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While some Twins fans
remember baseball games outdoors at Metropolitan Stadium, others
have only rooted from the Twins inside at the Metrodome. In April 2010, for the first
time since 1981, the Minnesota Twins opened a new chapter in their
history
as baseball is played outdoors again, this time at Target
Field. The battle to build Target Field lasted over a
decade, as the
Twins struggled to receive funding for construction
from the State of Minnesota. Talks of contraction of the team,
relocation and passionate support from fans finally led state
legislature to approve financing of a new ballpark in May 2006.
Under the State of Minnesota's authorizing legislation, the county's
share of financing the ballpark was $350 million. This covered
construction and
infrastructure costs. The Twins organization contributed
checks totaling nearly $130 million.
Nearly one year after state approval, the Twins officially unveiled plans for their
new ballpark. On September 15, 2008, the Twins announced they had
reached an agreement with the Target Corporation to name the
ballpark Target Field. Financial terms were not released, but the
partnership lasts for 25 years.
The Minnesota Twins
played and won their field game at Target Field against the Boston
Red Sox on April 12, 2010. Target Field is located in downtown
Minneapolis, in the Warehouse District. The ballpark reflects Minnesota's dynamic blend of urban sophistication and
outdoor vitality. The facade of the ballpark consists of Minnesota
limestone and a canopy that covers much of the upper deck seating.
Most Twins fans enter the ballpark through Target Plaza, a
park-like gathering area located outside the right field entrance
gate. This landscaped area features a 1,500 pound bronze glove,
player statues of Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, and Kirby Puckett; a
wall tribute to Minnesota ballparks, and the Metropolitan Stadium
flagpole. Once inside Target Field, it is apparent that it is one of
the best ballparks in baseball. Target Field features just under 40,000 seats, 18,500 seats in the lower deck, with the
main three tier grandstand extending from the right field foul pole
to home plate and to the left field foul pole. Between the upper and
lower decks are 4,000 club seats, 60 luxury suites and the pressbox. A double decked grandstand
is located
in left field with additional seating in right field. Located in the
northwest corner of the ballpark is the Budweiser Roof Deck
that features a fire pit, bar, 150 bleacher seats and standing
room for 150 fans. It provides fans with views of the
Minneapolis skyline and Target Field. Additional gathering locations
for fans to grab food and beverages include the Legends Club Lounge,
located on the club level that pays tribute to Twins Hall of Famers,
the Met Club, open to all season ticket holders that is located down
the right field line and the Town Ball
 Tavern, a celebration of
Minnesota amateur baseball that is open to all fans. Themed
concessions also located throughout Target Field include
the Taste of Twins territory, Hennepin Grille, Senor Smokes and
Frankie V's Italian.
One of the most unique
features at Target Field is the homerun celebration
feature. Located in centerfield, this large feature is the Twins
original "Shaking Hands" logo from 1961-1981. Twins
characters, Minnie and Paul light up when a Twins player hits
a homerun. Open air concourses throughout the ballpark, twice as
large as the ones at the
Metrodome, allows fans never to
miss a single pitch of the
game. All fans throughout the entire main grandstand have a
spectacular view of downtown Minneapolis. The
main scoreboard will be located in left centerfield. Target Field
features multiple "Knotholes" along the 5th Street side of the
ballpark,
allowing fans to watch the action from outside the park without
buying a ticket. The Twins are
committed to providing a comfortable experience for fans, even on
days when the weather is less than perfect. Fans can
take advantage of heated
concessions,
restrooms, restaurant and lounge areas found on each ballpark level.
In addition, the ballpark's sun screen, one of the largest in
baseball, provides added protection.
Access to the ballpark is easy with 20,000 parking spaces
within a block of the ballpark and a light rail stop directly at the
ballpark. The Twins were able to carry over their success from
the Metrodome as they won the 2010 American League Central Division
Championship during their first season at Target Field. Both the
Twins and fans hope to bring a World Championship back to Minnesota
within the coming years. Before the start of the of 2011 season, the
Twins added a 28 feet high by 50 feet wide video display board above
the right field grandstand. A 100 feet high LED-illuminated Twins
Tower stands adjacent to the video board.
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