Twins Ballpark
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. On April 12, 2007 the Twins officially unveiled plans for their new ballpark.

Current plans call for the new Twins stadium to be ready by Opening Day 2010. The ballpark 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, the new ballpark 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, the Twins new ballpark 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. Minnesota's new ballpark 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.

• 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
• Get Tickets Here: Metrodome-Indians-White Sox-Twins

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