The Minnesota United Will Officially Join Major League Soccer

Almost a year and a half after Minnesota was first awarded an MLS expansion team, it was announced on Friday that Minnesota United FC will officially join the league for the 2017 season.

Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber and Minnesota United majority owner Dr. Bill McGuire announced the news at an event in St. Paul on Friday, also revealing that the club will maintain its club name and identity as it transitions from the second-division NASL to MLS, according to a news release.

"We have made great strides in the months since MLS expansion plans were announced," McGuire said in a statement.

"And look forward to making the jump to Major League Soccer. This next step is an endorsement of our great state, people, and values, and we look forward to jointly building this team as an important piece of our community."

The team also announced that it will temporarily play in Minneapolis at TCF Bank Stadium, the University of Minnesota’s 52,000-capacity football stadium, until their proposed soccer-specific home opens in St. Paul.

"This opportunity will bring incredible revitalization to the heart of the Twin Cities – made possible by the catalyst of this proposed stadium and extensive community input," said Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman.

"We are so excited to have Major League Soccer here in Minnesota, and to bring the world’s game to Saint Paul and to the entire region."

Minnesota United was first extended an MLS invitation in March 2015 and immediately got to work on securing a site for a new stadium. After a proposed plan fell through in Minneapolis, the club turned its attention to St. Paul, eventually securing a site in the city’s Snelling-Midway community.

"We have designed what will be a state-of-the-art facility that is ideal for soccer and will optimize the experience for our diverse and passionate fans, as well as that of the players," said Dr. McGuire.

"It complements the Snelling-Midway neighborhood and community, and we are confident that it will drive additional investment and development in the area."

In addition to McGuire, who is the club’s principal owner, other Minnesota United FC investors include Minnesota Twins owner Jim Pohlad and Minnesota Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor, among others.

The club has begun accepting season ticket deposits for the 2017 MLS season.