Major League Soccer franchise Minnesota United has hosted a steel column raising ceremony at its under-construction Allianz Field home as development continues.
The club’s new ground, scheduled to open in time for the 2019 MLS season, is on track after reaching this major milestone in the build process.
There will be more than 7,940 main structural steel pieces that make up the Allianz Field structure, with more than 440 tonnes of driver tube material, 1,500 tonnes of steel canopy and 2,400 tonnes of structural steel columns and beams to arrive later.
Allianz Field, Minnesota United’s privately-financed, soccer-specific stadium, began construction in June 2017. The new stadium is being privately paid for by a partnership made up of Minnesota-based families and business leaders.
The 19,400-capacity venue, including 2,800 safe-standing spaces, will feature a 115×75-yard natural-grass playing surface, with the farthest fan seated just 125 feet from the pitch.
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.
