Blog | Comfort Keepers Anoka, Blaine, White Bear Lake

Seniors Out and About in the Twin Cities: Minnesota United

Written by Sam Aisawa | Feb 26, 2022 5:36:14 PM

MNUFC will kick off its sixth season of MLS out east at Philadelphia Union, Saturday, February 26 at 12:00 p.m. CT. Philadelphia was one of two Eastern Conference teams Minnesota faced in 2021. The following week, the Loons return home to Saint Paul to host the latest Western Conference addition Nashville SC on Saturday, March 5 at 5:00 p.m. CT.

Allianz Field

Minnesota United and Major League Soccer have announced the full schedule for the 2022 MLS season. Headlining the 34-game season is the 2022 MLS All-Star game, presented by Target, at Allianz Field on Wednesday, August 10.  Certain to be a star-filled night!  

If you haven’t been there, Allianz field is a ring-shaped stadium, with seating for approximately 19,400.  Other team owners visit Allianz field for inspiration when they are thinking of building their new stadiums!   This home of Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United boasts the latest in amenities and technology.  The elegant “flow” design concept features LED lighting throughout the facility. The 360-degree canopy over the bowl protects fans and players from the elements while reducing noise and light pollution to the nearby neighborhoods.  This great facility was designed to create an inviting atmosphere for fans.

Much like the CHS stadium for the St. Paul Saints with their dog park and grassed outfield, Allianz field has an expansive area of lawn with 28,000-square-feet of Kentucky Bluegrass just to the north of the stadium.  This, along with a variety of native trees, maximizes shade and produces brilliant fall foliage.  The team and architect spent a lot of time and energy developing and implementing a fan-friendly experience--not forgetting the team’s origin in Blaine--bringing a replica clock and scoreboard from the Blaine National Sports Center.  

Getting There

Allianz Field is located just off Interstate 94 on a Minnesota commuter pipeline that connects Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Fans from across the state will be able to hop on the interstate and drive directly to Allianz Field. However, given the number of pedestrians, bicycles, and transit traffic around the stadium on game days, it is recommended that fans do their best to avoid driving directly to Allianz Field on gameday.

Optional ways to get to the game include:

  • Park-and-Ride lots in downtown St Paul that are within walking distance           
  • The Green Line Light Rail has a stop just outside the stadium.                    
  • Bus--Metro Transit A-Line services. 

With limited parking options around Allianz Field, one of the best options for fans attending a Minnesota United game is parking off-site and taking a free shuttle to Allianz Field.

For more complete information on transportation click here.  

Helping with Special Needs

All entry lanes at Allianz Field are ADA compliant.  A limited number of wheelchairs are available at each gate to assist in getting guests from the gates to their seating area and back. If assistance is needed, guests should notify the closest Guest Experience staff representative.  If a guest wishes to have a wheelchair available during the entire visit they need to arrange to bring their own.  For ADA-accessible seating tickets, contact the Minnesota United Ticket Office at 763.4SOCCER (763.476.2237) or visit them online at mnufc.com/tickets

Handicapped Parking is available at the Herbergers ADA Lot: (459 Hamline Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55104) New this season is parking specific to those with ADA needs.

The Allianz Field ADA drop off point is located on the east side of the stadium which can be accessed from Pascal St. N and Central Ave W

Food and Other Fare

Allianz Field will not disappoint when it comes to food and places to enjoy it.  According to the team’s site, Allianz is the new standard-bearer of Major League Soccer stadiums catering to all ticket-holders with a variety of hospitality spaces, most notably four clubs:

  • The Brew Hall
  • The Field Club
  • The Stadium Club
  • The Upper 90 Club

The Brew Hall is one such venue and demonstrates a reflection of the Twin Cities’ proud brewing heritage, the Brew Hall offers a pub-like atmosphere with unrivaled outdoor access. Garage doors face the field, allowing access to the main concourse. Located on the north end of the stadium, the Brew Hall brings fans to a great atmosphere.

Inside there are 96 taps and inviting interior space with high ceilings, oak tables, and benches. On top of the Brew Hall lies an expansive deck drenched in sunlight and serving up perfect sightlines to the game.

Concession stands are found at both the north and south ends of the stadium. The most popular location for food and drink must be the Brew Hall atop the northern end of the stadium. 

Allianz Field Concession Stands

  • Portable Concession Stands
    • Brasa Burrito
    • Hot Indian
    • Los Ocampo Express
    • West Indies Soul Food
    • North Star Deli featuring Cecil’s Deli sandwich
  • Global Street Grill – seasonal menu featuring tacos/gyros
    • El Burrito Mercado
  • The World’s Fare
    • Hot Indian
    • Afro Deli
    • International themed sausages from Kramarczuk’s Sausages
  • Hungry Loon
    • Handsome Hog Carolina BBQ Sandwich
  • Nice Slice Pizza
    • Freschetta Pizzas
    • Antipasta Salad with Cloverdale Applewood Bacon
  • Café Beignet
    • Assorted desserts from The Buttered Tin

If You’re Into the Game                                                                               

The Loons will feature depth at striker this season.  According to the Loons’ Adrian Heath, “It’s probably the healthiest since I’ve been here in terms of striking positions,” Heath is in his sixth season as the Loons’ manager.

Adrien Hunou is back for a second season as a high-priced Designated Player, the Loons have brought back former No. 1 draft pick turned free agent Abu Danladi along with Luis Amarilla on a transfer from Argentina club Velez Sarsfield.  The United has also signed South African Bongokuhle Hlongwane and took St. John’s University product Tani Oluwaseyi with the 17th pick in the MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 11. Both players are 21 years old.

Minnesota United announced Wednesday the signing of defensive midfielder Kervin Arriaga to a two-year contract with a club option for the 2024 season.  Minnesota United also signed Jamaican defender Oniel Fisher to a one-year contract for the 2022 season and a club option for 2023.  The club had been in the market for a defender with Fisher’s experience and talent for a while.  

Overall the club looks better on paper than it did in 2021 and is poised to help Adrian Heath improve the team's record in what will be sure to be a competitive 2022 season.  Visit Allianz field this year and take in a fun United game with your favorite senior soccer lover!