In a vote on Wednesday, St. Paul officials granted Allianz Field an exemption on noise limits for Minnesota United FC home games.
Construction is underway for Allianz Field, a new soccer-specific stadium in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood that is expected to open in 2019. As part of the latest step in the planning process for the facility, the St. Paul City Council unanimously approved an exemption that allows United FC matches to take place without the city having to grant special approval.
Technically, it is not a blanket exemption for the facility, as promotions such as fireworks or events like concerts will either have to abide by the noise limits or seek special approval from the city. More from the Star Tribune:
The ordinance had drawn some opposition from nearby residents worried about the effects of stadium noise on their neighborhood.
Before the vote, Council Member Dai Thao, whose ward includes the stadium, thanked residents for their input and said his office will continue to work with neighbors and the team once Allianz Field is up and running.
Council Member Russ Stark, whose ward is adjacent to Thao’s, said exempting Allianz Field from noise limitations makes sense, given that the council already adopted an agreement with the team that allows them to play games there.
For Minnesota United fans, Wednesday’s unanimous council vote means they can continue the tradition of singing, chanting and cheering on their team as vigorously as they want.
United FC will spend the 2018 MLS season at the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium, which was also its home venue in 2017.
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