Future MLS expansion club Minnesota United have hired architectural firm Populous as the lead architect for their new stadium. An MLSSoccer.com report.

Having already selected the desired location in Saint Paul, on Tuesday Minnesota United announced the appointment of Populous as their partner for design of the new stadium.

"We are very pleased to formalize our longstanding relationship with Populous, a global leader in stadium design,” said United president Nick Rogers, in a club statement. "We have been having conversations with Bruce Miller and his team over the past two years, and we have every confidence they are the right group to help us realize our vision of producing a world-class soccer stadium in St. Paul."

The Minnesota United stadium will hold roughly 20,000 spectators (previously suggested 18,000)  and use natural turf. The building is expected to be ready in 2018, while Minnesota United should begin their MLS adventure in either 2017 or 2018.

Populous are among the most experienced companies in both NFL and MLS stadium designs. In the soccer league along their portfolio includes BBVA Compass Stadium, Children’s Mercy Park, Yankee Stadium (temporary use) and the ongoing Orlando City project.