On the morning of the unveiling of the new crown jewel of Minnesota soccer, two of the most powerful people involved did what any everyday Twin Cities soccer fan might have done before a big home match. They pregamed.



At Surly Brewing Company in Minneapolis, Minnesota United managing partner Dr. Bill McGuire and MLS commissioner Don Garber sat down for lunch and a pint at 11:30 a.m. alongside league president and deputy commissioner Mark Abbott and Loons CEO Chris Wright. Over two pizzas and round of Surly Hell Lagers, the quartet discussed MLS expansion bids ahead of this Thursday’s MLS board meeting and geared up for the big day ahead. When they were done, McGuire offered the leftover pizza to a nearby couple clad in Loons apparel, who gladly accepted and thanked him for both the pizza and giving them a reason to pregame themselves.



The group made their way to the nearby Green Line station to board the light-rail for Allianz Field, soon to host its first...