Minnesota United today announced a multi-year partnership with Oak View Group (OVG), a global leader in development, facilities , media, marketing and sponsorship management in the sports and live entertainment industry. Founded by entertainment industry veteran Irving Azoff and sports industry veteran Tim Leiweke, Oak View Group most recently announced a $660 million renovation of Seattle’s Key Arena in preparation for a new NHL franchise that if approved would begin play in 2020. OVG also recently garnered national media attention by securing 10,000, season ticket deposits for the potential new Seattle NHL franchise in 12 minutes, 25,000 in less than one hour and a total of 33,000 by the end of the first day.

MNUFC TICKETS

Minnesota United’s point person at OVG will be Dan Griffis, the former Vice President of Marketing at Target Corporation and current President of Global Partnerships at OVG.

“We are aligning ourselves with world class properties and MNUFC fits squarely in that category,” said Griffis. “We have built an incredible team of passionate professionals who have demonstrated that they can sell across sports, live entertainment and the arts and we are very confident we can help MNUFC achieve their goals. Plus, I love the North and the wonderful people in Minnesota, so this is a passion project for me too.”

Oak View Group’s primary responsibility with Minnesota United will be representing the team nationally to companies, leveraging their experience and sports acumen to find the right partners as MNUFC grows.

“With Minnesota United taking its place in the Twin Cities, in MLS and in the world’s game, we knew we wanted to partner with a company who could understand and help us tell our story,” said MNUFC CEO Chris Wright. “We’re a new team in a sport that’s the fastest growing in North America and already huge all over the world. I’m confident that OVG’s experience and vision, my relationship with Tim [Leiweke] and Dan [Griffis] can help us bring our brand of soccer to fans throughout North America.”