The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University are teaming up with Minnesota United FC.

The two schools have entered into a three-year agreement to become the official higher education partner of the Major League Soccer franchise, which averaged 19,568 fans per home game during the 2023 season.

As part of the exclusive partnership, CSB and SJU have already taken on a prominent presence at Allianz Field through in-stadium scoreboard and field-level digital displays – providing expanded visibility not just to soccer fans in attendance, but to the sizeable audience viewing the team’s broadcasts on Apple TV.

The agreement also provides for a number of other promotional opportunities, including CSB/SJU Night at Allianz Field when Minnesota United plays host to St. Louis City SC in the regular-season finale at 8 p.m. on Oct. 19.

A total of 500 tickets for that match will be made exclusively available to current CSB and SJU students.

“We could not be more excited to become the exclusive higher education partner of Minnesota United FC for the next three years,” said CSB and SJU President Brian J. Bruess, Ph.D. “This exciting collaboration both strengthens our already deep ties with alumni and friends in the Twin Cities metro area and connects our current students with the exciting and dynamic world of professional soccer. Further, the team’s broadcasts on Apple TV will showcase our incredible institutions to a broader audience, significantly enhancing our visibility at the local and national level while highlighting the exceptional educational experiences we offer.”

The partnership between CSB and SJU and Minnesota United is a natural fit given the prominent roles a group of the schools’ alumni already hold with the team.

• Gretchen Korf, a 1998 CSB graduate, joined the organization in 2022 as the team’s chief financial officer after spending 14 years at UnitedHealth Group, working primarily in corporate affairs and philanthropy. Last November, her role was expanded to executive vice president, chief administrative officer and chief financial officer.
• Bryant Pfeiffer, a 1994 SJU graduate, has been with Minnesota United for more than seven years and is now the team’s executive vice president, chief revenue officer.
• Joe Deignan, a 1995 SJU graduate and former All-MIAC and Academic All-American standout on the basketball court, is one of the club’s investors.
• Tom Vertin, part of SJU’s class of 1968, is also one of the team’s investors.
• Eric Thomes, a 1994 SJU graduate and another former basketball standout, is the chief commercial officer for Allianz Life Financial Services, the team’s stadium partner.
• Dr. Ryan Fader, a 2007 SJU graduate, is an orthopedic surgeon with Allina who serves as one of the team’s physicians.

“We are thrilled to join forces with the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University as our exclusive higher education partner,” Minnesota United EVP, Chief Revenue Officer Bryant Pfeiffer said. “The two schools offer a premiere and distinct educational experience and a passionate and devoted base of alumni and friends. The Johnnie/Bennie network extends far and wide. That includes myself  – class of 1994 – and other members of our organization, making this partnership a natural fit.”