Target Field
Minneapolis, MN

For the first time since 1981, the Minnesota Twins will play baseball outside in Minneapolis in 2010. After more than ten years of struggling to get financial approval for construction of a new ballpark, the Twins finally were able to complete a deal with the State of Minnesota in May 2006. Under the state of Minnesota's authorizing legislation, the county's share of financing the ballpark is $350 million for construction and infrastructure costs, while the Twins organization is contributing $130 million. The Hennepin County/Minnesota Twins proposal for a new ballpark was approved by the Minnesota Legislature and signed into law in May 2006. Nearly one year later 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 will play their first game at Target Field in April 2010. It will be built in downtown Minneapolis on an eight acre site next to the downtown Minneapolis Warehouse District. For the first time since 1981, when the Twins played at Metropolitan Stadium, the team will play baseball outside. According to HOK, architect of the new stadium, Target Field will reflect Minnesota's dynamic blend of urban sophistication and outdoor vitality. It will have 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. Additionally, Target Field will include a natural beige limestone exterior, a Twins Hall of Fame, a baseball-themed restaurant and bar, 60 private suites and 4,000 club seats.  A double decked grandstand will be located in left field with additional seating in right field. Located in the northwest corner of the ballpark will be the Budweiser Roof Deck that will feature a fire pit, bar, 150 bleacher seats and standing room for 150 fans. It will provide fans with views of the Minneapolis skyline and Target Field.

The batters eye in centerfield will consist of Norway Pines; above will be a family picnic area. Open air concourses throughout the ballpark, twice as large as the ones at the Metrodome, will allows fans never to miss a single pitch of the game. Sitting anywhere in the main grandstand, fans will have one of the best views of baseball, the downtown Minneapolis skyline. The main scoreboard will be located in left centerfield. Target Field will feature multiple "Knotholes" along the 5th Street side of the ballpark allowing fans to watch the action 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 will be able to 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, will provide added protection. Access to the ballpark will be easy with 20,000 parking spaces within a block of the ballpark and a light rail stop directly at the ballpark. Earlier plans called for a retractable roof, but neither the Twins or Hennepin County wanted to pay an additional $115 million for construction.