Minnesota’s soon-to-be Major League Soccer franchise has released plans of its new stadium, which is expected to be completed in 2018.
Designed by international firm Populous, the stadium will be built in the Snelling-Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul, seat more than 20,000 people, and cost US$150m.
Minnesota United previously played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 2010 until 2015, at which point the MLS announced it had selected the club as an expansion team.
“We want this facility to be the cornerstone of professional soccer throughout our state and the North,” said Bill McGuire, principal owner of Minnesota FC.
Construction for the stadium will be bankrolled by the soccer club itself, but once completed the stadium will be publicly owned.
McGuire added, “We expect this facility to serve as a catalyst for additional development that inspires greater livability in this area, and we are proud the fulfilment of these goals appears to be on track.”
The plans have been further backed by Saint Paul’s Mayor Chris Coleman, who said the redevelopment of the site will create jobs and bring vibrancy to the area.
The draft stadium site and master site plans will likely be presented to the planning commission in late spring, and will shortly after go to the city council for final approval.
February 26, 2016
