Fans in Minnesota on Wednesday got a first glimpse at what their team's new stadium might look like when Minnesota United FC released new renderings for their planned facility in the Snelling-Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul.
The renderings for the 20,000-seat stadium, which will be designed by Kansas City-based sports architecture firm Populous, were revealed in a press conference by Minnesota owner Bill McGuire and Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman. The full set of renderings, plus a full list of the new stadium's features, can be found on Minnesota's official website.
“This world-class venue will not only offer our fans an iconic professional soccer experience, but also provide our team with the necessary tools to establish themselves as a top-tier professional soccer club,” McGuire, Minnesota United FC principal owner said in a statement. “We want this facility to be the cornerstone of professional soccer throughout our state and the North. We expect this facility to serve as a catalyst for additional development that inspires greater livability in this area. We are proud to say that the fulfillment all of these goals appears to be on track.”
Construction on the stadium is expected to be complete in time for the start of the 2018 MLS season. Minnesota United FC, who were awarded an MLS franchise in 2015, will finance the estimated $150 million stadium, with it becoming publicly owned once construction is complete.
Populous has been involved in stadium projects across the world, including MLS facilities in Kansas City, Houston and Colorado. The company is also currently leading the design and construction team for Orlando City SC's new downtown stadium.
As far as the next steps in the stadium-building process, the City of Saint Paul will continue to gather community input on the stadium site and master site plans before presenting them to the Panning Commission in late spring. Shortly thereafter, the plans will go to the City Council for final review and approval.
