OPENING DAY AT ALLIANZ FIELD

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Photo by Margie O'Loughlin

Photos and Article By MARGIE O’LOUGHLIN

Despite a daytime high of only 39 degrees and lingering snowbanks on the field, the stands were packed for Opening Day at Allianz Stadium. Following a 12 p.m. opening party on April 13, 2019, the gates opened two and a half hours early for the 4 p.m. Minnesota United FC kick-off against New York.

Several hundred fans parked at the State Fair grounds, for a fee, and rode the complementary shuttle to the stadium. There are about 15 St. Paul businesses that allow parking in their lots and ramps, including Spruce Tree Centre and Fairview HealthEast. A full list of parking and transportation options can be found at www.mnufc.com/stadium. >>

One of the first things fans see as they approach the stadium from Snelling Avenue is the 12-foot-high letters spelling out the word “U-N-I-T-E-D.” The sculpture recognizes the contributions of the club’s Itasca Society members. Limited to 11,842 fans — one for every lake in Minnesota — the society is made up of season ticket holders who supported the club during its first major league season. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)[/caption]

Four thousand individuals, families and business names are etched into the sculpture. South Minneapolis residents Omar Elias and his father, Dan Elias, found their family name together. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)[/caption]

Major league soccer is a growing sport in the US. Most of the season tickets were purchased by families, many with very small children in tow. All 14,500 season tickets have been sold out for the season, with a waiting list of 5,000. The stadium capacity is 19,500. There are single seats still available for some games. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)[/caption]

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