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. Over the Norway pines in
centerfield 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.
TARGET FIELD
FACTS AND FIGURES
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE
Tenant:
Minnesota Twins
Capacity:
42,000
Surface:
Grass
Cost:
$522 Million
Opening:
April 2010
Dimensions:
339-L, 377-LC, 404-C, 367-RC, 328-R
Architect: HOK Sport & HGA
Location: Warehouse
District, adjacent to the Target Center
Public Financing: $390 Million from
county.
Private Financing: $130
Million from Minnesota Twins
As
of January 2009: The majority of concrete work at Target Field has been
complete. Over 1/3rd of the limestone facade has been installed.
Work continues on the main concourse. Steel work continues to be
installed from right field towards homeplate.
BALLPARK RENDERINGS
LATEST NEWS
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