Minnesota United, Saint Paul Public Schools and the City of Saint Paul today announced the third-annual Saint Paul Cup, presented by Bell Bank, hosted at Allianz Field on Friday, October 4. The two high schools featured in this year’s showcase are Harding Senior High School and Johnson Senior High School. Harding notably is the first returning school to participate in the Cup.
The Saint Paul Cup, inspired by the former Mayor’s Cup, is an annual doubleheader soccer showcase that features boys and girls varsity soccer teams from the Saint Paul Public School district. The 2024 matchup between Harding and Johnson will kick off with the boys game starting at 5:30 p.m. CT, followed by the girls match at 7:30 p.m. CT.
Minnesota United and Bell Bank, in partnership with Saint Paul Public Schools and the City of Saint Paul, collaborated in 2022 to create a new annual match for Saint Paul high schools to participate in and play in front of friends, family and classmates at the home of the Loons. The goal of the Saint Paul Cup is to feature Saint Paul Public High Schools showcasing local youth soccer talent while helping to grow and connect soccer at all levels in our community and within the city of Saint Paul.
To celebrate the third-annual Saint Paul Cup and support the club’s four community pillars – soccer, youth enrichment, inclusivity & diversity, and greener goals – Allianz Field and Minnesota United are excited to elevate this year’s showcase by hosting a Community Day on October 4 designed to provide community-based events and support within the Midway neighborhood area. More information on the Community Day activities and events available on will be announced in the coming weeks.
Allianz Field and Bell Bank will welcome students, family and all fans from Harding and Johnson for free to support their teams. Those interested in attending the Saint Paul Cup can claim their free tickets HERE.
“This is one of my favorite traditions that we at Minnesota United have created in partnership with Bell Bank. The Saint Paul Cup is special for many reasons: For the young student athletes on the field, for the student athletes that will be in the stands and supporting their friends and families, and the families that may have never been to Allianz Field and don’t get the opportunity to go a lot, to me, it is a transforming moment for many of them,” said MNUFC Chief Development Officer Manny Lagos. “The pride of Saint Paul is outstanding and permeates through these games, leaving a lasting impact on the community. At the Saint Paul Cup games, you walk through the concourse and it’s a really great experience. Watching the kids and the excitement of seeing them play inside our iconic venue is truly special. It will be another great night for Minnesota and for Saint Paul.”
“On behalf of the Harding Soccer teams and the Harding Community, we are so appreciative of the opportunity to compete in the Saint Paul Cup games at Allianz Field. To everyone involved in providing this experience for our student-athletes – MNUFC front office, SPPS leadership, and Saint Paul soccer leaders – thank you. It is such an honor to be a part of the wonderful Community Day that MNUFC has put together, and I know that this will be a lasting memory for all involved,” said Otto Kraus, Harding High School Athletic Director. “Organizations, like MNUFC, that are committed to providing experiences that engage our community and our youth in positive ways play such a crucial role, and we are beyond thrilled to be a part of such a great day.”
“I want to take this time to thank everyone involved in the planning of this great event. The opportunity to play at the Allianz Field is something that will always be remembered for our student athletes,” said Donald Bross, Johnson High School Athletic Director. “Johnson versus Harding at Allianz Field: An old-school, East Side showdown. I can’t wait to watch them play.”
“As a first team partner of Minnesota United we strive to make a positive impact on our local community,” commented Erin Procko, Twin Cities Banking Director and Minneapolis President for Bell Bank. “Since the inaugural Saint Paul Cup, we have been honored to help bring people together through soccer in such a special way. We are proud to partner with MNUFC to provide our Saint Paul student athletes, their families and fans the opportunity to showcase their talents and school pride inside Allianz Field and deliver an incredible experience for everyone involved.”
About Allianz Field:
Soccer-specific Allianz Field represents the home of soccer in Minnesota, not just for the team, but for the world’s game in the Twin Cities, Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. With a seating capacity of 19,600, clear sightlines, a natural grass surface, premium and club spaces for games and events, a Brew Hall with 96 taps, a public Great Lawn and many other amenities, the Twin Cities’ newest stadium will serve as a beacon for the sport and the community in and around the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul and beyond.
About Minnesota United:
Professional soccer has been a part of Minnesota for over four decades, and since 2013, Minnesota United FC has been at the forefront of growing the game at all levels. MNUFC currently competes in three different levels established by Major League Soccer: Minnesota United FC (MLS), MNUFC2 (MLS NEXT Pro) and the MNUFC Academy (MLS NEXT). Allianz Field – constructed in 2019 in the Midway neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota – is the home to Minnesota United games, and the club trains at the National Sports Center in Blaine, Minnesota. In 2024, MNUFC’s first team returns to the pitch for its eighth season in MLS.
About Saint Paul Public Schools:
At Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS), our mission is both bold and simple: to inspire students to think critically, pursue their dreams and change the world. SPPS is one of Minnesota's largest school districts serving more than 33,000 students. Highly trained and deeply dedicated staff, cutting-edge academic programs, and strong community support are among the district’s hallmarks. At SPPS, our student population is diverse. Our students speak more than 115 languages, sharing their ideas and cultures with their classmates and teachers every single day.
About Bell Bank:
Founded in 1966 and headquartered in Fargo, N.D., Bell Bank (Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender) is one of the nation’s largest family- and employee-owned banks, with more than 2,000 employees and $13 billion in assets. Bell, which offers personal and commercial banking, mortgage, wealth management and insurance, has full-service bank locations in North Dakota, Minnesota and Arizona as well as mortgage offices in multiple states. Driven by a mission of “happy employees, happy customers,” Bell’s award-winning culture includes giving employees money for causes they care about through its Pay It Forward program, which has donated more than $30 million to people and organizations in need since 2008. Bell has been named to USA Today’s Top Workplaces and People magazine’s list of 100 Companies That Care.
