We have the final piece of the puzzle for the 2017 MLS season, as Minnesota United FC moves from the NASL to Major League Soccer and will play at TCF Bank Stadium until a new St. Paul stadium opens sometime in 2018.
It was a big week for Minnesota United FC: St. Paul approved the Midway-area soccer stadium on Thursday, and Friday night MLS Commissioner Don Garber was on hand to make the announcement about Minnesota United FC and its game plan for the 2017 season. Minnesota United FC ownership, which includes Minnesota Timberwolves and Star-Tribune owner Glen Taylor and Minnesota Twins owner Jim Pohlad, among other Minneapolis-St. Paul dignitaries.
The team will retain the same marks and name as the NASL club currently playing out of Blaine’s National Sports Center. Minnesota was originally awarded an MLS expansion in 2015, and joins Atlanta United FC as new MLS teams in 2017.
“We are proud to officially announce that Minnesota United FC will join Major League Soccer in 2017,” Garber told a crowd of 1,500 gathered at CHS Field, home of the St. Paul Saints, for the announcement last night. “The ownership group’s commitment to soccer and the community, the area’s growing millennial population and the region’s rich tradition of supporting soccer at all levels are key indicators that this will be a very successful MLS market.”
“We have made great strides in the months since MLS expansion plans were announced,” said Minnesota United Owner Dr. William McGuire, “and look forward to making the jump to Major League Soccer. This next step is an endorsement of our great state, people, and values, and we look forward to jointly building this team as an important piece of our community.
“We have designed what will be a state-of-the-art facility that is ideal for soccer and will optimize the experience for our diverse and passionate fans, as well as that of the players,” McGuire added. “It complements the Snelling-Midway neighborhood and community, and we are confident that it will drive additional investment and development in the area.”
The team will play at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus until the new stadium is completed sometime during the 2018 season. The home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers was also temporary home to the Minnesota Vikings for the last two NFL seasons.