The stadium renderings for the new home of incoming Major League Soccer franchise Minnesota United FC were unveiled on Wednesday.
St. Paul mayor Chris Coleman and team owner William McGuire were on hand to show artist drawings of the planned 20,000-plus seat stadium in St. Paul that is scheduled to be ready for the new franchise's opening season in 2018.
"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," said McGuire.
#Midway pic.twitter.com/Kpjt9jlMVr
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUnitedFC) February 24, 2016
"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."
The stadium will feature top of the line amenities for spectators and employ a sustainable design model to offset impacts to the environment and energy consumption.
The club will finance the estimated $150 million cost of the stadium and then donate it to the city.
"Today is a great day for the Snelling-Midway neighborhood, the city and the state," said Coleman. "We have worked together with Minnesota United on a design that will be an important catalyst for redevelopment of this entire area -- creating jobs, ensuring vibrant spaces and bringing professional soccer to its new home in Minnesota."