Photo (left to right) Governor Mark Dayton, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, ESPN Broadcaster Taylor Twellman, Concacaf Deputy General Secretary Jurgen Mainka, MNUFC Captain Francisco Calvo // Photo courtesy MNUFC
Midway St. Paul’s Allianz Field has been selected as a host venue of the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup next July.
The Confederation of North American, Central American and Caribbean Association of Football (CONCACAF) made the announcement Tuesday that the future home of Minnesota United FC, to be completed in February 2019, will be among 15 venues in 13 U.S. cities chosen to host matches in the Cup.
“This opportunity to host Gold Cup matches at Allianz Field is a testament to the fans of Minnesota and their support for the world’s game — at every level,” says Minnesota United FC CEO Chris Wright. “I am confident that this stadium will be a fortress, not just for Minnesota United, but for U.S. teams as well. Our hope is that this is just the first of many national and international soccer events that will find a home at Allianz Field.”
Held every two years, the CONCACAF Gold Cup is the premier championship in the region, awarded to the best national teams in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Currently Mexico holds the tournament record with seven titles, followed by the United States with five and Canada with one. In 2015, Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to make it to the finals, before they were defeated by Mexico.
The six national teams that competed in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Hexagonal qualifier—Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, Panama, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S.—automatically quality for the Gold Cup. Ten additional national teams will qualify through CONCACAF’s Nations League Qualifiers, to be played September through November of 2018, as well as March of 2019.
“Minnesotans are excited to welcome soccer fans from throughout the United States and the world to cheer for the U.S. Men’s national team and some of the world’s other most talented players,” says Governor Mark Dayton. “The Gold Cup Match at Allianz Field will showcase all that Minnesota has to offer, including fine dining and nightlife, rich cultural amenities, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Scarves up!”
