So, you’re heading to the Twin Cities for USA Cup: congratulations, you’re about to have the time of your life! Teams from all over the world are coming together to make one awesome tournament, and for at least one week, the soccer people will be taking over the town(s). Since soccer people are most definitely my people, I figured the least I could do is point out a few things that might help you make the most of your time in this neck of the woods.
MNUFC Home Games – Allianz Field
No matter what team you support, whether it’s another MLS club or your local club from another country, you won’t regret coming out to a Minnesota United game while you’re in town. In fact, I think you’d actually regret not coming to one! With a truly unique gameday atmosphere that you won’t forget anytime soon, Allianz Field should be on your sightseeing checklist. I’d put it at the top, actually. (I’m totally unbiased here, trust me.)
MNUFC2 Home Games – National Sports Center Stadium
Staying in Blaine and too tired to drive down to Saint Paul? First off, that’s fair: I’ll be coaching in this year’s tournament, and I would love it if my team prioritized more rest between game days. That said, more soccer is always a good thing, isn’t it? For an option a little closer to the USA Cup action, check out an MNUFC2 home game. Our club’s reserve team features several pros that grew up playing in the very same tournament that’s brought you to the Twin Cities! Come see where you could be in just a few years’ time.
Beat the Heat – Stay cool when you’re not playing!
It’s probably going to be a hot week. Correction: it’s always hot during USA Cup. Whoever says Minnesota is cold obviously hasn’t played in our favorite tournament. (They do have a point, though. Try visiting again sometime in January!) Get out of the heat; your coaches will thank you for doing it, and you’ll thank yourself.
- The public parks in the area have splash pads and little pools around the Twin Cities — check them out for a refreshing reprieve from the sun! Lakeside Commons Park is located in Blaine, with plenty of opportunity for fun.
- What’s better than a splash pad or a little pool? A lake, of course! Good thing you’re coming to the land where lakes aren’t in short supply. My personal favorites are along the chain of lakes in Minneapolis, but there are plenty of options in the area with beaches and activities to entertain the whole team — and family.
There’s no shortage of things to do during USA Cup week, between all of your games, the festivities at and around the fields, and the list I just gave you that you’re definitely going to follow, right? If you need even more ideas, check out a few things to do in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. However you fill your time, make sure you enjoy it; good luck!
