Construction of Allianz Field reaches halfway point

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - The construction on Allianz Field, the new home of the Minnesota United, is officially at the halfway point.

“Despite a really, really tough winter and a very brutal spring, we're on schedule and we're also on budget," said Greg Huber, Mortensen project manager.

The progress that’s being made on Allianz Field in St. Paul has Minnesota United brass grinning from ear to ear.

“The combination of architecture, aesthetic, functionality around the great game experience is just pretty overwhelming, I think," said Dr. Bill McGuire, MNUFC managing partner.

Fox 9 got an updated tour of the $200 million facilty, which is on pace to open in the spring of 2019. The team currently plays at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus. The new stadium is expected to seat around 20,000 fans, adding another signature piece to the City of St. Paul.

“It was really the opportunity to have MLS soccer here and bring the stadium into the community at this location that, I think, that's kicking that off and it's got a lot of people excited," said Dr. McGuire.

“The city has been really, really good to work with and helping us,” said Huber. “The neighbors have been really good, especially the Midway neighbors as we're building around them and we think it's been a pretty good partnership."

Much of the remaining work centers around what happens inside the stadium. A new video board, lights, seats and laying down sod are all on the to-do list and when it’s all said and done, Minnesota United feels its new home will rival some of the best stadiums in Major League Soccer.

“I think it will be the best - not one of, i think it, they'll be a few people that argue,” said Dr. McGuire. “We all watched last weekend, Los Angeles, their stadium. That's a very beautiful stadium. I think it works very much with California, but I think we're going to be willing to put this one up against that or any others very soon."