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Minnesota United broke radio silence and gave precious insight into offseason roster building, promotion to MLS, and more in a recent sit-down.
Speaking with WCCO News Radio on Tuesday night, Minnesota United owner Dr. Bill McGuire shed new light on a broad range of club-related topics. In the midst of an offseason where the organization has held its cards close to the vest, Dr. Bill’s words come at a time when many fans - myself included - are desperate for any news the club will give.
Here are three takeaways from the one-on-one.
1. STHs to break 10k in coming week
While player signings continue to trickle in, the United front office continues its relentless push to grow season ticket sales.
Dr. Bill confided that he expects season ticket sales for the Loons’ debut MLS season to hit 10,000 sometime in the coming week. That’s a great sign for a team yet to officially confirm the rumored signings of Christian Ramirez or Miguel Ibarra, or announce any of our three Designated Player slots.
2. Stadium work is underway
No, the bitter Minnesota winds of winter (Nonsequitur: Anyone else think we’ll hoist the MLS Cup before that book comes out?) won’t put a stop on plans for a new soccer-specific stadium at St. Paul’s Midway site. Though the groundbreaking looked for a time to be largely ceremonial, it actually heralded the beginning of on-the-ground work being done at the site now.
Dr. Bill confirmed that Xcel Energy is hard at work relocating power cables currently residing above ground to their new below-ground ducts as we speak. The power work is necessary to ensure the coming stadium construction will not affect the delivery of electricity to area businesses and homes.
3. Winter, schminter, we’re not worried
Break out your hand warmers and orange match ball, people, because soccer in Minnesota stops for no one. Come late March frost or early fall sleet, pro soccer in Minnesota is pressing on.
Citing the state’s nice “springs, summers, falls, and early winters,” Dr. Bill expressed no concern when pressed about possible chilly games at the open-air TCF Bank Stadium.
While we may not be hoisting the MLS Cup this year, we’re well on our way to a competitive and fun season of professional soccer in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.