United soccer team comments on lack of legislative action

A day after the legislative session ended with no tax breaks granted to Minnesota's MLS expansion franchise, the team issued a statement saying it will continue pressing forward with its stadium plans.

May 20, 2015 at 12:05AM
Soccer fans listens as Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber and Dr. Bill McGuire announce that Minnesota United FC will move up to Major League Soccer.
Soccer fans listens as Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber and Dr. Bill McGuire announce that Minnesota United FC will move up to Major League Soccer. (LEILA NAVIDI — Star Tribune file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

A day after the legislative session ended with no tax breaks granted to Minnesota's MLS expansion franchise, the team issued a statement saying it will continue pressing forward with its stadium plans.

The statement from Minnesota United FC:

"Unfortunately the legislature, during the regular legislative session, was unable to reach agreement on a number of important issues including a tax bill, or to consider our request for tax relief and economic development tools that have been used for every professional sport facility as well as many major building projects throughout the state," said United President Nick Rogers.
"Our belief that Major League Soccer is a fantastic economic and cultural opportunity for our region is confirmed by the outpouring of support for the soccer experience from current fans, the huge amateur soccer community throughout Minnesota, organizations representing businesses and community-based programs and many municipal and state legislative leaders.
"We feel that our stadium proposal, which is unprecedented and involves no governmental funds for the stadium construction, creates the basis for moving forward in a positive partnership with the community. Accordingly, our organization is assessing all options in search of a solution that will secure a soccer-specific venue and Major League Soccer in Minnesota.
"On behalf of our entire organization, I thank our fans and supporters for their outpouring of support for our continuing efforts."

about the writer

about the writer

Dennis Brackin

See More