Starting off in the world of soccer, Minnesota United FC is rumored to be moving from the NASL to MLS staring in 2017. A newspaper in St. Louis reported in it's article about the MLS coming there since the Rams have left that the Loons will indeed be moving up as of next year. The question remains where they will play as the new soccer stadium will not open until 2018. there are 5 usable building in the metro area but only 2 maybe 3 are realistic options. Let's go over them one by one.
#1 National Sports Center Stadium - Blaine, MN
The NSC Stadium in Blaine is currently the gome of Minnesota United FC, its has a few things going for it but alot of negatives. The Positives, it is currently home to Minnesota United FC, is a soccer specific stadium with a grass pitch, and will continue to be their training facility for the foreseeable future. The Negatives, it is very small and undersized and would require a massive upgrade in seating, lighting, locker rooms, and well everything else to be used even for a single year in the MLS.
#2 Target Field - Minneapolis, MN
Target Field is an interesting option for a number of reasons. The Positives, It is at the end of both the Blue and green Light Rail Line, near many bars and puds in downtown Minneapolis. Another positive it has is that it would contain a grass pitch however that more neutral because of it being shared with a baseball field. It would however have good sized press boxes, seating and great lighting for any night matches. The Negatives, like Yankee Stadium in New York it is not designed for soccer and would more than likely have very very poor sight lines, having to schedule around Twins games, and amateur baseball is another mess in itself. The biggest issue may or may not be with it's grass field though, as with 81+ Twins games, amateur games, potential college and high school games along with 17 soccer matches and concerts it could take a heavy beating.
#3 TCF Bank Stadium - Minneapolis, MN
TCF Bank Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota may be the single most obvious option but it isn't so black and white. The Positives, yes it did host the Manchester City v Olympiacos and Loons v Fury double header a few years back so we know it can host soccer. It's also in the shape needed for good sight lines with a great press box and lighting as well as a light rail station right next to it. The Negatives, the aforementioned soccer double header had low attendance in such a huge stadiums and issues with the implanted natural surface, the fact that it's main surface is turf also poses an issue. However the biggest problem may actually be with parking as there is very little near the stadium itself and THAT can be very expensive if there is any available on match day. Another problem is that if it ever gets close to capacity there is only one concourse and it can and would be very very cramped.
#4 U.S. Bank Stadium - Minneapolis, MN
This is probably less likely than anything else on this list save for the nest one but I thought I'd add it anyway. The positives, in the design for the stadium it was made to be capable for soccer, appx 20,000 seat capacity supposedly intimate etc. The Negatives, well parking is one thing as it can be a nightmare to park near Downtown East and there is very little of after match entertainment within walking distance, as well as it's indoors and has turf enough said.
#5 CHS Field - St. Paul, MN
CHS Field is about as likely to land the Loons as U.S. Bank Stadium but I wanted to put it in here anyway, why you ask? Well because the Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting KC) played in CommunityAmerica Ballpark in Kansas City, KS while waiting for there new stadium. CAB happens to be the home of the Kansas City T-Bones of the American Association ..... the same league as the Saints who play in CHS Field. The Positive, CHS Field is in vibrant Lowertown St. Paul with great transit and walking options to get to the park, a beautifully designed ballpark shows itself off with great views all around. With a good sized press box, club seats and suites it would be a great option for the Loons. The Negative, it is not designed for soccer just like Target Field and would have the same issues with sight lines and the pitch, it only seats about 7,500 fans and would need expanded seating for matches just like NSC. Also like most places on this list parking is not easy. The Loons would also have to schedule around 50 Saints games running from May-Sept, plus concerts, amateur baseball and other things going on. Overall this is the least possible option.
I'm not going to pretend I know where they will go or where they should. Bill McGuire will do the best for the club, but in this girl's and season ticket holder's opinion they should either go to TCF or stay at NSC.
Well that's my take on Minnesota United FC's stadium options. Leave me comments on here or at @katosportsgirl on Twitter! I'll be back later this week/next with with a take on the wack world of minor league hockey, but for now so long and see you soon!
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