MLS Future Expansion Series: Minnesota

     The next stop on our virtual road trip of potential MLS locales is Minnesota.  Minnesota has been discussed in the expansion situations ever since the league's inception in 1996.  There was not, however, a bid from Minnesota to get a team in 1996. When I discuss a potential team in Minnesota I am talking about the team being located in the Minneapolis-St.Paul area.  This area has the 15th biggest television market in the United States of America.  The television money is certainly there for the MLS.   The metropolitan area has over 3.3 million people living in. The population is certainly enough to sustain another pro franchise.  This area already houses four teams in the major sports leagues of America and numerous others in minor leagues.  The key question is does MLS want to break into Minnesota and does Minnesota want an MLS team?

The MLS has stated before that it wants at least another team in the Midwest.  This does encompass the Minnesota region.  I truly believe that if the situation is there the MLS will be there.  Where will all the money come from to get a Minnesota club in MLS.  The Wilf family, owners of the Minnesota Vikings, have stated that they have interest in bringing MLS to the area.  The Wilfs have been in struggles to get approval for a new Metrodome for the Vikings to play.  They have stated that adding a new franchise to the area will be an added bonus to the new stadium.  The stadium design would be built with soccer in mind and be capable of hosting soccer events.  This gives the Wilfs more credibility and would be similar to Qwest Field in Seattle.  No one really knows how crazy the soccer population is in the Twin Cities.  The football-soccer stadium works in Seattle because the Sounders also attract huge crowds. What is the soccer history of Minnesota?

The Stadium Renderings of a New Metrodome

The Twin City area has a rich soccer history.  The area has been the home to past NASL teams Minnesota Kicks and Minnesota Strikers.  These teams did draw big crowds in the leagues brief existence.  They also have hosted the Minnesota Thunder which has evolved into their current team Minnesota Stars FC.  The Stars play in the newly formed NASL and are currently the champions.  The tradition of soccer is definitely  in the area.  They currently have a winning soccer tradition and can capitalize on this to help gain more fans.  The Stars are hosting their home opener in the Metrodome and running promotions to help pack the stadium.  I believe that if they are able to get a great stadium turn out it can really help their cause.  They will be able to grab MLS attention and warrant a good hard look.  For more information or if you want to help Minnesota's cause please visit Inside Minnesota Soccer and MLS 4 MN.

Stars Celebrate NASL Championship