Originally published in the July 2019 issue of Modern Steel Construction.
Overview
While there is no denying that Allianz Field is a stunning new stadium altering both the St. Paul skyline and how MNUFC fans enjoy their events, there’s more to the story. Moore Expert Justin Barton partnered with Modern Steel Construction to offer an in-depth look at the structural science behind MLS’ latest marvel.
“Allianz Field has elevated the American professional soccer experience.
The new soccer-specific stadium soars as the home for Minnesota United FC of Major League Soccer (MLS), the top flight league in the U.S. and Canada.
Naming rights were acquired by Allianz, a global life insuranceand retirement services company whose North American headquarters are in Minneapolis. The stadium, which opened to spectacular reviews this past April, serves as the focal point for
a new mixed-use redevelopment on a 35-acre brownfield site in St. Paul, Minn. In announcing the neighborhood revitalization, team owners outlined their vision of a captivating and intimate stadium that rivals international soccer venues. The $250
million stadium has a 19,500-seat capacity and the capability to expand to 23,000. Though the pitch is open to the sky, fans are protected from inclement weather by a 360° cantilevered steel canopy structure. Encircling the stadium is an undulating wall
of translucent polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fabric backlit by variable LED lighting and supported by a hollow structural section (HSS) frame. And the farthest seat is just 125 ft from the sideline, making a Minnesota United home game one of the most
exclusive tickets in professional soccer.”
