Last Friday, MNUFC unveiled the design of a sculpture that will sit at the southwest corner of Allianz Field and recognize the members of the Itasca Society. At an event on the campus of Allianz Life, Dr. Bill McGuire showed off renderings of the United Sculpture, which features 12-foot-high letters that will span over 65 feet and spell out “U-N-I-T-E-D.” The letters will feature the names of over 4,000 individuals, families and organizations who joined the club as season ticket holders last year for Minnesota United’s inaugural MLS season.
In addition to employees of Allianz Life and members of the media, the audience included Itasca Society members and we caught up with a few them to get their thoughts on the sculpture that will bear their names at Allianz Field.
BECKY MATTISON
First impressions
“Oh, I thought it was beautiful. I’m really excited. It’s classic, and meaningful and slick looking. The whole big thing is ‘united.’ It’s not about the individual — it pulls everyone together.”
On whether she’s ever had her name engraved anywhere before
“That big, certainly not. I think I’m on a plaque somewhere at my college, or a park bench. One of those little donated blocks that they make up. Definitely not something of this scale, and not something I’d be as proud of.”
On what it means to have her family’s name on the sculpture
“I think to me, it’s not about me and my name being on it. It’s about me being part of all the names. It’s being part of something bigger. And being one of many.”
HOLLY DIEATRICK
First impressions
“I love it. I think it’s great that the names are just high enough that you can see them without having to look up too high. And the sculpture is huge, it’s wonderful. I’m excited.”
On what it means to have her name on the sculpture
“I think it shows how the team and the organization as a whole supports the fans, supports everyone coming out, and how it’s kind of both ways. We appreciate them, and they appreciate us, and I think this really shows that portion of it.”
TIM ARMBRUSTMACHER
First impressions
“I’m very impressed with the sculpture. Just how you bring it out on the green space, something that can be seen from a long distance. I finally got my name in this week after working with the season ticket reps. I think it’s wonderful that I’ll be able to see it years and years to come.”
On what it means to have his family’s name on the sculpture
“What I like about the display is it shows the people that were there from the inaugural season. It’s representative of the fans who are united behind the team, and want to see them do good, whether they win or lose.”
On looking forward to Allianz Field
“I’m really excited. When I was at TCF Bank Stadium, and the last half of the season when you’re selling out the lower bowl, it was loud. But with the new design, with the overhangs, I think it’s going to create a big home-field advantage for the Loons.”
Check out a gallery of photos from the event here.
