Ticket Alternative Client, Minnesota United, to Begin Play in Major League Soccer in 2017 

For Immediate Release
August 19, 2016 

Minnesota United to Begin Play in Major League Soccer in 2017
Minnesota United FC to retain club name and logo United to play at TCF Bank Stadium during construction of world-class soccer specific stadium
 

ATLANTA - August 19, 2016  Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber today announced that Minnesota, awarded an expansion team in March of 2015, will begin MLS play in 2017, retaining the name Minnesota United FC and the club’s popular logo.

A new privately-financed 20,000 seat soccer-specific stadium is being planned for the Snelling-Midway community of St. Paul. Minnesota United FC will begin play next season at an interim venue, TCF Bank Stadium, while their new, world-class stadium is being built.

Speaking at an event tonight at CHS Field, Commissioner Garber reiterated the strength of the Minnesota market for MLS expansion.

“We are proud to officially announce that Minnesota United FC will join Major League Soccer in 2017,” said Commissioner Garber. “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.”

Minnesota United Owner Dr. William McGuire announced that the club is ready to make the transition from NASL to MLS. “We have made great strides in the months since MLS expansion plans were announced,” said 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.”

Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman addressed the positive impact the Midway stadium plans will have on the neighborhood. “This opportunity will bring incredible revitalization to the heart of the Twin Cities – made possible by the catalyst of this proposed stadium and extensive community input,” said Mayor Coleman. “We are so excited to have Major League Soccer here in Minnesota, and to bring the world’s game to Saint Paul and to the entire region.”

“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," said Dr. McGuire. "It complements the Snelling-Midway neighborhood and community, and we are confident that it will drive additional investment and development in the area”

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton addressed the crowd Friday evening, offering his support of Minnesota being awarded an MLS club and what it means to the state. “I congratulate the City of Saint Paul, and the Minnesotans who worked together to successfully secure a major league soccer franchise in our state,” said Governor Dayton. “Soccer is a sport with widespread and growing appeal, both in Minnesota and around the country. I, like many Minnesotans, look forward to enjoying professional soccer in our state for many years to come.”

Fans are encouraged to act early to be a part of soccer history in Minnesota. Current season ticket holders and individuals who purchase 2016 Minnesota United FC season tickets will be given an ‘Early Seat Selection Time’ for the club’s 2017 MLS season seat selection. There will be limited opportunities to claim your priority number while the team plays at TCF Bank Stadium as the club will cap the number season ticket holders. Guarantee your seat in the new stadium today - call 763-4-SOCCER or visit www.mnunitedtickets.com for details.

With the addition of the new team in Minnesota, 13 clubs have joined MLS since 2005, fulfilling an expansion vision that has transformed the landscape of professional soccer across North America.

Professional soccer in Minnesota made its debut 40 years ago when the Kicks first began play in 1976. The Minnesota Thunder followed in 1994, playing until 2009. The Stars began play in 2010 as a team owned by the National Sports Center in Blaine, eventually changing hands and becoming known as Minnesota United FC. Bill McGuire purchased the team in 2012 and created a partnership with several other Minnesota families to help build the team, which was subsequently awarded an MLS expansion team on March 25, 2015.