A year ago this Monday, shiny $250 million Allianz Field made its debut with Minnesota United playing to a 3-3 draw against New York City FC in a match that featured a kaleidoscope of color and sound, a frantic pace and one point gained for the home team.
Supporters arrived four hours early, some carrying banners and maybe even a tune as well.
Most everybody wore scarves — a soccer tradition turned practical on a windy, 40-degree day — to cheer a Loons team that started the season 3-2 in five road games.
The afternoon began with a flyover by two Blackhawk helicopters and an elegantly performed national anthem.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber, U.S. soccer officials, mayors and rapper Slug from the Minneapolis hip-hop duo Atmosphere and the team's ownership group were among the dignitaries who came to an architectural jewel envisioned by United managing partner Bill McGuire and Kansas City stadium designer Populous.
"This probably will be the only time in my career to do what we did today," Loons midfielder Ethan Finlay said.
"It was special. I had hairs on back of my neck standing up as we came out of that tunnel.
Attendance: 19,796 fans, a sellout.