5 Must-Knows for MNUFC vs. Atlanta United (Aug 19)
Minnesota United’s 10th Season Celebration: Everything You Need to Know for the Big Game!
Hey there, Loons fans! Get ready to party because Minnesota United is celebrating 10 amazing years in Major League Soccer! On Wednesday, August 19th, the Black and Blue take on Atlanta United at Allianz Field for a rematch of their very first MLS home game back in 2017. It’s going to be a night full of nostalgia, fun, and hopefully three points for the good guys!
Pregame Fun Starts Early!
The party kicks off way before kickoff with the Sun Country Pre-Party on the Great Lawn.
Timeline of Awesomeness
| Time | What’s Happening |
|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | Pre-party starts! Music, food, giveaways, and good vibes |
| 5:45 PM | MNUFC Alumni Meet & Greet – Get autographs and selfies with legends! |
Alumni Confirmed to Attend
- Romain Métanire – That flying right back!
- Ike Opara – The defensive rock
- Adrian Heath – The original gaffer
- And more! (Check the official list for the full roster)
Cool Photo Ops You Won’t Want to Miss
- Target’s Photo Wall – Sequin version of the 2026 10-year anniversary Loon mural + jerseys from the past decade
- Allianz Free Farmers Market Chalk Art – 2D installation perfect for Instagram
- Live Video Board Chance – Pose for a shot and you might end up on the big screen!
PRO TIP: Arrive early to beat the lines and hit all these activities!
Matchday Essentials: Be Prepared!
Golden Rule: SHOW UP EARLY!
- Recommended: Arrive at least 20 minutes before kickoff
- Lines look long but move fast IF you’re prepared
Bag Policy = Know Before You Go
Check the full A-Z Guide but remember:
- Approved bags only (clear bags, small clutches)
- Digital tickets ready on your phone
- No prohibited items = faster entry for everyone!
Special Year 10 Celebrations During the Game
This isn’t just a regular match – it’s a decade celebration with special moments throughout:
Pregame Ceremony
- Honoring 50 years of Minnesota soccer alumni
- Celebrating the roots of the beautiful game in our state!
Halftime Spectacular
- Team of the Decade presented by Allianz – Fan-voted best XI from 10 years
- Several selected players will be there in person!
- See the full Team of the Decade
Broadcast Reunion!
- Cal Williams & Kyndra de St. Aubin – The OG commentary duo reunites in the booth!
- Nostalgia overload for longtime fans
Merch & Freebies: Rep the History!
The Decade Collection
- Available NOW at the Black and Blue Team Store
- "It’s Black, it’s Blue, and it’s really, really cool" – club’s words, not mine!
Club & Country Scarf Redemption
Did you buy the Club and Country Ticket Pack?
- Go to Ticket Central (concourse outside Section 17)
- Claim before the start of the second half
- Wear your exclusive scarf with pride!
FREE Commemorative Poster!
- 15,000 posters up for grabs
- First come, first served on your way OUT of the stadium
- Compliments of Allianz – thanks, sponsors!
IMPORTANT: Posters are while supplies last – don’t dilly-dally after the final whistle!
Fan Fuel: Eat, Drink & Be Merry!
Find Your Grub
- Interactive Menu Map: allianzfield.com/menus-maps
- Premium ticket holders: Check exclusive menus for:
Local Legend Alert!
- EJ Williams from Two Mixed Up serving sliders & cookies in Section 30
- Don’t sleep on these – they’re famous for a reason!
Specialty Cocktail (21+ Only)
Loons Blues – Available at Grand Casino Brew Hall & premium spaces
- Gin + Blue Raspberry Syrup + Sparkling Wine
- Basically a grown-up blue slushie. Yes, please!
In-Game Honors: Local Heroes Shining
| Award | Recipient | Presented By |
|---|---|---|
| Scoreboard Keeper of the Game | Samantha Archer | Allina |
| Fan of the Game | Michelle Patzlaff | SeatGeek |
| SuperStars | Nibs & Scout | NutriSource |
| L’Étoile du Nord | Don Tastad | Target |
| Eye of the Loon | Heidi Munson (U.S. Army) | Xcel Energy |
| Game Ball Delivery | Meghan (Finley’s Ambassador) | – |
Shoutout to all honorees! These community recognitions make MNUFC special.
Do Some Good While You’re At It!
Pop Tabs for Ronald McDonald House
- Collection bins on trash cans throughout stadium (and outside!)
- Bring tabs from home if you want
- All funds → Ronald McDonald House Charities Upper Midwest
Sort Your Waste Like a Pro
- BizRecycling & WM stations everywhere
- Three bins: Organics | Recycling | Trash
- Help Allianz Field reduce gameday waste!
Hydrate Sustainably
- 6 Water Refill Stations at Sections: 9, 15, 21, 25, 30, 36
- Bring: Empty, clear plastic bottles
- Press the button (not sensor-activated) – save the planet AND your dignity!
Quick Checklist for the Perfect Night
- [ ] Buy/transfer digital tickets to phone
- [ ] Check bag policy – pack approved bag only
- [ ] Plan arrival by 5:30 PM for max pre-party fun
- [ ] Bring empty clear bottle for water refills
- [ ] Bring pop tabs for charity (optional but awesome)
- [ ] Hit alumni meet & greet at 5:45 PM
- [ ] Grab photos at both photo ops
- [ ] Try the Loons Blues cocktail (if 21+)
- [ ] Get EJ Williams sliders in Section 30
- [ ] Stay for halftime Team of the Decade ceremony
- [ ] Grab commemorative poster on exit
- [ ] Sort waste properly on your way out
Summary: Why This Game is Unmissable
| What | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| 10 Year Anniversary | Decade of MLS soccer in Minnesota! |
| Atlanta Rematch | First ever home opponent returns |
| Alumni Legends | Meet the players who built the club |
| Team of the Decade | Halftime celebration of the best ever |
| OG Commentators | Cal & Kyndra back in the booth |
| Free Poster | 15K limited edition souvenirs |
| Community Impact | Pop tabs, recycling, water stations |
| Great Food & Drink | Local vendors + specialty cocktail |
Bottom line: This is more than a soccer game. It’s a community celebration, a history lesson, and a party all rolled into 90+ minutes. Whether you’ve been there since TCF Bank Stadium in 2017 or just joined the flock, this is the night to be at Allianz Field.
Wonderwall chorus at full time? You bet.
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Q: What time should I actually get there?
A: Gates open early for the 5:00 PM pre-party. If you want the full experience (alumni autographs, photos, food, easy entry), aim for 5:00-5:15 PM. If you just want the game, 20 minutes before kickoff minimum.
Q: Can I bring my backpack?
A: Only if it’s clear and meets size requirements. Small clutches (4.5" x 6.5" max) are okay. Check the full bag policy to avoid getting turned away!
Q: How do I get the free poster?
A: On your way OUT after the match. Staff will be distributing at exits. First come, first served – 15,000 total. Don’t leave early!
Q: I bought the Club & Country Ticket Pack – where’s my scarf?
A: Go to Ticket Central (concourse outside Section 17) before the second half starts. Don’t wait until after the game!
Q: Are the water stations really not sensor-activated?
A: Correct! You must press the button. It’s a manual push-button – just give it a firm press and hold until your bottle is full.
Q: Can kids participate in the pop tab collection?
A: Absolutely! It’s a great way to teach kids about giving back. Bins are at kid-height on trash cans throughout the concourse.
See you at Allianz Field, Loons! Let’s make Year 10 unforgettable!
COYL (Come On You Loons)!