Minnesota United hasn't settled on a policy for illuminating the stadium once the season startsMINNESOTA UNITED
Allianz Field was "put to a stress test" Wednesday, and for 12 hours, the new MLS stadium, the video board and ribbon boards were "in strobe mode, flashing nonstop blue, green, purple and red," according to Tim Harlow of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. Minnesota United "conducted the test to see how long" the Daktronics-installed boards could operate. Minnesota United Senior Dir of PR Eric Durkee said that although the "pulsing rainbow was just a one-time test, there could be times when scoreboards and lights are needed well into the night." The club has "not settled on a policy for illuminating the 19,000-seat stadium once the season starts." However, that "likely will happen only after home wins, on holidays and special occasions such as Pride night games" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/21). In St. Paul, Frederick Melo notes "intense testing of stadium lights is not unusual before a new facility opens," however some local residents on social media "worried aloud as they questioned whether the light show would return -- and how often." Durkee said that permits are "not required for interior stadium testing" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 12/21).
BUSY SCHEDULE: In Minneapolis, Jerry Zgoda notes the $250M, soccer-specific stadium will debut on April 13 for a late afternoon, ESPN-televised game against NYCFC. That date is just five days after the NCAA men's basketball Final Four is held at U.S. Bank Stadium. Minnesota United "likely will open their season with five consecutive games on the road" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/21).
