The day is approaching when Allianz Field "not only becomes the new home" for Minnesota United, but also the "centerpiece of a transforming neighborhood," according to a front-page piece by James Walsh of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Construction on the 20,000-seat Allianz Field is "further along" than it was four months ago, with the venue on track for "substantial completion" by Feb. 22, 2019. Mortenson Construction Exec Greg Huber said that the stadium is currently 75% complete. Walsh notes so far, 60% of the stadium's seats "have been installed," and 70% of the stadium's "fabric sheathing panels -- like giant gray shrink wrap clinging to outer walls -- are up." LED lighting for the field and "behind the sheathing" has also been installed, as has the "giant scoreboard" at the north end of the venue. Populous Senior Principal Bruce Miller said, "There's really nothing like it in the world." Walsh notes much of that sentiment can be "attributed to the stadium's Space Age skin." The gray fabric sheathing, made of a material called PTFE, has been "used to make conveyor belts but never before on a stadium" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 8/29). In St. Paul, Andy Greder noted the open space on the stadium's north roof deck is "expected to add about 270 fans in a standing-room-only environment and boost the capacity above the 19,400 given for the venue." Grass is expected to be planted Oct. 17, and Minnesota United's "first game" at Allianz Field is expected to be next April (TWINCITIES.com, 8/28).
