Sometime in the last few months, Allianz Field fully pivoted from being a concept to being a physical marvel.



Anyone who has driven on I-94 through the Twin Cities in the past few months has noticed the unmistakable Allianz Field signage just by exit 238. The framework is fully established, the seats are installed and the grass has taken root in its permanent home. Nobody would look at the current state and assume the next MLS season will kick off next week, a fact driven home by the light dusting of snow across the field.



Blessed with a 40-degree December day last Friday, The Athletic was able to get a tour of the stadium from Minnesota United managing partner Dr. Bill McGuire and Allianz Life CEO Walter White. They have been in close contact since before the first shovel met dirt on the Midway site. While there are plenty of companies with the financial ability to sponsor a stadium, there was only one ideal fit in McGuire’s...