Some fans arrived to the $250M Allianz Field four hours early for the stadium's inaugural matchMINNESOTA UNITED FC
Minnesota United opened Allianz Field on Saturday before 19,796 fans against NYCFC in a match that "offered a kaleidoscope of color and sound" and a "frantic pace," according to Jerry Zgoda of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. MLS Commissioner Don Garber and U.S. Soccer officials were among the dignitaries who were at the $250M "architectural jewel" envisioned by Minnesota United Owner Bill McGuire and Populous. Some fans arrived "four hours early" for the 4:00pm CT start time, and almost every fan "wore scarves ... sang, chanted and cheered" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/14). The AP's Dave Campbell noted the stadium's debut hosted a "real show, with end-to-end action that entertained the raucous fans as much as the new stadium itself" (AP, 4/13). In Minneapolis, Jennifer Bjorhus noted fans were "oblivious to a raw wind and eager to celebrate their Loons in a home they can finally call their own." While some "lamented the lack of parking, most said their gameday trek went off without a hitch" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/14).
LOUD AND PROUD: In St. Paul, John Shipley wrote Allianz Field's debut was a "success on several levels." The stadium is a "compact, yet spacious stadium with excellent sight lines from just about every part of the concourse." Additionally, fans were "in good voice" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 4/14). In Minneapolis, Chip Scoggins noted the stadium "exceeded reviews." There is "no better description than to say it's perfect in every way as a soccer-centric venue." The Wonderwall, the dedicated supporter section that contains 2,920 seats, is the stadium's "epicenter, it's soul, the place where you go to party and leave with a massive headache." Scoggins: "Picture a row of bass drums being pounded nonstop, nearly 3,000 people screaming until they're hoarse and smoke clogging your nostrils after goals. If there's such a thing as organized chaos, this is it" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 4/14). The PIONEER PRESS' Greder examined why Minnesota United has embraced "Wonderwall," the hit '96 single from Oasis, as its theme song (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 4/13).
WORLD-CLASS VENUE: ESPN's Jon Champion noted Allianz Field is a "benchmark for future soccer-specific stadiums in this country." Champion called it a "palace" and said, "We could easily be in Munich, not Minnesota." ESPN's Taylor Twellman: "If I blindfolded you, put you at midfield and you opened your eyes, you would think, 'Where is this? Manchester? Berlin? Sevilla?' No, it's St. Paul, Minnesota." He added, "It's the most expensive field we've ever seen in Major League Soccer. They went all out for it." Champion: "It's the new face of American soccer" ("NYCFC-Minnesota United," ESPN2, 4/13).
ROOM TO GROW? In St. Paul, Andy Greder notes with Allianz Field's capacity of 19,400, Minnesota United "added some standing-room-only spots" to accommodate for a sellout of 19,796. Garber said, "I wish the stadium wasn’t 19,000 and that it was 27,000 because I think at some point we are going to be thinking of how do we make the stadium bigger. I think we are going to be dealing with that in a number of different markets.” Greder notes Allianz Field has the "ability to increase capacity by about 6,000 seats, with an additional 1,500 or so possible in each of the four corners." Minnesota United CEO Chris Wright in March '18 said that could cost around $40M but that it is "premature to explore that this soon" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 4/15).
MAN ON THE MOVE: The PIONEER PRESS' Greder noted McGuire "didn't stay in one spot during the game." He sat for part of the contest on the suite level along with Garber, reps from all 16 owner families and former St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, who was "instrumental in the stadium's construction." He also "moved around on the concourse, thinking of crowd flow, bottlenecks and lines at the men's bathroom" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 4/14).
