Minnesota United FC are on the road to MLS, and one of the key parts of that process is building a stadium for the team.
In April, team owner Dr. Bill McGuire met with state officials to discuss the proposal for a privately funded $120 million stadium to be situated in Minneapolis's West Loop neighborhood.
On Tuesday, the current Minnesota legislative session ended without an agreement on a bill that would have provided tax relief for the stadium project, and the club released the following statement:
“Unfortunately the legislature, during the regular legislative session, was unable to reach agreement on a number of important issues including a tax bill, or to consider our request for tax relief and economic development tools that have been used for every professional sport facility as well as many major building projects throughout the state," Minnesota United President Nick Rogers said.
"Our belief that Major League Soccer is a fantastic economic and cultural opportunity for our region is confirmed by the outpouring of support for the soccer experience from current fans, the huge amateur soccer community throughout Minnesota, organizations representing businesses and community-based programs and many municipal and state legislative leaders.
"We feel that our stadium proposal, which is unprecedented and involves no governmental funds for the stadium construction, creates the basis for moving forward in a positive partnership with the community. Accordingly, our organization is assessing all options in search of a solution that will secure a soccer-specific venue and Major League Soccer in Minnesota.
"On behalf of our entire organization, I thank our fans and supporters for their outpouring of support for our continuing efforts."
