor, Rob! Thank You for your support and for sharing your Saint Paul Story with me and the BAT community. We're all connected by a thread 🧵❤️