52,242 fans attend final Minnesota United match, set new record

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - Minnesota United FC made history Sunday as 52,242 fans turned out at TCF Bank Stadium for their final match of the season, breaking the state's professional soccer club attendance record. 

The attendance record was set 40 years ago when 49,572 fans filled the Metropolitan Stadium to watch the Minnesota Kicks beat the San Jose Earthquakes in the NASL Conference Championship. 

Minnesota United dubbed the effort #50KToMidway. 

Despite the support of more than 50,000 fans, the Loons did not get the win, losing to the LA Galaxy 3-1. 

Sunday was the team's last chance to break the Minnesota soccer attendance record as it was the last game they will play at TCF Bank Stadium. The Loons will move to their new, permanent home next season, Allianz Field, which only seats 19,400 people. 

Following Sunday's game, the Minnesota United held a lightning ceremony at Allianz Field, where they illuminated the exterior of the stadium for the first time. The stadium remains under construction in St. Paul's Midway neighborhood. It is set to open in the spring.