The largest crowd to watch a soccer game in Minnesota history is expected Wednesday night in downtown Minneapolis as world soccer powers AC Milan and Chelsea FC play in the first event held at the new billion-dollar U.S. Bank Stadium.
And by the way, Minnesota United FC — expected to soon announce its 2017 arrival in Major League Soccer — also plays Wednesday evening in Blaine.
United FC ownership and Relevent Sports, promoters of the International Champions Cup match, wish fans didn't have to choose.
"It's an unfortunate situation," said Bill McGuire, Minnesota United FC owner. "But we are all interested in helping promote soccer in the community and state. So hopefully everyone does well."
No scheduling conflicts exist with either the North American Soccer League or Major League Soccer in the other nine U.S. markets playing host to Champions Cup matches.
"There was some concern among some of our fans — 'Why is this happening?' " said McGuire, whose team faces North American Soccer League member Puerto Rico.
The Aug. 3 date best fit the desires of both European clubs, broadcaster ESPN and Champions Cup executives, said Charlie Stillitano, Relevent Sports co-founder and chairman.
Lester Bagley, Vikings executive vice president of public affairs and stadium development, said the Vikings pursued a promotional partnership to "find a way to package both events and lift the awareness and presence in the market."
Two years ago, United FC took part in a soccer doubleheader at TCF Bank Stadium, playing a league match before a Champions Cup match between Greek club Olympiakos and English Premier League champion Manchester City. Relevent Sports also promoted that event.
This year, however, concerns about getting grass put down over the U.S. Bank Stadium turf in time eliminated the idea of another soccer double bill, Stillitano said.
McGuire said, "In the long run, what came out of discussions with the promoter didn't provide a way to do anything for us."
While Stillitano said ticket sales are approaching 60,000 for the international friendly, a thinner-than-usual crowd could greet United FC, which has averaged nearly 8,600 fans for home games. The team's 5,200 season-ticket holders will have a competing event to consider. As for walk-up buyers, the club would not divulge what percent of average home attendance they provide.
"It certainly might have some impact," McGuire said. "But I don't think all the soccer fans are going to leave us."
Both Bagley and McGuire insisted the scheduling outcome is not about any lingering hard feelings from Minnesota United FC and the Vikings competing for the MLS franchise ultimately awarded to McGuire's group in 2015.
"We've moved on," Bagley said. "We're excited MLS is coming to the market and we want to be good community partners."
McGuire said: "The Vikings are important and we look at them as partners. This is not a we-versus-them situation."
