A new Vikings stadium could also be home to a Major League Soccer franchise. The Vikings owners have shown interest in owning a Minneapolis MLS team, although the proposed downtown fixed roof stadium doesn’t conform to the MLS facility model.
The MLS website states that in 2011 13 of the 18 franchises played in venues built for soccer. Those stadiums have capacities about one-third smaller than NFL facilities including the proposed stadium here with projected seating of more than 60,000. Then, too, none of the MLS franchises play in fixed roof stadiums.
But Djorn Buchholz, chief executive officer of the Minnesota Stars FC North American Soccer League franchise, doesn’t think a covered stadium is a deal breaker in acquiring a MLS franchise. “It’s not an ideal stadium for soccer, but we are in Minnesota, and we could (sometimes) have three feet of snow on the ground,” Buchholz told Sports Headliners.
The Stars will play their first game of the season at the Metrodome on April 7. The game was scheduled indoors because of weather concerns. The remaining regular season home schedule will be played outdoors at the National Sports Center in Blaine.
Buchholz said the MLS regards Minneapolis as a possible franchise location and he described this area as “one of the remaining top markets.” He hopes the Stars will be part of a cooperative venture with a new MLS team here, rather than a competitor.
Soccer in this area has seen highs and lows, ranging from the Minnesota Kicks tailgating phenomenon and capacity crowds at Met Stadium during the 1970s to the struggles of other franchises in more recent times. Although the Stars won the NASL playoffs last year, the franchise has sold only 300 season tickets for 2012 but Buchholz is optimistic about renewed interest in soccer here.
The franchise averaged about 1,800 fans last year, an increase of approximately 700 from the season prior, he said. This year he’s projecting an average of 3,000 and 5,000 in 2013.
Stars tickets are affordable including general admission seating available at $5 for the home opener on April 7 against the Carolina RailHawks.