German financial services company Allianz has added to its venue sponsorship portfolio by agreeing a deal to take on naming rights to the future home stadium of Major League Soccer franchise Minnesota United.
The club confirmed today (Tuesday) that its new ground, scheduled to open in time for the 2019 MLS season, will be known as Allianz Field under a multi-year deal with Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America.
The new stadium is being privately paid for by a partnership made up of Minnesota-based families and business leaders.
“As a global company with a long tradition of stadium sponsorship and strong connection to soccer around the world, Allianz is proud to join Minnesota United FC in bringing this facility to soccer fans in our great state,” said Allianz Life president and chief executive Walter White. “Allianz Field provides us with an opportunity to connect with audiences both new and old, share our passion for soccer and reinforce our ongoing commitment to supporting our community.”
Dr. Bill McGuire, speaking on behalf of the ownership group and the team, added: “Allianz is a great Minnesota company that also has tremendous connections with soccer throughout the world. From our inception, Minnesota United has moved forward because of the participation and support of those who are committed to our community and all that it stands for, as well as the love of this great sport that is truly the world’s game. We are proud to partner with Allianz, a dynamic local company that contributes so much to Minnesota and beyond.”
The 2017 MLS season marks Minnesota United’s debut in the competition and the team is currently playing its home games at TCF Bank Stadium, which primarily serves as the home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers college football team.
TCF Bank Stadium has a capacity of around 50,000. The more intimate, soccer-specific Allianz Field will seat 19,400 fans, with the ability to expand to nearly 25,000 in the future.
Allianz also sponsors stadiums in Munich, Germany; Nice, France; London, England; Vienna, Austria; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Sydney, Australia. It recently added the home stadium of Italian Serie A football club to its venue portfolio, with the ground having taken on the name of Allianz Stadium on July 1. Allianz Field becomes the first Allianz-sponsored venue in North America.
Image: Minnesota United
Share this