Another Strong Minnesota Expansion Group

[Jntg4]

We already knew about the Vikings plan...

Now we see Minnesota United FC (NASL) teaming up with the Minnesota Twins.

Wonder if our very own whitesoxman77 (intern there, forum member and a one-game media credential holder with the Fire) can get us any more info...

Apparently the baseball-soccer conglomerate recently toured Sporting Park.

http://www.kaaltv.com/article/stories/s3271552.shtml

This stadium would be right next to the Twins' Target Field.

 

[whitesoxman77]

I left my internship there in October, but even if I was still with the team they wouldn't tell me much. All I can say from personal experience is that they know how to run a business, still learning how to cater to fans. That being said they would be a great fit for MLS because they wouldn't let themselves lose money.

 

[Jntg4]

I left my internship there in October, but even if I was still with the team they wouldn't tell me much. All I can say from personal experience is that they know how to run a business, still learning how to cater to fans. That being said they would be a great fit for MLS because they wouldn't let themselves lose money.

And the Twins side of the ownership means $ and perhaps even a temporary facility.

 

[whitesoxman77]

in all honesty they'd probably just stay at the National Sports Center in Blaine for the time coming. We had out first five of seven(?) games this past season in the Metrodome and didn't have great attendance as opposed to when we moved our season to Blaine, the attendance was better and the atmosphere was better considering we weren't in 60,000 person stadium with only 4,000 people.

 

[Jntg4]

in all honesty they'd probably just stay at the National Sports Center in Blaine for the time coming. We had out first five of seven(?) games this past season in the Metrodome and didn't have great attendance as opposed to when we moved our season to Blaine, the attendance was better and the atmosphere was better considering we weren't in 60,000 person stadium with only 4,000 people.

In MLS? Think they want more than 8,500 per game, unless they massively expand that capacity.

 

[whitesoxman77]

capacity of NSC is 12,000, I think that could hold them over for a year. also packing the NSC would be a great atmosphere and only make people want to come back.

 

[Jntg4]

capacity of NSC is 12,000, I think that could hold them over for a year. also packing the NSC would be a great atmosphere and only make people want to come back.

I still think that that is too small with all things considered. This is still a league that makes most of its revenue through ticket sales and is getting close to averaging 20,000 fans per game.

I mean, we're finally getting out of the small stadium problem with San Jose and even they average more than that already. Chivas USA is the only team with attendance lower than 12K, and even in 2012 they got 13K.

I mean, I guess it might help generate better TV ratings and perhaps get them a better TV deal, but how many MLS teams have long-term TV contracts anyway?

I get the atmosphere argument, but I'm not so sure that it is financially viable for a MLS team or that the league itself would accept such an arrangement when they could just as easily put a team in Indianapolis, St. Louis, Sacramento, San Antonio or the Vikings new stadium. Heck, even the Cosmos have plans for a 25K seat stadium.

 

[nwfisch]

Gopher boy rules.

 

[Jntg4]

Gopher boy rules.

Great contribution Fareway boy, keep it up!

Now go get me some chips!

 

[nwfisch]

I'm a man, not a boy

 

[Jntg4]

I'm a man, not a boy

Still want my chips. :shrug: