Minnesota United revealed plans to build a $150 million soccer-specific stadium in St. Paul on Wednesday.
In a specially designed arrangement, United expects to fund the construction of the stadium and then transfer ownership to the city upon its completion in time for the 2018 MLS season.
“This world-class venue will not only offer our fans an iconic professional soccer experience, but also provide our team with the necessary tools to establish themselves as a top-tier professional soccer club,” McGuire said in a statement.
The exact timeframe for United’s ascent -- and its team name, for that matter -- remains uncertain, though.
#Midway pic.twitter.com/Kpjt9jlMVr
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUnitedFC) February 24, 2016
MLS prefers to introduce two new expansion teams in the same year instead of staggering those introductions. Atlanta United FC is scheduled to join the league in 2017, while Los Angeles FC (2018) and the David Beckham-led project in Miami (TBC) are projected to join the league before the end of the decade.
As a current NASL side, Minnesota United possesses the infrastructure to move up its projected start date of 2018 in order to accompany Atlanta United into the league next year. The accelerated timeframe likely forces Minnesota United to find a temporary venue -- perhaps TCF Bank Stadium or Target Field -- in order to join the league next year.
Those particulars remain up in the air, but the big question -- the design and the location of the permanent stadium -- is now sorted as the planning process continues.
Important to us was safe standing space inside the stadium and fantastic sight-lines in every seat. #Midway pic.twitter.com/M57Dgx2vWC
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUnitedFC) February 24, 2016
