It’s finally official: The state of hockey, 10,000 lakes and stereotypically mild-mannered behavior will now host the likes of Kaka, Clint Dempsey and Steven Gerrard. After months of speculation, MLS expansion franchise Minnesota United FC has a new home.
For Minnesotans, as well as interested bystanders, the final destination comes as something of a surprise. Saint Paul, generally used to playing second fiddle to fellow "Twin City” Minneapolis, has secured the deal.
Minnesota United owner Bill McGuire, along with the owners of the Twins and Minnesota Timberwolves, are expected to foot the bill for a 18,000-seat, $120 million dollar venue in the city’s Midway neighborhood.
It’s been over thirty years since the Minnesota Kicks last treated Minnesotans to top-quality soccer. Once positioned as the team that nobody wanted, the rise of Minnesota United FC is in happenstance with the words of Minnesota’s own Bob Dylan, the times are truly a-changin’.
Although playing in an outdoor, soccer-specific stadium will ensure that the excitement surrounding the club doesn’t tail off anytime soon, Minnesota already has one of the most established and committed fanbases in all of North American soccer. For MLS, this is an expansion franchise that will surely equal, if not surpass, the success that New York City and Orlando have had over the past year.
Supporters group The Dark Clouds have been providing the vocal backing since 2004, when the team was then known as the Minnesota Thunder. They’ve been behind the club through multiple name and league changes, stadium locations and ownership groups.
With a new, permanent location and an expanding ownership group, the North is finally rising.
Sorry Club Leon, it’s time for Miguel Ibarra to come back home.