Minnesota United’s Black Excellence Night: Your Complete Game Day Guide

Hey there, soccer fans! Whether you’re a die-hard Loons supporter or just looking for a fun Saturday night out, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about Minnesota United’s special "Black Excellence Night" match against San Diego FC. Let’s make sure you don’t miss a beat!

The Big Picture: What’s Happening?

Minnesota United (the Loons) are hosting San Diego FC at Allianz Field for a special "Black Excellence Night" presented by nVent.

Why this match matters:

• The Loons just held the conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps to a scoreless draw
• A home win could build serious momentum before the busy Leagues Cup tournament
• San Diego FC (the reigning Western Conference champs) are struggling to match their expansion season success
• Translation: This is a golden opportunity for the Loons to make a statement at home!

Pregame Programming: Start the Party Early!

Sun Country Pre-Party Starts at 5:00 PM

Head to the Great Lawn for the ultimate pregame warm-up:

• Live music by Minneapolis artists:
  • Obi Original
  • The Black Atlantics
• Food and giveaways
• All sorts of fun activities

Wonderwall March to the Match

Want to arrive with energy? Join the supporters’ march!

1. Meet at The Calling loon sculpture 1 hour before kickoff
2. March together to the Bell Bank SW Entrance
3. Enter the stadium as a group, ready to cheer
4. Sections 21–23 in the Supporters Section are reserved for Wonderwall participants

Pro Tip: All fans are welcome to join the march — the more, the merrier!

Merch & Special Offers: Gear Up!

2026 Artist Collection: Angelo Redmond

• Local artist Angelo Redmond (Minneapolis-based) brings his signature bright colors and unorthodox shapes
• Limited-edition items available at the Black and Blue Team Store
• Bonus: Watch Angelo create live art on the concourse before the match!

WWE x MNUFC "SoccerSlam" Offer

Calling all WWE fans! Get a double deal:

• Ticket to MNUFC’s Leagues Cup match vs. FC Juárez
• PLUS an exclusive MNUFC x WWE summer scarf
• Starting at just $29 → Grab yours here

Club and Country Scarf Redemption

If you bought the Club and Country Ticket Pack:

• Where: Ticket Central on the concourse outside Section 17
• When: Before the start of the second half
• What: Claim your exclusive scarf and rep club and country in style!

Fan Fuel: Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Find Your Perfect Bite

• Everyone: Use the interactive menu map to locate your gameday favorites
• Premium ticket holders: Check exclusive menus for:
  • Field Club & Upper 90 Club
  • Stadium Club

Local Flavor Alert: Klassics Kitchen

Gerard Klass from Klassics Kitchen + Cocktails will be serving delicious crab boil wings in Section 30 — don’t miss these!

Specialty Cocktail of the Match (21+)

Cherry Margarita — available at:

• Grand Casino Brew Hall
• Premium spaces
  Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, triple sec, cherry syrup

In-Game Honors: Celebrating Our Community

During the pregame ceremony, keep an eye out for these special recognitions:

Important: These honors highlight the amazing people and organizations that make our community strong. Give them a loud cheer when they’re announced!

Do Some Good: Small Actions, Big Impact

Pop Tab Collection for Ronald McDonald House

• Where: Collection bins on the side of trash bins throughout the stadium (and outside if you bring tabs from home)
• Benefits: Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Upper Midwest
• Why it matters: Those little tabs add up to big support for families with sick children

Waste Sorting with BizRecycling & WM

Help Allianz Field go green! Sort your waste into the right bins:

• Organics (food scraps, compostable items)
• Recycling (cans, bottles, paper)
• Trash (everything else)

Water Bottle Refill Stations (Partner: Ecolab)

Stay hydrated sustainably! Six stations around the concourse at:
Sections 9, 15, 21, 25, 30, and 36

Rules:

• Bring empty, clear plastic bottles only
• Press the button (not sensor-activated) — saves the planet and your dignity!

Quick Reference: Your Game Day Checklist

Summary: Don’t Miss These Highlights!

1. Arrive early for the Pre-Party (5 PM) and/or Wonderwall March
2. Check out Angelo Redmond’s art and limited-edition merch
3. Try the crab boil wings in Section 30
4. Sip a Cherry Margarita (if 21+) at Grand Casino Brew Hall
5. Cheer loud for the community honorees during pregame
6. Drop your pop tabs in collection bins for Ronald McDonald House
7. Sort your waste and refill your water bottle to help the planet
8. Consider the WWE SoccerSlam deal if you want Leagues Cup tickets + scarf

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. What time should I arrive for the full experience?

Aim for 5:00 PM when the Sun Country Pre-Party starts on the Great Lawn. If you want to join the Wonderwall March, be at The Calling loon sculpture one hour before kickoff.

2. Can anyone join the Wonderwall March, or is it just for season ticket holders?

Everyone is welcome! The march is open to all fans. Sections 21–23 are reserved for Wonderwall participants, but anyone can walk in the march itself.

3. Are the Artist Collection items available online, or only at the stadium?

The content specifies they’ll be available at the Black and Blue Team Store at Allianz Field. Check the Artist Collection page for online availability updates.

4. What if I forget my water bottle — can I buy one at the stadium?

The refill stations require empty, clear plastic bottles you bring in. You’ll likely need to purchase a bottle at concessions first, then refill at stations (Sections 9, 15, 21, 25, 30, 36).

5. Is the Cherry Margarita available everywhere in the stadium?

No — only at the Grand Casino Brew Hall and in premium spaces (Field Club, Upper 90 Club, Stadium Club). You must be 21+ with valid ID.

Final Thought: Black Excellence Night isn’t just a soccer match — it’s a celebration of community, culture, and coming together. Whether you’re there for the game, the music, the art, or the cause, you’re part of something special. See you at Allianz Field!

#MNUFC #BlackExcellenceNight #AllianzField #LoonsUp