First stadium match: The Thunder, an amateur team at the time, played its first match in NSC Stadium on July 21, 1990, against the Chicago Power, according to then-General Manager Tom Engstrom.
Return in the rain: Minnesota called NSC Stadium home from 1990-2003, then played four full seasons and two games at St. Paul's Griffin Stadium. The Thunder held a grand reopening in Blaine on July 11, 2008. Lightning forced a halftime evacuation. After a two-hour delay, the Thunder finished a 2-2 draw.
Great impression: It wasn't Bill McGuire's first match of the 2102 season, but when he saw the Stars defeat Tampa Bay in the first leg of the Soccer Bowl championship on Oct. 27, the festive environment convinced him to buy the team.
Train in Blaine: United isn't leaving Blaine altogether. The team will continue to train at the NSC complex.
Filling the void: With the loss of the United home game dates, NSC spokesman Barclay Kruse said the complex hopes to make itself available to more events, including ultimate Frisbee, lacrosse and soccer.
DAVID LA VAQUE
