Tonight, soccer fans will return to Allianz Field in St. Paul for the first time since 2019.
Minnesota United President Chris Wright speaking with WCCO Radio's Mike Max says 19 thousand are expected on Pride Night to watch the Loons take on Austin FC.
"We're getting all of our fans back into the stadium to create the atmosphere. If you remember back in 2019, we were voted by ESPN the best MLS stadium experience. When you witness that you can't wait to get back to that."
Wright says that even if the team isn't winning games, the experience at the stadium is something to take in.
"We've always said, what we want more than anything else, is that anyone who walks into Allianz Field really has the experience of a lifetime and goes away and talks about the intimate experience they had with 19,600 close, personal friends."
Governor Tim Walz and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter will be on hand tonight prior to the match with a free COVID vaccination clinic, which will be open from 4 to 7. No ID is required. The Loons the latest professional team to partner with state agencies to promote the vaccination effort.