More than 300 attendees packed the DQ Club at TCF Bank Stadium on Wednesday, March 14 for Minnesota United’s first Kickoff Luncheon. Bringing together supporters, representatives from the team and local businesses and organizations, the event put on by the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce, the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and the Midway Chamber of Commerce gave participants the chance to get to know MNUFC a little better.

After an intro by play-by-play announcer Callum Williams, color commentator Kyndra de St. Aubin sat down with MNUFC CEO Chris Wright to talk about the match day atmosphere at TCF Bank Stadium and the things the club is doing to ensure it gets kicked up a notch next year at Allianz Field. Wright also discussed the importance of partnerships with community businesses, highlighting the partnership with FOX Sports North that will bring Minnesota United matches into homes all across the Midwest and the one with 1500 ESPN that will involve comprehensive content development across multiple platforms.

Sideline reporter Jamie Watson welcomed Ethan Finlay the stage and talked with the midfielder about his move to Minnesota last season and his match-winning goal from this past weekend against Orlando City. Finlay emphasized the strength of character on the team, talking about how guys weren’t just doing community events because it was required but were actually seeking out opportunities to go to hospitals or work with kids.

Finlay was then joined by the rest of the team — who were training on the pitch at TCF Bank Stadium for the first time this year — and once everyone had found their tables, the crowd was treated to a round of “Learn Your Loons” where Watson asked questions about the players with two options for answers. The audience then held up a yellow or red card to indicate their choice and Williams and de St. Aubin followed up with the players, many of whom were seated at tables with members of organizations including Target, Mortenson, Atomic Data, Be the Match and others.

The event closed with a hearty rendition of the Loons’ unofficial anthem, “Wonderwall.”

Minnesota United opens its home campaign against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, March 17 at 1:00 p.m. at TCF Bank Stadium. Getting season tickets now guarantees your spot at Allianz Field. Tickets available at MNUFC.COM or by calling 763.4SOCCER.