Allianz Field: Minnesota United’s Glowing Cloud City Stadium

November 3, 2026

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by tz

Allianz Field is the soccer-specific stadium of Minnesota United FC in Saint Paul, Minnesota, built along Interstate 94 near Snelling Avenue on the site of a former bus depot. The $200 million venue opened on April 13, 2019, with a 3-3 draw against New York City FC in front of 19,796 fans, giving the Loons a true home after years of playing in a converted baseball park.

Designed by the sports architecture firm Populous, the ring-shaped stadium is wrapped in a translucent PTFE mesh facade that glows with color-changing LEDs at night, earning it the nickname ‘Cloud City’ for its resemblance to the floating city in Star Wars. The design also prioritizes atmosphere over car access, with limited on-site parking and a layout built around transit riders and walk-up fans.

Stats at a Glance

  • Team: Minnesota United FC (MLS)
  • Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
  • Opened: April 13, 2019
  • Capacity: About 19,400
  • Cost: About $200 million
  • Architect: Populous
  • Notable feature: The Wonderwall, a 2,920-person safe-standing supporters’ terrace

The Ride Experience

Every seat at Allianz Field sits close to the action, with the pitch raised about 16 inches above the first row so sightlines stay sharp even at ground level. Behind the south-end goal, the single-tier Wonderwall terrace rises at a notably steep incline, packing nearly 3,000 standing supporters into a space designed to maximize noise and sway.

The stadium’s bowl was built intentionally compact and steep rather than sprawling, so even fans in the upper rows feel close to midfield. Local food and drink options, including a dedicated craft-beer hall, reflect the Twin Cities market the club was built to serve.

History and Legacy

Minnesota United broke ground on the stadium in December 2016 and played its first two MLS seasons at TCF Bank Stadium while construction finished. Since opening, Allianz Field has hosted the 2022 MLS All-Star Game and become one of the league’s most recognizable venues for its lighting displays and supporters’ culture.

The stadium’s grass field was replaced partway through its debut season after early wear issues, a maintenance story that became part of the venue’s first-year lore as the club worked to keep the natural surface playable through Minnesota’s shifting seasons.

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Allianz Field FAQs

Who plays at Allianz Field?

Allianz Field is the home stadium of Minnesota United FC of Major League Soccer.

When did Allianz Field open?

Allianz Field opened on April 13, 2019, with a 3-3 draw between Minnesota United and New York City FC.

What is the capacity of Allianz Field?

Allianz Field holds about 19,400 fans, including the standing-only Wonderwall supporters’ terrace.

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Photo: Andy Witchger / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.