Soccer Franchise Leaders Approach Capitol For Stadium Help

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) - The business group behind a new Minnesota Major League Soccer franchise is making a high-level pitch for a stadium financing package reliant on city, county and state tax breaks.

The Minnesota United FC ownership group offered details Tuesday in private meetings with Gov. Mark Dayton and leaders of the Legislature. Former UnitedHealth Group chief executive Bill McGuire declined to comment to reporters on the request. The Twins' Pohlad family and Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor are also part of the group.

Dayton said after a private meeting that the group wants a sales tax exemption on construction materials worth up to $3 million as well as city and county property tax breaks on the proposed Minneapolis stadium site.

The governor says he's open to considering them.