U.S. Bank Stadium, the home of the Vikings slated to open this summer, will reportedly have a different version of football as its debut event.

Per a report at northernpitch.com, soccer powers Chelsea of the English Premier League and AC Milan of Italian Serie A will meet at the new stadium. No date has been announced, but the report indicated the match will be in early August.

A Vikings official, when reached for comment by the Star Tribune, would not confirm the report.

The Vikings are expected to play their first preseason game at the stadium later in August, though that schedule has yet to be released.

The Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority has hired SMG to manage the operations, sales and marketing for U.S. Bank Stadium.

MICHAEL RAND

Etc.

• The Minnesota Wild, along with FOX Sports North and Minnesota Hockey, announced that Stillwater will host the outdoor games for Hockey Day Minnesota 2017. An outdoor rink will be constructed in Lowell Park in downtown Stillwater along the shores of the St. Croix River. Details will be announced later.

• Junior defenseman Casey Nelson of Minnesota State Mankato was chosen the defensive player of the year in the WCHA. He's on the all-conference first team, too, along with teammate Teddy Blueger, a senior forward.

Michigan Tech's Mel Pearson, who played high school hockey at Edina, was named coach of the year.

• Minnesota United FC edged the host Pachuca Reserves, a Liga MX team, 2-1 on Wednesday on goals by Christian Ramirez and Lance Laing.

• Senior guard Taylor Koenen of Shakopee was named the Gatorade girls' basketball player of the year.

• Concordia Moorhead senior Jordan Bolger was picked to play in the NABC Division III All-Star Game on March 19 in Salem, Va.