Minnesota United FC has hit the halfway mark in the construction of Allianz Field, its new home that is set to open in 2019.
Construction of Allianz Field is reportedly moving along, as the $200-million facility is currently expected to wrap up within budget and on time. That was reflected by a milestone achieved this week, when the facility’s construction process hit the 50% completion mark.
Plenty of work remains in the coming months, but signs of what the finished product will look like are in place. At this point, the stadium could be completed in February 2019, with Minnesota hosting its first MLS match there in April. More from the Pioneer Press:
“We’re halfway home but we have a really busy summer ahead,” project manager Greg Huber said Thursday.
The first piece of steel was raised in November after groundwork was finished.. Since then, the cement rows of the upper and lower bowls have been poured, corporate suites and club level seating is framed out, the north end beer hall is going up and the standing-only supporter’s section is coming around on the south side of the stadium.
The moonscape of the pitch is covered with limestone to accommodate the heavy cranes, earth movers and waste bins, although the intimacy of the 19,400-seat stadium is obvious. There will be little separation between fans and players.
“The aesthetic is just tremendous,” said William McGuire, Minnesota United’s primary owner. “The combination of architecture and functionality with the game-day experience is pretty overwhelming.”
Allianz Field is intended to be the anchor of a larger development plan in St. Paul’s Midway neighborhood. United FC has spent the past few years planning the soccer-specific stadium, while hosting home matches at the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium for the 2017 and 2018 seasons–a move that gives the a home until the new facility opens.
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