The new Minnesota United stadium, Allianz Field, is finally open. And the Minnesotans opened it in style.
Allianz Field is the new pinnacle of soccer stadiums in the U.S. At $250 million, it’s the most expensive soccer-specific stadium in the country’s history. It seats 19,400, has 96 beer taps (is that enough?), lights up at night and is absolutely gorgeous.
In the first game in the new stadium, the Loons unveiled an epic tifo that summed up the feelings of a city that’s waited a long time for this.
Video: #MNUFC supporters sections raise a MASSIVE TIFO for debut game at Allianz Field in St. Paul.
“A storied club finds its home at last.”It commemorates the Minnesota Kicks, Strikers, Thunder, Stars and now #Loons. A stunning display despite minor hitches. pic.twitter.com/OZJdCa6hCZ
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) April 13, 2019
The first tifo at Allianz Field.
Well done by the #MNUFC fans to pay homage to the club's history in the first match at their brand-new stadium.#MINvNYC #MLS #Loons pic.twitter.com/2Z5QP2cDBz— Joga Bonito (@Jasoninho10) April 13, 2019
The stadium is just magnificent, as we’ve pointed out in the past. It even has a Wonderwall (named after the Oasis song, which fans sing) for nearly 3,000 standing fans to be right on top of the action (and display awesome tifos).
if you can't hear us... you ain't listenin' #MNUFC | @MNWonderwall pic.twitter.com/cNhYc5jG9j
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 13, 2019
First impressions of @allianzfield. The @MNUFC fan section is legit earsplitting. USA-Mexico World Cup qualifier here going to be bucket list must-attend
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) April 13, 2019
Despite this being Minnesota in April, there was no snow on the pitch for the match against NYCFC on Saturday, though it took some work from the stadium crew.
BuT WhAT AboUt ThE SnOw?????????????????#MNUFC | @allianzfield pic.twitter.com/o6APhNwaEC
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 13, 2019
The first goal at Allianz Field was scored by Osvaldo Alonso with a spectacular volley. The ball fell kindly to the Cuban, who smashed the ball into the back of the net in the 13th minute.
#MNUFC have the lead! @OzzieAlonso smashes home the first goal in @allianzfield history! #MINvNYC https://t.co/lN5wK16ZPY
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 13, 2019
But this is Minnesota, the only team to give up 70-plus goals in back-to-back seasons. Though United has made improvements to its back line, it conceded in the 16th and 18th minutes to give the Loons their first deficit in the new stadium.
But Angelo Rodríguez equalized in the 20th minute of what was a wild first half in the new Minnesota United stadium.
And we do mean wild. United took the lead at 3-2 on this shocking howler from NYCFC keeper Sean Johnson.
Blame
It
On
The
Jelly #BlameItOnTheJelly | @allianzfield pic.twitter.com/dvRj72nSb7— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 13, 2019
That's five goals in the first 45 minutes of the new Minnesota United stadium. This place is gonna be fun.