The new pedestrian bridge over 7th Street is in place this morning. The sides repeat the tri-pod shaped detail as the canopy supports and railings.

Im with you Rick, I absolutely hate coconut!!! YUCK!

I Love coconut, but the story is a great illustration!

The facebook page thing really bugs me. I can't believe it's come to that.

that pedestrian bridge is looking nice! the design certainly fits. I really hope that it's not just a private walkway for season ticket holders and that it's open to the public on game days.

Sorry Rick but long live the coconut!!! If I lived there I would gladly take those wonderful coconut chocolate chip cookies off your hands and give you some bland boring ones in return :-)

Hey Rick,
I can assure you that information does go to the people who make the decisions about the Target branded products (such as Market Pantry). I work in the Target food business and we read guest comments every week (both the legitimate feedback and the people who believe Welch's grape juice is radioactive [true story])

Rick - The cookie story is a good one. I make calls like that every time I run into a similar situation. The smart companies understand your main point - only a fraction of consumers will call or complain when something is wrong - the rest are usually gone forever or near impossible to win back.

I also tend to follow up with a letter to the CEO's office, especially when there is something that could be detrimental to the company or if I've experienced totally unacceptable service.

The current situation with the Twins annoys me and has dropped the level of respect I have for the organization a notch. Other teams are using Facebook and other non-traditional marketing to grow interest in their teams. For an organization that prides itself on being family friendly and supporting the community (both of which they do a good job at), giving away or ignoring any opportunity to increase interest in the team (or indirect interest, as in Target Field) at a miniscule fraction of the cost of traditional methods is mind-boggling. However, until that is pointed out to them in a very public way via the mainstream press or TV, I doubt anything will change.

I suspect the park will be close to sold out most of next year and the Twins will have a fairly solid season ticket base until after the All-Star game, absent soemthing stupid like not signing Mauer or having a team that plays at Target Field like they are plaing on the road this year . After that, the Twins had better have a strong team or the execs are going to be left wondering why no one is eating their chocolate chip cookies anymore.

i am watching a replay of the 'stros/cards game 5 of the '05 nlcs (the one where pujols hits THE BOMB off of lidge) and they were showing the construction progress/diagrams of the "new" busch stadium. that construction process looks much different; they hadn't completed the lower bowl but a good amount of seats had already been installed.

we won't even discuss the clusterf*ck that was the building of the nationals ballpark (there was an HDTheater special "Build it Bigger" about it where they talked about how it was being built before the plans were done. i'm suprised they were able to get the thing to make a circle)

maybe the twins can christen their new ballpark with a world series just like the cards in 06.

St. Louis had to construct their new park differently because its footprint overlapped with the old Busch Stadium. They couldn't work on part of it until the old stadium was demolished after the final season in the old park was finished.

Where is the model for Target Field? Is it in a sales office somewhere, available for the public to view?

watching the cam pictures of the install of the ped bridge was pretty great to watch...

JFH- I am not sure where the model is kept but I can tell you that I called the Twins about six months ago asking if the public could view the model and the rep on the phone said that no he was sorry but the model was not available for public viewing. But I think some season ticket holders can see it.

I asked this in the last thread but it may have been lost in the discussion about other topics, so here it goes again:

This may have been answered already, but in case not: why did the set of squares on the plaza around the topiaries (the holes that disappeared several months ago) reappear late last week? Does it have something to do with the new cement pouring on the plaza?

Also, just to double-check, but why did those squares get made and then filled-in in the first place? An early design for the plaza that they worked on before the design was changed and finalized?

JFH,

They are probably saving it for some Ah-Ha moment!

hofflalu,

The original plaza design had two rows of trees, instead of a single row of topiaries.

I am guessing that they put some sort of sealant, or something, on the seams where they filled them in before they put the top coat on the plaza.

I believe everyone said a few months ago that the model was at the target headquarters only available to view by target employees. Is that still the case.

What are they building over the 7th Street Bridge? It looks as if it is connected to the stadium.

that's a skyway connection. i believe it's from Ramp A, but i'm not certain.
i'm sure several of you have, but i just went back over the webcam images...i just looked at the 1st of every month...it's been quite a journey.

michael,

That is a pedestrian walkway between Ramp A and the ballpark. A Skyway is enclosed, heated, and cooled. I understood this to be an open air walkway.

Thanks, I just didn't see that in the pictures.

i don't think it's an open-air walkway.
looking at webcam 1, it seems as though they clearly are going to enclose it.
which will be good, for those early April snow days.

I am guessing that part of the "intellectual property" in question is the unlicensed use of Twins logos, et al. The Twins own these items, and don't want them to be used in a way that implies endorsement of things over which they do not have control (ie blogs).

I'm no lawyer, but I'd guess that a simple disclaimer like "these opinions are my own, and not necessarily those of the Minnesota Twins, Mortensen construction, the city of Mpls, blah blah blah", plus refraining from using copyrighted material would keep you in the clear.

skyways and walkways suck. can't believe they are attaching one of those monstrocities to the new ballpark. i for one literally HATE them! they take away from city street life and make some streets so boring. people (even with kids) can cross the street just fine if they look both ways! don't care about the midwest weather argument either. HATE EM!

:-)

luke - you need to get over your weird little obsession with always wanting to mention "early april snow days" in some of your posts. we get it! move on alread! :-)

I completely agree all this smoke emanating from the Twins is just a good ol' fashion ruse. I believe the team has very little to stand on in any hypothetical litigation. Being as though the land and the physical structure its self is owned by a public entity (Hennepin County)the whole I.P. excuse is very very sly. just my 2 cents...

congrats, rick, on ranting one right out of the new ballpark! fight the powah!

george: You don't like coconuts? Say, brainless, don't you know where coconuts come from? Look it here... from Tahiti, Fiji Islands, the Coral Sea!
mary: A new magazine! I never saw it before.
george: Of course you never. Only us explorers can get it. I've been nominated for membership in the National Geographic Society.

Beta,

7th Street is a major arterial, and the closest crosswalk with a signal is back at 2nd Ave. There is a pedestrian exit from the garage directly across from the ballpark, but the only crosswalk is a half block back towards downtown. Without a bridge, I expect you would have major traffic tie ups, AND a few dead pedestrians.

Shall we start a bet on when the last big crane is taken out? Is there any reason for the large crane to remain? I say Monday, June 22.

I'm sure the crane will come down when the materials needed to finish the canopy have all been lifted up to the workers.

Yeah it'll probably come down sometime later in July is my bet.

I'm going to agree with David_Mpls on the crane. It is going to have to be gone very soon, so work on the field can continue on schedule.

I don't know if that comment has much merit Beta, I think it's spelled "A-L-R-E-A-D-Y" is it not?
I'll feel much, much better, once we get to an Opening Day, or an early April game, and we won't be able to play because the Power that Be upstairs had a little bit of dandruff because he didn't use his Selsun Blue.
Get my drift?

I would speculate that every day those big cranes sit on the worksite there are thousands of dollars in "rent" and liability insurance racking up by the hour, not to mention the cost of paying the operators who probably earn a bit more than most other guys out there. If the same work can be done by some of these "truck cranes" I've been seeing a lot of lately, I'll bet Big Red will be gone this week.

eric,
the field model was only at the target headquarters for one week. i can only assume it is back at the twins offices now.

Im sure DSP gave it to his grandson to play with with his pokemons....

has anyone else noticed when DSP talks its sounds and looks like he has 3 pints of phlem and saliva in his cheeks?

Lets get rid of two cranes! One puts up materials and the other puts up runs!

hey jesse crain - way to live up to your sterling reputation of being a giant piece of sh!t. that guy kills me to no end.

man, i wanted the sweep. the twins and their fans owned wrigley field pretty much all weekend until the senor crain came into the ballgame.

hey maz - were you at the twins-cubs game this weekend? there was a guy in the stands in a twins jersey razing some cubs fans that looked an awful lot like you (at least what i remember from those pics you posted of your trip to the twins-white sox series a while back.

Any of you guys who went the game on Saturday, did you go to Giordano's (not too far from Wrigley) afterwards for some Chicago style deep dish? I've been on a 12-day hike moving from Alaska to Virginia and stopped in Chicago for lunch with a buddy of mine. There were two groups of Twins fans that came in after we did. I was going to ask if they read/posted on this site but I obliged to my pleading wife not to look like a goober by doing so.

On another note, while in the cities I made it down to the ballpark site for the first time this past Friday afternoon. IT IS INCREDIBLE!!! Fortunately, we just bought an XTi before the trip (and father-in-law mailed us his zoom lens) so I had a decent camera to take a bunch of pictures. I have to say that I felt quite out of my league. I felt like a kid in a candy store there was so much to capture. And to top it off I became a "person of interest" in the skyway and was greeted via the little call boxes. Fortunately I had already had my fill even with the clumsiness of switching lenses. However, go figure, Friday is also the day my parent's modem decided to crump so I haven't been able to upload anything being on the road. On top of that, I need to find out how to condense these pictures because a decent camera can give you some really big files! At the rate this website moves Friday's pictures are almost "old hat" (especially with the pedestrian bridge) and they would have certainly aided discussion this weekend too. But I'll post them as soon as I get this figured out...hopefully soon!

Here are some thoughts and things I noticed after seeing the ballpark in person (in no particular order...except for number 1.)
1. Still no wood louvers on 7th St!!!
2. The plaza is definitely bigger in person than viewed on the webcam (duh!), BUT.....I still maintain my stance that it is still too cluttered
3. Still not a fan but the topiaries will grow on me (no pun intended. Wait, yes I did.)
4. How many layers of paving is the plaza going to get?
5. The plaza extension to 1st Ave is a lot smaller/narrower than I thought.
6. The scoreboard is huge!
7. I can rest easy now that stairs/isle have been added in sect. 327 on the Bud Party Deck side
8. There is A LOT of dirt and under workings to add before the grass is laid.
9. Seats are definitely angled toward home plate...and look really good too!
10. There seems to be a nice area in center field for some animatronics

I'll take any hints or tricks that might be out there for reducing file sizes for pictures too.

Hopefully the Twins were smart enough to leave Jesse Crain in Chicago and have him fitted for a White Sox uniform.....complete garbage!

chuck - There are plenty of tools that would allow you to easily reduce file size of pics - I use PMView and its' Transform/Size option.

Great post Chuck. I was in Chicago in April for the Twins/White Sox series and we ate at the Giordano's just west of Michigan Ave downtown. Tremendous deep dish pizza and I am considering having a few shipped to MSP. Would like to try Lou Malnati's to compare as I've had Pizzeria Uno and Gino's East in the past...

BTW: For you pizza fanatics here is my secret du jour. There is a place called Aurelio's that is based in suburban Chicago. They serve what is in my opinion the BEST pizza in the world. They have several locations around Chicagoland as well as Northern Indiana, Vegas, Naples Florida, AND Roseville, MN. Do you yourself a favor and go have a pie at the Minnesota location. It is in a rundown dumpy strip mall that should be bulldozed, but this may be the best restaurant secret in the Twin Cities!!!

Max,

I lived in Roseville for many years. Aurelio's outstanding but I still think Red's Savoy is better - gotta love those cranky old waitresses!!

bye bye crane!

This is regarding the glare discussion of a week or so ago. I was at Wrigley this weekend with seat behind the Twins Dugout (1st base line). Around 2:30 or so there would be a reflection off of one of the buildings across the ballpark in left field. It lasted about 10 minutes. It really wasn't a bother. You noticed it but it wasn't blinding and you could easily watch the game with no problem. Now this building was directly across the street from the ballpark. I don't know enough about the physics of light waves but the Multi-foods tower is a good 5 blocks from the ballpark, not sure if the glare would be reduced over that distance but from my experience over the weekend, the glare shouldn't be a problem.

Also if there is 1/4 the energy around Target Field as there is around Wrigley on game day, we are going to have a wonderful baseball experience.

chuck, use canon's digital photo professional that comes with the xti. it's pretty nice software for something that comes with the camera. it will easily let you condense the photos all at once instead of individually -- then post them so we can check 'em out!

if you have an apple, iphoto does a pretty decent (and easy) job of compressing the files to a specific size. it's what i use when i'm lazy and not photoshopping.

I'll try to grab some pics of the ped-bridge (might as well be called a skyway) they put up this weekend. Looks very cool!

Would love to see those pics!

Well, it looks like one section of seats are completed in the lower deck. It took them all day Friday and about half the day today to do that one.

Can somebody confirm this? Are they taking down the last crane today?

also, when are they moving the bottom half of the crane?

Webcam 1 pretty much confirms the last big red crane is on it's way out the door.

How are they going to get the canopy finishing materials up there with the crane gone? Those smaller yellow one can't make it all the way up there.

A few new photos from yesterday:
http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=52457#52457 (or click through name)

Nice pictures Midwest Product!

okay, so if the pedestrian bridge is simply that - a pedestrian bridge - then why did they have to build it to look like a frickin' skyway?! how about a little imagination?! at least in my opinion it looks like a standard minneapolis/st. paul skyway. i have heard it won't be fully enclosed or climate controlled and is therefore not a true skyway, so they should have made it look more like an open air bridge (which it supposedly is) and not an ugly box with a roof (i.e. a skyway).

very unfortunate that "thing" has to be connected to such a beautiful ballpark.

I'm no skyway fan either Beta, but at least it's short and they were consistent with the vertical beams to match the ones that hold up the canopy. It could have been designed much worse than it is.

Eric,

You may have noticed over the past couple months a black truck crane (if I may call it that) that attaches a white boom extension. That's what they have been using all along to hoist up the materials that make up the underside of the canopy. I watched them doing this the day I went down to see the ballpark back in March. The same day the largest of the 3 crawling cranes was dismantled

I don't understand Beta. Are you saying you would rather they made it look like any common pedestrian bridge that we see going over major highways and freeways? Just some concrete with chain link fence on the sides?

yeah, beta, I don't get your gripe here either- it looks to me like they did use some imagination. it fits right in with the look of the canopy. I think it's a nice step above your run of the mill skyway. it's certainly not "an ugly box with a roof"

Does the skyway frame look as bad in person as it does in the pictures?

I think we should keep in mind that the pedestrian brige is just in the skeleton phase right now. I am sure they will do something more with it to incorporate it completely with its surroundings.

It's a tiny skyway and at least it doesn't look like the long ugly black box with square windows like the other skyways connecting the ABC ramps to the Target Center.

That skyway detracts from the facade and is totally unnecessary. There was a stoplight there at 3rd and 7th before, there should be one there again. Get some street paint and put a crosswalk down, and that will handle the pedestrian traffic just fine.

Minneapolis is a nice city, but the skyways are the single worst thing about it. Granted, it was a faustian bargain - they helped keep downtown relevant - but they kill the urbanism and streetlife. If you want to know why areas like Wrigleyville have such great streetlife and vibrancy, it's because the people are out on the street - not sequestered up on the second floor, while the street is left to be a glorified freeway onramp.

"It's a tiny skyway and at least it doesn't look like the long ugly black box with square windows like the other skyways connecting the ABC ramps to the Target Center."

No doubt. But it's still an eyesore in my opinion.

Should've built a crosswalk with lights. Hell, they could've hired someone from Sharing & Caring Hands to be a crosswalk guard.

Dan Barreiro and Justin Gaard got a tour of Target Field today by DSP and have a few pictures on Dan's show page...scroll down on the left side of his show page to look at them.

Been a little busy, so not sure if anyone has posted a link to the first cars that have been delivered for Northstar train line that will soon be rumbling into town. Pretty snappy looking.

Thanks for posting Mike. Looks like the corporate media has no trouble getting interior pics.

OMG did you see it? In the pic of Dave and Dan in the bleechers..... When you see it you will @#$% bricks!

Yeah, I wonder if they will take down Dan Barreiro's pics. It seems like something the suits may try to do. I wonder then how much he will bring up their actions on his show. That could get interesting.

What is going to be along 7th street where those bars are? More windows?

What's in that picture of Dave St. Peter? I didn't see anything...

It's a joke man, nothing, you see a lot of dirt, you don't see the scoreboard.

I don't get it

looks like the seats in Section 105 are in...

Thanks Luke. Old news. Man you have to be in a dead heat with Betaband for the MOST ANNOYING poster on Rick's site....

well sorry, DayLate, it turns out that I was a bit late on that info. Sorry, I browsed briefly through the comments today...i'll look closer next time.

oh please daylatedollarshort don't hurt me so! seriously, get a clue bud. btw - you are in the lead by a mile for the MOST ANNOYING NEW POSTER on rick's site! as luke mentioned you can just "suck it"!

;-)

lol beta...

Looks like I struck a nerve. I know I'm not the only reader who thought Luke was 13 NOT 31 (judging from the quality of his posts) and that all Beta does is bitch about everything ballpark related. Nothing is ever good enough. He'd whine if we hung him with a new rope!!!!

all i do is whine about the new ballpark?! it is quite clear that you obviously have no idea what you are talking about. as i said above "get a clue". i love this ballpark. read: "ballpark".

there are some things "external" to the "ballpark" that i can't stand and really want to see go away and will continue to voice those things to the team and the public until they are rectified (i.e. HERC, mary's place - which seems to allow open drug dealing in defiance of the city of minneapolis, this strange skyway that is now connected to our beautiful ballpark, the free agency moves of the front office), but no where on rick's site can you find me badmouthing the ballpark itself. i think they have literally "hit a homerun" with it. there are many posters who have been here as long as i have that would back this up.

so please at least "know your facts" next time before you try to take a shot at someone. because you missed the goal by a mile bud!

:-)

Daylate....I think you're a couple of years too late. Beta has been here nearly as long as I and he's a ballpark supporter. Perhaps you should go back to KFAN and mingle with your fellow rubes who don't know their ass from a hole in the ground.

Okay, here they are. I had issues with flicker but found out that we have a photobucket account too. Mplsgreg, thanks for the advice, it worked great. AC, what version of iPhoto are you using? I still haven't upgraded to the latest version. Kev in az, I included a special picture just for you. I also included the picture of the Joe Mauer effigy north of Thief River Falls. Good thing I was coincidentally wearing Twins garb. Although my biggest "a-ha" moment last week was seeing that Thief River Falls actually has a college.

As for section 130 in left field, anyone have any info when it will be finished? I imagine it would have to be before the turf arrives.

Click me, click me!
And since Photobucket wasn't being nice to me to make a Target Field album (or I think I'm just incompetent) you also get to see a wonderful picture of Erin and I.

Great collection Chuck, good to see you made your trip worthwhile.

thanks chuck/jojo! top notch photos. love the mauer effigy you found up in northern minnesota!

$10 bucks for whoever can spot the tree from the iron workers "topping off ceremony" in chuck's photos. i found it!

:-)

Chuck, I give you an A++. That entire album was great.

We're really starting to see what this place is going to look like when the season starts next year. The plaza's almost there. Light-rail and Northstar are almost done. The walkway is installed. Everything is just finishing work now. There's just one major project left to start and that would be the Wind sculpture on the side of the B Garage.

300 days left!

Beta, the tree is on the back of the elevator shaft behind the scoreboard.

Chuck, I'm at a loss....Which picture is just for me?

mylometer wins! the check is "in the mail"......it should be there in 6 to 10 weeks! if not, keep waiting.....it will be there.

kev in az - chuck's christmas card photo at the very end of the album was just for you! ;-)

thanks again chuck

Great pics Chuck/ JoJo, thanks for taking the time to get them!

I don't follow

alright.....anyone who comes on here with a moniker of "on wisconsin" is immediately banned from ever posting again. just kidding......well sory of! ;-)

go gophers! ski-u-mah!

"sort" of, "sory" of.....you get my drift. if only i could type! :-)

Beta.........................lol
Go Badgers! Forward!

And, daylate...you would be how old??

Nice photos Chuck! Good clarity and composition. Keep 'em comin'!

I just noticed that the webcam worked on the first attempt with no refreshing or "NaN%" message! 'Bout time I'd say!

Looks like section 101 is next in line for seats.

Looks like 105 isn't done either. They must still have parts to install. Working on them again today also.

I think they are putting the seat portion on today in section 105. Only the armrests and back were in before.

back to the skyway for a second -- i would like to point out that the design flaw is not so much in the aesthetics as in the functionality --- if anyone got a chance to look at it down on the site where they were building it, you realize it is just a giant funnel. I think it got installed so that the large side goes into the park, and the small side goes into the garage. my advice is to avoid after games at all costs as you will feel like you're going through the meat grinder.

Leaving the games at Target Field is going to be much more painful than leaving the Metrodome in my opinion. Fans go in every direction when leaving the dome, whereas at Target Field a large number will be parking in the 3 parking ramps, which will cause long delays getting out.

I am hopeful there will be some parking about six blocks away. Anyone know if there will be? It seems like even around the dome if you can walk to your parking about six blocks away and then get out of downtown on side streets you can avoid all of the traffic.

There are parking lots and ramps scattered all over downtown, so your parking options are going to be many.

roadwarrior,

I'm not sure it will be so bad. There are more parking options in DT Mpls than just the ABC ramps. The Dayton's ramp is nearby (or whatever the hell the store is called this week) The IDS garage isn't far. There are surface lots scattered about. There are plenty of parking options in MPLS and with so many people out of work, there are plenty of parking spaces available. That being said, parking garages are always a nightmare and I avoid them like the plague - one way in, one way out. However people will be arriving and departing this ballpark in many ways - car, bus, light rail, heavy rail, some even by bicycle. I can remember leaving well-attended Twins games and packed Vikings games at the Met and getting out of that lot was HELL and I can't imagine anything worse than getting out of that huge lot which had exits in all directions.

Getting out of an area with a large crowd is always a challenge so plan accordingly. Use the restrooms on the way out of the ballpark so you're not dying in your car while sitting in a traffic jam. If you're so pressed for time, leave the game a little early to beat the rush.

I've already got my plan in place. Spend a little time downtown after the game before driving home.

My plan for leaving the new park: Walk 3 blocks to my house.

Buy in the North Loop, guys!

I would love to get a place in the North Loop if I moved back to Minneapolis. What a cool area with so much potential.

The crane has pulled away!

you basically have two major interstates with on-ramps right there, the freeways end right in that neighborhood. it won't be like at the dome, where you get back-ups on washington ave with people turning left onto 35w north. it won't be seamless but traffic control will just wave cars through the gates and onto the freeway on-ramps. how many stadiums have an interstate on-ramp built under the outfield stands? talk about proximity.

this is just another example of the transportation benefits of the site. anyone old enough to remember the jams at the old met? i can remember my dad complaining about all those cars trying to exit onto cedar avenue.

And, like others have mentioned, many fans will simply go to the bars on 1st Ave. after the games, especially on weekends. The atmosphere is going to awesome.

I wish we could do that at Dodger Stadium.

The seats look done in 105. Totally solid. Much more filled in now that they added whatever they did today, probably the actual seats like mentioned above. Let's hope they fill in around the bowl from there.

had another thought about the new skyway - since they want the metropolitan club to be an events space, having a more direct entrance and parking could be useful for weddings etc. . . .

I was just thinking last night how odd it will look next year seeing the home white Twins uniforms outside on a grass field. Think about it...those home unis were introduced in 1987, they've literally never seen the light of day.

Just picture it...Mauer up to bat wearing the white pinstripes on a sun-dappled Sunday afternoon. Going to be quite a site.

FCA - I've thought the same thing, but have seen it in spring training. It definitely is different! In a good way!

Ahh, didn't think about spring trainng. Ok, I'll amend my statement. Those white unis have never seen the light of day in Minnesota or during a regular season game.

Living in the North Loop has some disadvantages (space costs more), but really, the neighborhood is one of the best in the TC real estate market right now. Property values are much more insulated, and with talk of transit, they will only continue to rise. Add a MLB stadium to the mix and it's a great place to reside or invest. Real estate is cheap right now...anybody looking for an "urban cabin" or a new place should take a hard look.

tim,

your dad is so right. Not only was it brutal getting on to Cedar Ave. Then you had to wait in line to get onto 494. Getting into the Met lot was easy, getting out was a nightmare.

I'm going to the old teflon sky for one last time tonight (may'be it's my last, I never know), what are the Twins policies on Headphones and walkmans?

Is it just me...or are they starting seats/something in the outfield second deck..section 229

They are pouring the concrete steps in that area. I'm pretty sure seat installation will follow the direction of construction: from 1st base side to 3rd base side.

Does anyone know when they start installing the wind veil on the parking deck?

CTM, you can wear headphones/walkmans...whatever you like, I do it all the time at Vikings games, I listen to KFAN during the game.

looks like they've started seat installation on the lower level RF corner

Are they turning the roof of the Target Center into a giant basketball?

I know it is supposed to be a "green" roof, but right now it is orange and the lines they are making seems to be the same as a basketball grip.

CSG Mike: Coincidental pattern I know for the time being. I am pretty sure though that is just the bottom lining that will be under the landscaping.

didn't the construction workers doing the TC roof go on strike or something?

Click my name for a rendering (scroll down) of the TC green roof. I do believe those lines will be visible when the project is finished, but what is being installed doesn't exactly match the rendering and as CSG Mike points out, kind of resembles the lines of a basketball.

wooo! crain to rochester!

That is the best new annoying customer that I have heard in a very long time! I hope Crain never sees the light of day in a Twins uni again!!!

yes in deed deepee...same goes for guerrier.

Kevin, I let it go any longer!!

I'll admit that when the name "Guerrier" is mentioned the first thing I think of is the endless parade of meltdowns in September of last season. But take a look at what he's doing this year, man.

In 32 appearances he's 3-0 with a respectable 3.03 ERA. His strikeouts to walks ratio is solid and opponents are batting .241 against him. Top it all off with a .84 WHIP and you're looking at some good numbers.

I know it's tough to forgive and foget his epic choking last year, but... Guerrier was solid in 2005 and 2006, had a very good '07, a very good first half of '08 and is having a very good '09. Give the guy a little respect! He's a quality reliever.

Plus, have you looked at our bullpen? Even if Guerrier were pitching half as well as he is, who would rather put out on the mound? Luis Ayala?? Don't get me started!

I hope you can give Matty a break, Kevin! But if not, we'll just have to agree that Jesse Crain is trash. Man, I'm glad that train finally left the station...

under 300 days now...

The local newspaper (Bemidji Pioneer) sent one of the local sports reporters down to both TCF Bank Stadium and Target Field today, and he (Eric Stromgren) posted these pics via Twitpic (click name).

I'm still hoping to tour both buildings when I'm next down in a little over a month.

Moose

Nice, thanks for posting those pics Moose.

I really like the dark green they used for the outfield walls. I know a lot of other teams have used dark green for their walls, but this shade seems more cool.

i'll second that. very nice pix Moose.

I'm no tree expert so I'll see if anybody here knows this. How big are the trees in the batter's eye going to get? Will they grow to a certain height and stop or will the grounds crew have to trim them or do something else to keep them at a desired height?

good question. maybe they'll cut them down at the end of each year and give them to staff for Christmas trees...and just transplant new ones the next year. now THAT would be tons of work.

Hey OG Jeff, lets see those pics!

Will the 2 World Series Championship Trophies be on display in the new ballpark? I suppose they will put it on display somewhere for season ticket holders.

I hope its somewhere where all fans can see them!

Puffy! Say it ain't so?

i missed a few days here but day late dude sounds alot like my bussy vikes.. with the " Oh did i strike a nerve"..

lol just kidding vikes

i highly doubt they would "hide away the twins world series trophies so that only season ticket holders can see them. come on!

what is with some folks desire on here to take unnecesssary shots at any real or perceived "extras" that season ticket holders may or may not get in the new ballpark? if someone is willing to pony up a lot more money for season tickets than someone who is only willing to pay for a couple games a year then i see absolutely nothing wrong with that practice. i am a full season ticket holder and i expect to have some extras that others who are only buying single game tickets do not get. if some feel that is unfair then i say B.S.! that is capitalism.

if just seems very odd. perhaps it is from years of our teams playing in the metrodome where there was way more capacity (hence underpriced tickets for games) and the building did not lend itself to being worthy of creating too many exclusive areas for season ticket holders and that has created a feeling in some that everyone is somehow entitled to the exact same game experience regardless of what they are willing to pay for tickets. this is not the metrodome business as usual anymore and that is okay.

it kind of reminds me of the stupid B.S. that pandering gov. pawlenty and the mn legislature pulled with that stupid, pandering alcohol law that says the U of M has to make alcohol available to all general admission ticket olders (read: lots of underage students) if they are going to sell it in the premium seating areas at TCF Stadium, which would be contradictory to how the rest of the big ten conference does it in their stadiums. i am also a long time gopher football ticket holder and i have no problem with them only selling alcohol in controlled premium seating areas to help keep it away from underage binge drinkers. don't get that law at all. pawlenty and the legislature really wasted their time and the people's time on that one.

I was wondering that as well. Those are spruce trees which over time could get somewhat big and in that one pic they look pretty close together. And isnt the public artwork the big artwork panels and such supposed to go in soon.

It's cool to give items and stuff to season ticket holders, but it's different to keep nonSTH's away from amenities. I think the World Series trophies should be viewable by everyone!

(last sentence was sarcasm, first wasn't)

I'm also interested in those trees, pretty much every rendering shows BIG trees, these are quite small. Little disappointed.

elston gunn - so for example you are saying that people who were willing to pay thousands of dollars to sit behind home plate at the new stadium should also have to "share" the amenity of the legends/champions club space (can't remember which is which for those ticket holders) with those who bought a ticket off the street for $20?. or that i shouldn't have exclusive access to the metropolitan club since i was wiling to make a season long financial investment in the ballclub? don't think so! and i have zero issue with that. anyone who does has a very false sense of entitlement. but, we are minnesota after all aren't we?! where everyone seems to think they are entitled to the exact same level of serive no matter what they paid or if they paid anything at all. like tcf stadium. that is a perfect example of some whiney people thinking they are entitled to something that someone paid $50K for!

listen to me.....and i am a lifelong democrat! :-)

for the record the world series trophys are in the twins offices but in a case were fans can see them, its on the inside of the dome and anyone can walk in... they are behind glass

We'll have to agree to disagree Margaret. Yes "Matty" has done somewhat better this year but he's also choked a few times reminiscent of last season. My heart still palpatates from last year. Is he better than Ayala? Sure he is, just like the Pinto was better than the Gremlin (I know I'm dating myself here)...The fact of the matter is that the sun will shine on a dog's ass every once in a while, doesn't mean he's turned the corner. I anticipate another late season meltdown by "Matty." Both my heart and my acid reflux hope I'm wrong, but I'm not betting on it.

and they always bring the trophies out for public display during TwinsFest. I know, I got pictures of both of them.

Haha! Great post, Kevin!! Yeah, looks like we'll have to agree to disagree on Guerrier, but at least we'll always share our dislike of Jesse Crain...

so what your saying beta is that someone like me, who drives 12 hrs for at least 2 series a year, isn't entitled to any extra perks. i spend a good chunk of change to do this family outing and your saying that i can't see the entire park. I won't buy the season tickets because it doesn't make sense for me financially with my location but when i finally get to go, i too would like to get to see the whole ballpark.

Yeah, you're probably right beta. I just hate the idea of a genuine Twins fan not being able to experience every part a great stadium - 'cuz I've been in both situations (the mirrasou winery sunroom is awesome!) Old stadiums weren't like this. I guess I don't like the idea of it, though I have no problem with it in practice.

The Champions Club will be where the World Series Trophies will be on display.

Also, over at minnescraper.com thatchio posted the "Sustainable Land Use Coalition is doing a tour of the Twins Stadium in July. It's like $25. I'm going." Is this something that the general public can get in on, and if so tell me where to sign up!!!

yes, nikc unfortunately that is what i am saying. while you should be commended for driving several hours for a couple series per year that alone (in my mind at least) does not entitle you to the same level of access as those who annually invest thousands of dollars towards a full-season commitment to the ballclub as well as the stadium. stuff isn't always "fair", which is often in the eyes of the beholder, but that is just the way life is sometimes.

i get "where you are coming from", but i don't agree with your conclusion.

why when someone makes a comment or asks a question, it automatically gets branded as bashing the stadium or the Twins.

I asked a simple question as to where the Twins World Series Trophies will be, and I just said, I think it should be someplace where all Twins fans can see them. It is a part of the Twins history, which I think every fan should be a part of.

I agree, Season Ticket holders should get more perks, no one is denying that.

Not everything has to be a lovefest...

Those pictures are great. My favorite picture is the one from left field where you can see the trees, the scoreboard on the right field wall and the overhang.

The trees are small right now, but they'll get much bigger in the next ten months obviously. It'll be interesting to see how big they let them get. That scoreboard on the wall is awesome, and a pretty decent size. I'm not sure if everybody heard, but it'll have the same capabilities as the main one, so while it's the out of town scoreboard, they could put a big Joe Nathan thing on when he comes in to shut the door!

Is that overhang done, or will it extend all the way over the the foul pole? And, the wall isn't padded yet is it?

From the WebCam today it didn't look like they got as much done as they really did with section 101. I can't wait until the lower deck is finished with the seats. The last crane is gone (Rick, you can have a header without it now!) and things are falling into place.

Good point Rick. I've been looking at the precipitation and temperature averages, and June is by far the worst month for rain (like four inches compared to just over three and less than three for the others). They should do what they did in June this season next year; something like 18 of the 27 games from June through the KC series are on the road.

This is it...

Does it look like they're doing the warning track on that picture I did as my link just above? And I like the scoreboard along the seats; they have that on the entire outfield from left to right.

Those trees have a LONG way to grow before they have to be cut. If you look at some of the pictures you'll notice that as they are they're about as tall as a man leaving them with probably about 20 feet to grow (how long will that take?). That being said I really hope they get to a respectable hight by opening day, they do look kinda silly. That brings me to something else that I noticed. Does anyone know where the center field camera will go, as it is now, I don't see a place for it but I don't really know what a proper angle and placement would look like. does anyone have any information?

What is the big tower in centerfield that we've seen pictures of recently? Is that for the camera?

For those who are interested, the Twins website says they are Minnesota-grown black spruce trees. I did a quick Google search and linked the info. It says height 35ft and annual growth rate 12 to 18 inches.

Nikc and all others who won't have season tickets (like me) who would like to see ALL of the ballpark (like me)...I'm sure the Twins will have daily tours like most all other ballclubs do. You won't be able to experience the clubs/atriums during a game, but I would rather see those areas when nobody else is there anyway. The tours typically get you into the home team clubhouse, suites, club level, etc.

so they won't be full grown for 15-20 years? that's kind of a drag, I wonder if they'll look funny for a while or if they'll start to look full grown. Maybe it's just the super tall wall behind them that makes them looks so small.

a foot or a foot and a half a year is still pretty quick. by the time the All Star game - hopefully 2014, they'll be looking pretty sweet.

I would be surprised if the World Series trophys are displayed in the Champions Club - that is the most exclusive/restrictive area in the park for fans (only open to those with Champions Club seats, if I'm not mistaken.

If you want to restrict it to season ticket holders, put it in the Metropolitian Club.

However - I think those should be on display in an area accessible to ALL fans, not just season ticket holders.

First Crain gone and now (hopefully) Mchale? Things are looking up for MN sports! (click my name)

Kev in az and Chuck,
Great Pics! It's the %$#&stack!!

Love the pics Moose 97. Those photos make the park look downright cozy! It looks like it is going to be a very intimate experience throughout the park. It is getting harder and harder to keep on waiting!

I'm sort of looking forward to watching the trees grow. It will be a changing dynamic inside the park. It will make the "I was there" photos way cooler for the opening season, and even several seasons after that.

Guys - I've been wanting to take pics of the skyway, but the rain has made it a little undesirable. I'll get on it tonight if the rain holds off.

Does anyone know what the final wall(s) will be finished with (padding, etc)? Will the entire wall (left, center, right, foul territory) be padded?

I'm assuming it will be the same color as the wall is now?

i'm liking the green overall. top 5 ballpark we've got here. i just hope it doesn't play too small. i love homeruns but not to the point it becomes like a softball game. maybe the stands sitting right on top of the field like this is giving the illusion that the dimensions are smaller than they really are.

Concerning the trophies and their location I would think they would be displayed in the Twins HOF. Which, btw, where is that going to be? Or am I just making that up? Granted I've only been visiting this site for almost a year now but I don't remember much discussion on the Twins HOF or where it will be located. Really, I think that's the best place where those World Series trophies belong. At least there everybody will be able to view them. As for season ticket holders, I agree with Vikes and would expect them to have "more privileges" than non-STH, i.e. the Metropolitan Club. However, if Beta is implying that one of those perks is viewing the trophies, that I don't agree with. I was at Kauffman a few years ago and for some reason I remember seeing their trophy from 1985. I remember it being in a display area for their HOF or something like that.

Locker, you're right on the money about kev in az's beloved sh!tstack. Really, I had no idea that building is just an extension right up 6th St or that it's that close to the ballpark. TT, that tower in center field is right on the corner of 5th and 3rd and will be another elevator shaft. I had a blast taking those pictures, thanks for all the comments. I can't wait until I'm back in town in Oct for the final series in the dome...when there will be grass at TF!

A home-run friendly park might not fare well for the Twins based on their development of players over the past decade. Great pitching, smart defensive players...but not a power club. And I certainly doubt Carl Junior is gonna start paying for hitters, either. I bet they're glad this stadium came along when it did, considering what they'll have to pay #7 here pretty soon.

I hate to sound repetitive here, but I posted before that the World Series trophies will be on display in the Champions Club. The following paragraph was taken from Dave St. Peter's ballpark blog regarding some of the different interior spaces at Target Field.

Click my name for the entire entry

Champion's Club
o Located on the ballpark's event level, the Champion's Club provides the building's highest-end experience. The space is all about the Twins championship teams, including World Championship clubs in 1987 and 1991 and AL Champs from 1965. This space will house a variety of Twins championship archives including the 1987 and 1991 World Series Championship trophies.

jojo. aka chuck in alaska,
Your pics were fantastic...maybe the best I've seen of TF. I love getting kev's blood pressure up about the sh!tstack! :-)

That is so disappointing that the World Series trophies will be in the most exclusive area of the stadium. I agree with all the other comments that those should be easily accessible to ALL fans, not just those who can afford the "highest-end experience."

Just another example that while the Twins seem to have hit a home run with the stadium itself, they've bungled several opportunities to reach out to their fans and engage them even more.

Who cares about the WS trophies?

Of the four major sports, MLB's signature trophy sucks the most.

1. Stanley Cup
2. Lombardi
3. Larry O'Brien
4. MLB trophy

Who cares? I guess teams should just quit playing, because the World Series Trophy sucks...

Brilliant comment!

The NBA's trophy looks like a trash can.

I've never seen the WS trophies but I'm hanging in there just fine.

That's not at all what he was getting at, Vikes...come on, man.

Why does the trophy have to be accesable to all fans at all times? I say big deal. Like Kevin said, if you want to see it, take the tour. We're lucky they're stll available to see at all. They could've been in some owner's or executive's private office.

of course I meant trophies

When the trophy or trophies are on display for everyone, it's impossible to get up close and take good pictures. Last April I was at Angel Stadium in Anaheim. They have their trophy displayed in the main concourse behind homeplate and I stood for nearly a half an hour to get close enough to get a good look at it. If you REALLY want to see all of these things, the way to do it is on a tour. I took a tour of Chase Field about 5 yrs ago and I think it was $8 or $10. Very cheap and was worth the price to be able to walk through the Dbacks clubhouse, dugout and onto the field.

Alex B, You're joking about the MLB trophy right?

Doth mine eyes deceive me or do I see a ton of boxes on webcam two on the first base side that more than likely hold seats?

so where do you think they will display a piece of the teflon from the dome? I think the west wall of the upper concourse ladies restroom would be an appropriate viewing area.

so where do you think they will display a piece of the teflon from the dome? I think the west wall of the upper concourse ladies restroom would be an appropriate viewing area.

Does anybody know what kind of lighting the World Series trophies will be illuminated with? Will it be a spotlight or some kind of incadescent lighting. Recessed lighting is fine but it's so 2004. Maybe some kind of strobe?

GET A LIFE, PEOPLE.

I've done it before, and I've probably done it again - but it sounds like McHale will not be back as Wolves coach. I saw a couple people here allude to the idea he might not be back - but not a definite, "McHale won't be back."
Click my name for a link from Reuters.

luke....i know you mean well...but the only thing more boring than watching timberwolves baskeball is takling about it. KFAN.com is the place for this news. as you may have noticed, absolutely nobody responded to the post above about it. this could be for 2 reasons. #1 this is a twins ballpark blog and #2 nobody gives a shit about mchale or the wolves any longer.

I'll bite on the T-Wolves talk. I think it's important that they move on from McHale, but I worry about the other coaches names that have been floated around. Stan Van Gundy? No thanks. Sam Mitchell? Loved him as a Wolf, but I fear that bringing him back won't fully separate these "new" teams from the old era.
I don't even really think McHale is a bad coach. I just don't think he cares to put in the necessary time to really be a really good coach. On a lighter note, McHale has been a member of my former school/church for a while now, and back in the glory days, you'd never see him, but once the team him the tank, he was there every Sunday. I guess there are some things not even The Big Man can save...

After bringing up that kind of terrible subject matter, Luke, I'm convinced we need another button to click... report inappropriate comment

JohnF, I'm not joking.

I have great memories from 1991 and 1987. Show me stuff that symbolizes that. The trophy itself is the least important thing. Put lots of historical displays in the concourses, that's great. But the actual trophy itself? I don't particularly care.

And I was totally serious in my comment that the MLB trophy is the worst of the major sports. MLB's been played for decades, yet the current trophy design only dates back to the mid 60s. Does anyone actually know that the official name for it is the Commissioners' Trophy? No. Because baseball championships are far more commonly associated with pennants and rings and a bunch of other items that hold far more historic significance to me than the trophy itself.

The Stanley Cup. Now, THAT's a sports trophy.

well come on now, remember KFAN's old motto - 90 percent sports, 10 percent other stuff...I was just playing by the same rule: 90 percent Target Field, 10 percent other stuff.
we've done that here before, talking about the Vikings, or TCF Bank Stadium, and other non-TF stuff. We ARE all sports fans, are we not?

Hey, just a note on the Met stadium parking lot. We always left by the S.E. corner exit, (usually no waiting) took a left on 24th ave, went over 494 then went left on the service road to 66th st. Took a left over Cedar to Bloomington ave and north to 62 crosstown went west to 100 north. Usually with no problem

I have no problem at all when it comes to Minnesota sports!

McHale's gone
Wild hire Todd Richards
Favre's going to be a Viking
Mauer's flirting with .400

thanks hans...i'll remember that the next time I'm at metropoli..um..nevermind...

The Legacy,

I think McHale needs to give up the church. God no longer has time for any of the rest of us...He's far too busy talking to and advising Sarah Palin and California beauty queens...

lol kevin.

lol ... Hey Kev, my brother (over the road trucker)was in Az recently and went to a Diamondbacks game and said the Ballpark is pretty Cool

hans,
Chase Field is a tragic story. I understand the need for a covered ballpark in Phoenix, but they built that place during the period of airplane hangar style ballparks (see also houston and milwaukee). I would have much prefered a retractable ballpark like Seattle or the original Twins ballpark proposed in 1997. Those places have the roof completely or nearly all the way off of the seating bowl so when it's open you really feel like you're outside. Inside Chase when the roof and outfield panels are open, there's no airflow. Chase Field did get one thing right....COMFORT. It's extrememly comfortable - wide seats, concourses, aisles and the sightlines are good. But you really feel like you're sitting in a massive refrigerator during the summer month when the roof is closed and the AC is blasting.

Don't make fun of Palin, Kev. See what it did to Letterman? But politics aside, I can't see how anyone finds the Commissioners' Trophy ugly. I love all the franchise flags on it, and while no trophy will ever top Lord Stanley's Cup, the NBA Finals trophy is totally uninspiring and the Lombardi is only slightly more cohesive than a Gehry building.
Also, alotta missed chances by the hometown nine tonight...

kevin - I completely agree with you about Chase Field. It's almost like a 43,000 seat gymnasium.
correct me if i'm wrong, but isnt Chase open to the elements, even after the roof is closed? I know Houston and Milwaukee have glass fixtures that when the roof is closed, it is completely enclosed, and therefore can be climate-controlled...

I thought I remember hearing years ago, they played a college basketball game at Chase, and people complained, that though the roof was still closed, it got mighty cold in there, cause the breeze was coming through...

legacy....all it did for letterman was boost his ratings further.

luke, chase will sometimes have the roof closed but the outfield panels open. this happens only if there's a chance of rain or it's raining...just so long as the temp is cool enough. But in the summer, it's completely closed - roof and panels during the game with AC blasting...it feels like a meat locker. And it's more like a 50,000+ seat gymnasium...way way too big, the size of the upper deck is monstrous especially from the bases out toward the foul poles. click on my name for a picture.

I'm not sure about Chase, but I don't think Miller Park is climate controlled. That's another point to make while arguing with a roof fan: it wouldn't keep you much warmer.

I went under the right field trapezoid bleachers tonight after the game to get onto 394. I must say it was AWESOME!!! Driving under there during a game next year would send shivers...
Brendan Harris, Catch the damn ball when it is thrown to you from the outfield and you have a runner coming down your throat and he'd be out by 5 feet!
Liriano, Thank your lucky stars the Anderson and Gardy continue to stick up for you after another subpar performance with Schwartzy sitting in Triple A!
Good night! Twins will win the noon game tomorrow! Pitt is terrible!

article from a the Post-Bulletin out of Rochester. no new information, but there's a photo.

It's so sad seeing Liriano struggling, when pre-tommy johns surgery in 06' he was so dominant.

Matt (re: Minnesota sports)
Until we have a team that flirts with postseason success (seriously, we've had for teams for most of the past twenty years and no team has even reached a title game, let alone won a championship, since 1992), there's nothing great about Minnesota sports. That said, hopefully the Twins can change it around.

Brendan Harris missing the ball from Cuddy really started the dominos. That was a great throw, boffed. A couple of hitters later--a LaRoche boy dinger to get his bro in. No bueno.

Back to the trophy talk, who cares what it looks like and if you get to see it, the important thing is we get it, well another one...also i hate basketball anyway, but McHale is a nice dude and all his kids are stuck up little assholes (i went to K-12 with his Son)

Everytime i go around the stadium i get shivers! thinking about next year (if i get a ticket), on that note how hard will it be for non season ticket holders to get single game tickets for this first year?

Sooj,
Scalpers will make a killing on us the first year, but that's just the way it goes. I'm sure we could sit right behind home plate with a scalped ticket for $300 next year. ($20 for a cheap seat from a scalper)

Nate - I'm well aware of how bleak our sports outlook is. I'm just a die hard fan.

god the new yard is looking good. the most recent pics by forum members are awesome. i don't think i can go to a game in that dome until september and kiss it goodbye and good riddance.

The next layer is starting to go in on the Target Center roof. Those seats are still sitting there in boxes...

I'm not sure the scalpers will be getting much in April...That might be the time to go Sooj.

http://www.mlb.com/min/downloads/y2008/relocation_guide.pdf

It's interesting to look at this again now that we have photos. Especially for those that have toured, does it look like it is finishing out the way these simulations were done? I'm not sure if the seat/sections are configured exactly like it shows. It seems like the angles make it hard to tell where a specific section is (exactly anyway).

How about some bleacher seats put in on the green roof of the Target Center? That would be quite the oxygenating experience. Unless HERC is kickin' out some fumes that day of course...

Those would be horrible seats, DeePee. Way too far away and completely unnecessary. I think all of the standing room "seats" will negate the need for additional rooftop seating, plus all of the so-called knotholes and a giant plaza.

Miller Park is indeed climate controlled, but it takes a long time to get the AC up and running. If they have the roof open and have to close it fast because of a thunderstorm or something, it gets really muggy in there.

Half jokin' with that one, some guy. Obviously having seats up there is not anything the least bit realistic (too high and too far). But I am still a little giddy about the fact that with the proper positioning the game can be viewed by non-ticket holders. I have a slight pang of jealousy to those who have random views of the park from their offices or condos.

It looks like nobody is on seat installation duty today. Left field is almost cleared of equipment! Time to get rid of the rest of the Rapid parking lot.

I noticed on webcam 2 that there seems to be a flagpole of some type mounted to the top of the canopy. Anyone know if they are going to fly some type of flag(s) on top of the canopy?

Could this perhaps be an "ah-ha" moment we don't know about?? Championship flags? Win/Loss flags?

The to-be playing surface looks naked without any cranes! I love it!

And it would seem difficult and somewhat dangerous to put up or take down a flag on top of the canopy, but it sure looks like something is going on there!

I noticed the flagpole today, too. Is that surface going to be different than the rest? Does anyone know why it is taking them so long to finish it off?

There are two of those poles on the first base side also. They first appeared on May 22nd.

Where o where is the Ballpark Ninja? The natives are getting restless for some good interior photos...

Ha - the ninja is chilling waiting till the park is along a little further. Gotta make those missions count...

Wow, think of how great it would have been to have a double header today.

10-4 OG Jeff. I was just giving you a hard time.

BTW, Camden brings up a good point. I am looking forward to the first rainout during interleague play. This will almost certainly (barring the rainout being the last game of the series) mean a "Play 2" the following day as obviously the National League teams only make one trip into the Metropolitan area.

just a sudden thought here, will Target Field have any smoking areas around/in the ballpark? I've been to Coors Field and they even had a specific spot for smokers. I don't smoke, hate the stuff, and I'm from Montana so maybe Minnesota's smoking laws are different than here. I'm just curious to that.

Nooooo smoking at Target Field....If you must smoke, drive to Milwaukee...Boy, do I miss Bob's echoing voice

As part of the ballpark bill passed in 2006, there will be no smoking what-so-ever on the Target Field grounds. I could be wrong, but I thought this was part of the bill when signed into law.

Rick, are we sure those are flag poles on top of the canopy? I have no clue, but I had 2 different thoughts...
1) Lightning rods
2) Attachment points for safety harnesses of anyone on top of the canopy if there was a need for being up there. The spacing seems too allow the ability to reach any point on the canopy.

If they are flag poles, why would you put them on top of the canopy? It looks great as it is. Why add something that doesn't look like it belongs?

"Until we have a team that flirts with postseason success (seriously, we've had for teams for most of the past twenty years and no team has even reached a title game, let alone won a championship, since 1992), there's nothing great about Minnesota sports."

I have to throw my two cents in here. Minnesota HAS had a national championship team recently.
Winona State University Men's Basketball was the Division II National Champion in 2005-2006 and 2007-2008. They set a Division II record for consecutive victories during that time, and neary tied the Division I record for same.

I'm sue Twin Citians will dismiss this as merely Division II, but look around, people, Minnesota CAN produce champions.

By the way...Winona State defeated the University of Minnesota Men's Basketball team during an exhibition game prior to the 2006-2007 season. And Tubby Smith has brought his coaching staff to Winona to observe how Winona State coach Mike Leaf drills his guys.

winona mike - if you want to play the college level card then let's also include national championships that the U of M has won this decade. i agree with you that college level national championships should be view highly as well.

Hockey: 2 (2002, 2003)
Wrestling: 3 (2001, 2002, 2007)
Golf: 1 (2002)

btw - those winona state teams were great to watch. top notch teams. i still can't believe winona state lost that last second game (can't remember if it was the semi's or national championship game) back in 2006-2007 when that guy stole the ball at half court with something like 3 second left, ran his ass off and then made a lay-up with practically no time left to steal the win!

Crazy, stupid question - cause someone has probably already asked, and it's buried in some post somewhere over the last two years...

But, are they no longer allowing parking on the top level of Ramp B?? I looked back through the webcam images, it seems it's been about a year since cars parked up there.

saw this pic over on Baseball Fever. I'm wondering if the creator of this also posts here? Pretty awesome, I tell you what.

Hey RICK!

Has there been any discussion / rumors about the potential neon Twins logo in the outfield?

Luke,

I think the lack of cars on the top of the garage is more indicative of the economy and the the massive amount of job cuts in Mpls.

Luke,

Someone just recently made the same comment that there aren't any cars on the top deck of ramp B. My understanding was that the comment was made in reference to the economy and possible amount of job losses. However, when I took those pictures last Friday I can certainly attest that there is PLENTY of parking in ramp B with no area blocked off. What I remember is something along the lines of the first two decks were relatively full but above that it was pretty skosh for cars. You can probably see a silver Tacoma on the webcam last Friday between 2-3pm and some short dude standing on his tip-toes on the tailgate--damn wall is too high...or I'm too short. I will say it was a bit eerie with no one else around, although it allowed for all the flexibility in the world to position the truck along the wall. A $7 flat-rate parking fee wasn't bad either, at least after you've driven 3,500 miles it wasn't bad.

Rick, et all,

I haven't been able to check out the webcam lately but I think Mylometer may be on to something concerning lightning rods. My aviator side, however, is wondering if they are going to be obstacle lighting (for aircraft). This might sound a little silly considering the relative height of the scoreboard and associated light bank but it's possible that the canopy AND the scoreboard will be "lit" with red indicators. Remember, there is the occasional blimp that shows up from time to time. And thankfully, for the first time in 27 years or so it'll actually be able to see the playing field.

Kevin in az, great minds think alike.

Who gives a shit. Next topic.

Ok Jim...

Well I know someone had mentioned it earlier and it quickly disappeared, but someone had brought up the idea of renting a suite, or maybe even an event suite for a game next year, kind of a end of the project celebration thing.

Would people be interested in pitching in to rent one to enjoy a game when the park opens? Perhaps even opening day if we can get one? I'd imagine it would be repetitively affordable. Luxury suites in many stadiums or the "per person" cost divided out is often under $100.

To add a few more national championships that have made their way into MN the past couple of years...
Concordia University - St. Paul (the twin cities only D2 school and is also building an on campus stadium that opens this fall) : back to back volleyball championships

UMD Bulldogs - D2 football champs

It is impressive that we have this many National Champion Teams in our area. Now the "pros" should get their acts together.

Here is one for the Twins PR Dept.
How about a "Christmas in July" promo? The Twins could decorate the center field trees with twinkle lights! Although, for the first few years the trees will probably look like Charlie Brown's christmas tree.

Something for all you stadium watchers to be on the lookout for would be a site being prepared for the Met stadium flagpole. The actual installation of the pole itself is a relatively simple matter - the pole is stood up and inserted in a sleeve fabricated to accept it. The sleeve, however, must be foundated or otherwise stabilized in such a way as to ensure that the pole stays put. A typical install calls for 10% of the poles length to be encased and that pole is over 100' in height. At it's current location the base of the pole (and it's sleeve) are surrounded by about ten yards of concrete. So, some prep work has to take place before the pole arrives. The actual mounting of the pole may be one of the planned "aha" moments but I don't see how the site preparation is going to be kept under wraps.

photon torpedoes, heh, now that you mention it that canopy has a starship quality to it. or i was thinking it'd be a natural tie-in with Nike because it resembles their logo.

So, I got away with "foundated"?

I am almost about to go down there and see if they need help settin' up those seats that are still in their boxes!

LaVelle E. Neal III's article today in the Strib talks about some alternate home RED Twins uni's from 1997. Anybody have any pics of those? I am very curious as to how those looked.

one reason ramps are not as full (across all of downtown) is because more and more people are taking mass transit to save money. i know it's what i do.

a suite would be pretty sweet. i would be interested but chances are we wouldn't be able to get one until a month+ into the season due to demand.

Take this with a grain of salt, because I have... A friend of friend is a worker at the new ballpark. According to this person the reason seat installation has stopped is because the wrong metal was used in the seats. Supposedly all the seats that have been installed will need to be removed and replaced. This person is also allegedly working on getting myself and some friends a mid July tour. I will believe that when I see it!

Dang grain-o-salt! I wonder if that's true? I wonder who will be held accountable for that blunder.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for some pics. These were taken about an hour ago. Nothing over the top uncovered, but here are a couple notes:

- These "flagpoles are popping up all over. There's one on the scoreboard now too

- Cops are patrolling entrance/exits

- Flower beds are being filled today with dirt...lots of it

- There's a ton of interior work being done. Outside the admin building, i could hear 3 to 4 saws going at once

Enjoy

One more thing: Remember you can use the "zoom" icon above the right side of the pics...for view flagpoles, etc. :)

Thanks nice picks Jeff. Looking at those, I'm pretty confident those are lightning rods like someone alluded to earlier.

someone should print out cards with www.twinsballpark2010.com and hand them to construction workers as they leave the worksite. Maybe we could get some direct inside information, such as the seat metal rumor.

DeePee --- Alternate (sometimes called "Sunday") jerseys were first introduced in 1997. The front of the 1997 official pocket schedule has Knoblauch wearing the red and Molitor wearing the blue. Here is a link to a lousy picture for now:

http://cgi.ebay.com/MINN-TWINS-1997-2-POCKET-SCHEDULE-MOLITOR-

Sorry, I'm not expert at posting pics or inserting links.

have we ever discussed the topic of claustrophobia?

things are starting to look crammed in on every side of the ballpark. especially on the plaza side. this plaza will be smaller than the dome's and they're trying to fit everything in.

DeePee - I have attached a link that shows a picture of the 1997 red alternate home jersey. They are very rare to find so that picture is the best I can come up with at this point.

Camden/Rick - I know Jason mentioned a while back that he was interested in the suite rental and ticket exchanges next year. I could try calling my my rep to get some costs and see what types of options are available to us next year for suites. I am sure someone else has better contacts than I would for this information.

I would be all for renting a suit with people!

Personally, I liked the red jersey. I have an authentic Paul Molitor jersey from that year.

Thanks for the pics OG.

Now that the entrance to 394 is complete, there is a LOT of space to put something interesting there. I hope it doesn't remain dead space.

What are the circular concrete things on the plaza on pic 21?

Those red uni's are crazy! Thanks Luke and B.W. for the links. I am kinda on the fence about that exact red design but I think with a little tweaking (ie slightly differnt shade of red and more 3-Dimensionality to the Twins script) they could actually look very nice. I hope they bring something like that back down the road.

Brandon: those circular concrete things are pitcher's mound-shaped planters. I think they'll basically be circular benches with grass or flowers on top.

Here's a link to a rendering they released when they announced Target Plaza. You can see the mound thing in the foreground on the left.

My rep tells me that single game suite pricing and availability for next year has not yet been determined...probably during the off-season.

I remember the red jersey's and I didn't care for them.

It reminded me too much of dairy queen.

I first noticed the flag poles (assuming that is what they are) on the web cam, and I really like them. It reminds me of the flags that they have lining the grandstand at Wrigley. The flags they fly there denote all of the league/division championships (notice the lack of world series flags). I always thought that they added to the old time classic feel of Wrigley, and I think it would be cool if the Twins incorporated something like that into TF.

Also, in jersey article La Velle mentions that Perkins HATES the home white jerseys. Doesn't it seem weird that a player could hate his own home white jerseys? That is of course excluding all Oregon football players.

Oh the humanity!

Lightning Rods usually have a pointed end. However, if they are flagpoles, how do they expect someone to get up there to change the flags?

Regarding suite pricing/availability -

The only suites that are available now are full-season (and require a multi-year contract).

Individual suite pricing for 2010 has not been established yet and individual sales won't start before December (according to two different folks that work in Twins season ticket / group sales).

There is a priority list for group sales (apparently based on how many group dates one purchases for 2009). I'm on that list, but I got the impression that availability for ANYTHING on opening day and probably opening series was going to be limited to accounts that have spent far more this year with the Twins than I).

How would they expect to get people on the roof? Through an opening maybe???? The Canopy is made for people to be able so move around in it to service the lights and audio. Would it be that hard to make a port to be able to go up on the roof?

Put me down on the list for the suite when you guys get it. I haven't posted a lot lately but I read this blog every day still.

p.s. maybe we can tailgate before the game ;)

"wrong metal" for the seats. What does that mean exactly? The design of the metal? I find it a little hard to believe that they would not inspect the seats before putting them in or for that matter checking them before they were mass produced and shipped. They must have put in 1000 seats already. Or is it that the ones that are in are ok? We'll see if and when they pull the ones already in place. I suspect rumor here.

Does anybody know why construction workers are taking a long time putting in the seats? It should be quicker.

Maybe this won't be the last year in the dome after all.

i don't understand what the beef is about seat installation. it seems they're moving right on schedule.

about ramp B's top level, i wasn't sure if they had blocked it off for whatever reason...maybe they didn't want people gawking up there, taking pictures or what not.

In the back of my mind, it makes sense, but not until next year, to keep cars off the top level, so that long home runs don't smash someone's windshield, with the end result being some crazy person trying to sue the Twins over it, so maybe they bit the bullet early and just partitioned off the top level altogether. I just wasn't sure.

Robert!!!

you know i am down brother!

i think we would have a better chance renting out the budwiser party deck for a game...that might be more realistic..

those red unis from 97 hit the road per Tom Kelly realized that everytime they wore them they lost.. no shit they did...

wrong metal for the seats??? i smell bullshit!

that's awesome. great fact-gatherin', Rick!

love that Zeppelin pic above as well

we'll anchor dirigibles on top of Ford Center and Minikidah storage... a great way to beat traffic.

About those red Jerseys. If I remember correctly, they only wore them for 3 or 4 games at home, then retired them. The first time they wore them, the beat writer in the next days Star Tribune, made fun of them. It was common to refer to them as "the Dairy Queen uni's". I understand the reason they wear alternates ($$$$$) but I never have been a fan of them. Reminds me of softball uniforms. The red ones were the worst IMO.

I believe all zeppelin traffic will be directed to the north side of Chicago. After all, nobody emulates the Hindenburg better than those Cubbies.

Boom. Roasted.

Ballpark Authority just put up their June photos. Personally, I'm feeling that pic from the top row that looks out at the canopy

Thanks for the link Oaks.
I really like the one with the view from the Party Deck atop the admin bldg. looks like some great seats up there..

The MBA does a much better job at pictures than the Twins. Thanks for sharing Oaks. The last picture - panoramic from behind the plate..blue sky...Just wait until that picture has green seats and green grass....aaaaah....is it 2010 yet?????

ramp B looks plenty busy a year or two ago in the time lapse. I too wonder why it's been so deserted lately -- you can't see into the stadium over the wall on the top level so I don't know why they'd close it.

I've been down in that ramp the last two Saturday mornings staring longingly at my (not yet in place) seats. lol. No events going on so it was totally deserted down there except for gawkers and dreamers like me. :)

Jacquie

A few notes from the Construction Report:
"
•June 24th will represent the complete removal of all equipment from the playing field, except that specific to the playing field installation.

•Permanent connection to the HERC steam line is scheduled for July.

•With the schedule milestones being met to clear the playing field for turf installation, focus is now shifting towards the process of completing spaces, performing final inspections and tests, and obtaining limited C of Os for turnover to the Twins beginning at the end of this year.

I'd totally be interested in pitching in on a suit rental. However, I would be pretty selective on dates (consequently, rendering me unreliable for short-term planning) considering I'm about 800 miles from home/MN. I'm still holding on to hope that I'll be able to get opening day tickets (at [please God] a reasonable price). That opening series would really be the shiznit.

And holy crap, does Knoblauch look horrid in that red uni! I don't even remember him on the team in '97. What are the odds he would have still forgotten how to throw a ball if he stayed with the Twins? Damn Yankees. Hey, isn't that a band or something.....I digress.

I agree Kevin! I can't believe we have to watch turf and seats go in, and yet wait through winter before we can enjoy it. Torture!!

Jax - I think it's going to be the longest winter of our lives!

The Twins logo on the scoreboard was lit up tonight following the victory against the Astros.

really? you mean the big, main, red Twins sign above the scoreboard was lit up? like, from within?

Here's the answer to the questions about lack of cars in Ramp B. They are undergoing a "Ramp Revamp" this year. They have moved all of their contract parkers to ramps A & C until the fall when construction is done. I walk through there almost daily to gape at the park. From their website:

"In the best interest of your safety and accommodations, ABC Ramps requires that all Ramp B monthly contract customers switch to Ramp A or C during the month of May until the construction is complete this fall."

So you can't blame the recession on this one!

ok I wanna bounce something off all of you. Our seats for next year are 102, row 9, seats 3 and 4. I have been waiting impatiently for them to start installing seats so i can go down and get a better look but here's my question.

On the seat selection site, and on other seating charts, it's hard to tell if the aisle between 101 and 102 goes all the way to row 9. This is the section where the wall begins to angle in and up, creating short rows for what looks to be rows 1-8.

To my thinking, row 9 is the first FULL row in section 102 and start with seat 1, and it is a full row of seats like subsequent rows.

Not that it matters much, but being in that row in seat 3, I am trying to tell if i have access right to my seat from the close (101-102) aisle? or will I have to use the aisle between 102 and 103 and "scuse me, scuse me" to my end? (or climb over row 10 lol)

Can anyone see what I'm talking about? Once they finish the 102 seats, it'll be clear but I'm impatient. ;)

I otherwise think i will enjoy these seats. I will need to buy a glove (and a helmet knowing me) and work on my Cuddy platitudes.

Jacquie

good info badjuggler- i hope that doesn't mean they'll prevent me from standing on level 5 with my nose pressed against the bars every weekend. lol

The red jerseys were worn only twice and quickly abandoned. Both times the Twins were beaten badly and maybe the jerseys were viewed as being jinxed. There was no question about them being red (actually crimson) - Clyde Doepner had one on display at Twinsfest. Note on the sked pics that the red is a "home" jersey and the blue is a "road" jersey. The blue road jersey was discontinued this year - the home version is worn either way.

BB already mentioned this but...

I took a drive around Target Field after Friday night's game and the Twins logo was actually lit up above the scoreboard.

Pretty exctiting! I didn't have my camera with me, but wish I would have.

I saw the logo lit up as well. It's very clear heading east on 394.

It's not fair that they retired the red jersey because the lost. We were horrible in '97. I think they would actually look good in natural light. Maybe with a slight tweak. I like Houston's red jersey.

Jax - I think you missed it by a row! I went to the 3D seat thing, and looked at Sec 102. I did my search from Sec. 138, so I could get a closer look. I counted, and it appears that the closer aisle (101-102) stops abruptly at row 10; then you get the slanted wall.
So, either you squeeze really tight through there, or like you said, say 'scuse me to a lot of people.

Thanks for looking Luke -- I keep trying from different angles on the 3D and just can't see right in there. Since my row starts right at the angled wall, it's hard to be 100% sure. It's the first complete row so you'd think the steps would go that far down. I'm not going to complain either way!! I can say scuse me for 81 days no problem! :) (or just step over row 10. They're gonna love me. lol)

Jax row 10 is the first full row in section 102. My friend has selected seats 1 and 2 in row 9 so she does not have to get up and down for people. I have selected section 126 row 2 for the same reason. We don't go anywhere during the game so we don't like getting up and down.

Also I went down to the ballpark and noticed that the logo is going above the dugout. Click on my name to see the pic.

Thanks all Go Twins!!

Jax I know you will not be having to get up and down for her because she will not miss a pitch.

I thought last winter was long. January and February and even Spring Training waiting for the first game at TF will seem like an eternity next year. The place just look spectacular! AUGH!! I can't wait!

I am an avid collector of Twins bobbleheads and have always thought that someone should be depicted in the red jersey. But who? - All the players from 1997 of any consequence (Aggie, Radke, Molitor, etc.) have alreay been done with the exception of Knoblauch and the Twins, apparently, don't want to go there (although he is the obvious choice for the "All Dome" team).

Does anybody know the exact location of Puckett's seat in the Dome?

yeah, the gold seat is the exact seat in which Puckett's game six homerun to "see everyone tomorrow nite" landed.
I believe it is in section 101 row 6. and it's painted gold.

jincr, I'm starting to think you are right that there is no way in/out of row 9 from our end which, as your friend thinks too, is a good thing! I'm not one to run up and down during the game either. I think it is pretty freaky that I'm sitting right next to your friend out of how many season tix?! LOL

aw, i want a cowboy hat!

i was watching a bit of the Twins/Astros game, and I saw that "408" out in center field.
It's a very odd, yellowish color now. I remember back in the day it used to be a pristine bluish/white color. Did they repaint it, or is the tarp that old?

compare it to this one:

i know they repaint a new ad on the Hefty every year...so maybe they did repaint it...but it just looks, old.

sorry, that first pic somehow didn't come through.
This one might be better. this one was taken this year I believe. you have to look way over to the left, you can barely see it.

Thank you Rick. Sorry about that. I had no idea how to fix it.
Serves me right for posting an image for the first time...lol.

Can this bullpen get any worse?

Henn has got to go.

Kevin: The simple answer is Yes. Add Rincon, Everyday Eddie, Willie Banks, Carmen Cali, Julio DePaula, Scott Klingenbeck, Todd Ritchie, Frankie Rodriguez, Dan Serafini...

The numbers are painted on there. When we went to Twinsfest, I was shocked to see that the old bluisg white numbers were painted over with that yellow color. I dont mind the yellow, it looks nice, bu the paint job up close looks as though a 1st grader did it. You could see the brush strokes and the inability to stay within the lines very good.

Any reason why the terrace level seats closest to the plaza are covered up?

I took some pictures of the logo lit up tonight but forgot my memory card for my camera. I need to find my USB cable to upload. I will try to find in later on.

Happy Fathers Day!

This from today's Pioneer Press:

The large "Target Field" sign is scheduled to be installed on the outside of the Twins' new ballpark on Tuesday.

I thought they changed the 408 to gold a couple years ago as a tribute to Puck's territory.

I hadn't noticed before, but it appears there will be a combination of static advertising and ribbon board on the fascia of Sections S-V.
And then, there is a small piece of ribbon board on the fascia of section 224. Are they going to put ribbon board in the upper level as well??

What is going to be there where nothing is there on the stadium wall a long 7th street?

joe - what?!?!

:-)

Anyone headed to Miller Park this week? I'll be at the Wednesday game in the Dew Deck in right field.

Tuesday. And they better win. I've already burned too many bridges, and I don't want to see the pitchforks at my door if Liriano lets another game blow up. I just wish Span were back.

Word up, Beta. Seriously, Joe...huh? Is that you, Luke?

That does remind me that I wanted to comment that just from the pics and the webcam it's sad to say that the "skyway" is quite an eyesore for the 7th St side of the park. Of course, I haven't seen it from ground level but it looks as though it'll block quite a bit of the view (from 2nd St at least--or even the "real skyway" over the plaza too). What are the odds that thing is getting a layer of limestone to match the ballpark? If anything just to get it to blend in. It just wouldn't be feng shui. Crap, I just made myself one of "those guys".

Just how many people does Span consist of?

I just wish Span was back.

Joe is Joe.

I am Luke.

Bwahahahahahahahaha!

Along 7th street on the stadium wall, there is a section that doesn't have limestone or windows on it. What will be there?

I'm not sure about the street names and which sides they line up with, but I'm guessing the exposed part is where the circulation ramp is, which will be covered by wooden louvres,

I'll be at the games on wednesday and thursday, in the lower deck down the third base line and in the right field bleachers behind that field level bar thing. I'll also be drinking my ass off in the parking lot before the game on thursday. So if you see a drunk guy with short strawberry blonde hair wearing a blue home alternate michael cuddyer jersey, that would be me!

Supposed to be sunny in miltown so the roof had better be open.

Mike, are you talking about the areas where the wooden louvres, or whatever they're called, are supposed to go in? If you are, then thats what goes there.

Eric- I'll be there for wed and thursday's games

It looks like seats being installed in the upper deck outfield seats next to the admin building.

Mike,

There will be wood louvers (I think that's the right term) covering that area, which is the circulation ramp area. I think they'll look pretty nice!

installing more seats?? but....but....it's the wrong metal! no!!!! :P

"I just wish Span were back."

Correct use of the subjunctive. Indicates the condition is unlikely to be met.

"If only Bush were president of Iraq"
"I'd be careful if I were you"

Those of you going to the Twins play the Brew Crew, have a great time. Are any of you going to St. Louis? I'll be at the Friday night game. I'm really looking forward to it.

Selection for 20 game plans started either Friday or today. I posted a seat availability picture over at baseball fever, but there doesn't look like there is much left except 300 level seats and the very far field boxes on the first level.

As I bused into downtown this morning, my bus pulled up next to the flatbed semi carrying the TARGET O FIELD sign. Looked pretty sweet.

Is this sign going to be on the home plate corner? Not viewable by web cam?

crtwinsfan,

Myself and three others will be there for the Friday and Saturday games. I have high expectations for this stadium, as someone told me they did it (Busch) "the right way", whatever that means.

Look right now on webcam 1, part of the sign is on the plaza in front of the ticket windows. I think the sign will be above the Metropolitan Club facing downtown.

crt,

We are going to stl for the weekend then off to kc foe the games thhere...its gonna be fun

I know I can't wait for this weekend (can I say that already?), only going to two games on a four day trip. Leaving Saturday morning for St. Louis, will be at the game Sunday for my Dad's B-Day, then moving on to KC the next evening. Will hit up I think it's Worlds of Fun down there during the day. Then head back Tue, select seats at TF on Wednesday. Should be fun.

You guys are tempting me to make the swing through Missouri this weekend/next week...I went to STL in the last year of Old Busch Stadium. The stadium was obviously from the 60s cookie cutter vintage and the city was absolutely dreadful. Lots and lots of empty retail space and no restaurants to be found in the immediate downtown/hotels area. No cool urban buzz definitely the only saving grace was the incredible support that the Cardinals fans have. They call this the best baseball town in America and I can't disagree.

Now I've seen pictures and read incredible reviews of the New K. I was there in 2006 and it was nice. Very well taken care of and the new $250 million dollar renovation should only help!!! The big question is where to eat the best BBQ in KC. Arthur Bryants, Jack Stacks, Gates, others???

I am doing the St. Louie, Kay-Cee journey as well. I am happy to hear that I will not be alone!

It depends on what you want Max.... Gates is decent and is available at the stadium - so have Gates at the game. Arthur Bryants has the best burnt ends I've ever had. Bryants is a very informal eatery. You stand in line, order, pick up your food and sit down in an atmosphere that resembles a fast food joint. If you want sit down, full service wait staff, then Fiorella's Jack Stack is your place. They have the best ribs and rib tips I've ever had.

New photos on the Twins site...click my name.

What is a louver? Does anybody know what time they are installing the Target Field sign?

Wow, they're not wasting any time on seat installation in upper left field.

Wow I love how the top of the dugouts look! I wonder what else will be on top besides the TC. Will it say Minnesota, or Twins, or both? Looking great so far! Awesome!

Louver:

1: a roof lantern or turret often with slatted apertures for escape of smoke or admission of light in a medieval building
2 a: an opening provided with one or more slanted fixed or movable fins to allow flow of air but to exclude rain or sun or to provide privacy b: a finned or vaned device for controlling a flow of air or the radiation of light c: a fin or shutter of a louver

Kudos to those construction workers out there in the hot sun today installing the seats. They also deserve credit for working out there in sub-zero temps in January and February.

Those will be some great seats in LF to get some sun during day games.

I heard through the grapevine, that workers were well ahead of schedule for certain parts of the stadium. Due to this, union reps asked some of the workers to "slow down" a bit or "take some time off." This is coming from a worker, who is a friend of a friend, so I would consider this "rumor" status, even though I wouldn't be surprised if it were confirmed true. I'm not trying "rip" on the unions, but I can see where they may have the potential to have as much negative impact as they can have positive impact on general progress.

Thanks Kevin. I've had Gates at The K in the past but was just curious as to what everyone's favorite BBQ was around the KC metro area. What hotels does everyone stay at? I stayed at the fleabag hotel across the Interstate near the Denny's Restaurant last time.

I read that gates is no longer at the stadium they replaced it wil a huge bbq resturant that has full menu (from what i recall last year gates only had pulled pork and beef sammys and beans ... the new joint looks good the exec chef is from jack stacks...

but of course arthur bryants will see me this week a few times...
we are stayi ng across from the stadium at the radisson in the sports complex thing in stl we are staying at the melinnium anyone been there?

Well Max, if you are driving to KC you can stay anywhere. I've never been thrilled with the hotels near the sports complex..I have a few relatives out in Olathe, KS so I usually stayed in the SW suburbs on the KS side and drove to the games. I don't know if you're going with kids or just adults. Some fun things I've done are the Truman Library and Museum, the Negro League Baseball Museum along with a few jazz clubs on Vine St.

BBQ isn't the only great fare in KC. If you like pan-fried chicken, check out Strouds where the portions are HUGE so if you have a group, this is a great way to feed them. Capital Grille has great steak as does Majestic and Peppercorn Duck Club. Stay away from Herefords, they used to be good but the last few times I've eaten there it was not up to par.

Yes, I love ballparks & baseball, but I'm also a foodie!

Ayala has been sent to rochester!!!

Good news about Ayala, if it weren't for him, we would've had extra innings on Saturday, and possibly won the game. Now if only we could get rid of Henn.

I'm starting to see a glimmer of upside out of Young right now.He's back over 250, and if he starts hitting the home runs, and getting some rbi doubles, like we've seen a few of lately, I will surely take it. Gomez is playing worse than his ability, and if he can get something clicking, I feel really good about our order. So long story short bullpen's the real issue, If the starting rotation pitches the way they have with Slowey and Blackburn, even Baker going deep, I feel great with Guerrier (can't be overused), Mijares, and Nathan.

Thanks for the heads up, Stern. In that first picture of the drainage system those trees look pretty puny in the batter's eye. I wonder if 12in will make much of a difference by opening day. And that pedestrian crossing bridge looks like junk.

Is anyone going to St. Louis for the All Star Game?

No joke, this is great! As I'm watching TV right now a commercial comes on with the three word graphic "favorite aha moment". I halfway (sarcastic) expected to see an ad for Target Field. Of course that makes tons of sense in the Hampton Roads area 800 miles from MN. This was the final graphic (minus the logo of course):

Mutual of Omaha
The official sponsor of the aha moment

Hey Kevin Smith/DSP, apparently your "aha" desires have already been trademarked. Time to give it up.

I'm in the boat that the pedestrian bridge looks bad as well. It definitely looks like an afterthought, and a very poorly conceived on at that. It completely ruins the view of the facade of the stadium on the 7th street side (i think that's the street it's on). Good idea, failure on the execution.

Mike, it was 102 degrees here in muggy Houston yesterday and construction workers were still on the job, hats off to them. compared to that I think the workers there have it pretty cushy. I know it was cold in the winter and they were still out there but hard work warms you up and you can always put more on. on a side note does anyone else's computer seem to slow down when you get on this site? My computer does not like it for some reason

I'll second Arthur Bryants in KC. While you're there, go abot 3-4 blocks over and check out the Negro Baseball League Hall of Fame and Museum. Well worth the trip alone. I too loved Kauffman, and would like to go back and check out the renovations.

I have been absent from the site for over a week since I had to have surgery last Monday (6/15), but am now feeling much better. It was fun to catch-up and see how things have progressed of late!

Moose

Good to hear you are feeling better Moose.

I like the pedestrian bridge, for what it's worth. It is by definition an afterthought (since it wasn't in the original designs that were released) but I think they did an admirable job matching the design elements of the canopy. At least it looks nothing like the vast majority of skyways, which can be ugly.

Some clarification… According to my sources, the problem with the seats in right field is that the wrong grade of anchor bolts was used. All those seats need to be removed, the anchors need to be drilled out, and then new ones reinstalled. The seats in left field were installed today using the correct grade of anchor bolts

So, all the seats currently installed on the terrace level are being removed?

Eric in TX - it was 95 and very muggy here today - not exactly cushy to bang out an entire section of seats :) Also, I'm not sure if you've ever done anything in below freezing weather but it's not just a matter of staying warm. Your fingers don't work to handle tools, place screws, fish small pieces out of your toolbox. The cold hurts, and handling metal when it's cold hurts but it is necessary because you can't pick up screws and handle tools with thick gloves on.

Someone in the business can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm thinking any worker would rather deal with the current heat and humidity than work in the cold.

Jacquie

I have to say the gray bullseyes with the tan plaza concrete are pretty good. When they announced Target, I was envisioning huge red circles all over EVERYTHING.

it was 105 here today...I don't want to hear any of you complaining about 95 being hot. They're calling for 110 by the weekend - I suppose it's time to start wearing shorts :-|

Lafferty, will you be attending any of the games in Anaheim next month? I may be making the drive (only 5 hrs from my house).

Kevin - I don't want to start a controversy or anything but its not very humid in Arizona. It might have been 105 there today, but what was the dew point?

Did you have dew points in the 70's or did you simply have dry heat with dew points in the 30's and 40's?

I would take 105 (with low dew points) any day over 95 (with dew points in 60's and 70's).

I don't mind the heat one bit, its the humidity that drives me crazy.

"So if you see a drunk guy with short strawberry blonde hair wearing a blue home alternate michael cuddyer jersey, that would be me!"

NOBODY CARES....and referring to yourself as having strawberry blonde hair is kinda gay.

if they seriously used the wrong anchor bolts for that many seats before realizing it, then just wow! would like to meet the wunderkind who messed up on that one.

grain-o-salt guy: is that screw up going to cause any structural integrity problems with all of the concrete that has to be drilled out? certainly can't be good for it.

I accidentally posted this in the next oldest thread instead of this one, so here is take two.

The perceived arrogance by the Twins organization of late has not so much been a change of character as opposed to a return to longstanding behavior. The Twins were an extremely arrogant organization for many years and seemed to think that just being a Major League Baseball team and winning it all in 1987 and 1991 were enough and that no extra effort needed to be put forth in the name of creating good relations with the fans and improving their overall game experience. Even finishing dead last in MLB attendance each year from 1998 to 2000 (while not legitimately drawing more than 1,000,000 fans in 1998 and 2000 and only doing it in 1999 because of the Kirby Puckett bat/$99 season ticket promotion) didn't cure the team of this bad attitude. I think the on field success of the past 8 or 9 years created good will with a win starved public while the team simultaneously improved its PR and marketing along with its political savvy which previously could hardly have been worse. However since the people who were in charge during the dark ages largely still run the show, it only figures that the arrogance has returned in form of control freak tendencies regarding photos and information.
Just a couple of thoughts on the park itself...
Although the garbage burner has been discussed at length, does anyone else think that the nearby shelters and services for the homeless may also cause some issues with people down the line?
Do the lights above the Twins logo on the scoreboard throw the park too much off balance since they tower above the roofline?
Sorry to come off as such a moaner. I truly am excited for the new stadium and a trip to see Yankee Stadium and Citi Field earlier this month has only made me more enthusiastic.

click on my name for a minneapolis tribune story regarding the HERC site that is positive if you are one of us who would prefer to see the whole 1970's puesdo green science idea of burning garbage go away in minneapolis all together.

might this vote by the minneapolis planning commission opposing any increase in burning capacity at HERC be a positive first step towards the eventual shut-down of the HERC site altogether? we can only hope so!

now it is up to the hennepin county board to gracefully abide by the city of minneapolis' wishes on this matter and not try to push an appeal of their ruling.

was really glad to see this decision by minneapolis.

Conan

You obviously cared enough to make a post about it, however immature it may have been. And if describing my appearance is "gay" (way to be mature)then all hands on deck sailor boy!

well curious the dry heat is a crock of bull this time of year. It's dry Oct - May. Anyone who knows the sonoran desert climate knows about our summer monsoon. It is quite humid here from mid June - Sept. Yes dewpoints in the 70's with temps over 100 through much of July and August. I don't think the dewpoint was quite 70 today but it was warm, just the way I like it! But I'll take your humid summer over your frigid winter anyday...It's why I got the hell out of there.

Beta, I'm also glad to see that decision by Mpls. The Twins will need that extra burn capacity so they can throw middle relievers in there when they choke during the coming years.

kev - lol! i guess it could be useful for something?!

Drove around the stadium around midnight to see the sign lit up, got me more excited, as hot as it was today i wouldn't of minded a game tonight

Conan - Please don't use "gay" in a derogatory way like that. Some of us Twins fans happen to be gay, and using the word like that is hurtful and disrespectful.

I'm just glad we're done arguing about who has hotter weather and tougher construction workers. Let it die. Back to the ballpark.

For all of you coming down to my neck of the woods to see our favorite 9 play today you probably won't see the roof open all series. Miller Park has a very small band of temperature/humidity levels that it will open the roof and back panels for. I'm guessing that tonight it may be open but definatly not for tomorrow or Thursday's game. The first few seasons it was still a cool thing to open the roof just before game time to show it off but now they want it climate controled (as well as it can be at least) as much as possible. They even have to change the playing surface to a specific kind of grass because the field wasn't getting enough sunlight on it. They may as well just bolt it shut and install field turf!

holy paul bunyan bats those topiaries are tall!

fuckin a i was going to see some version of outdoor baseball,i really hope you are wrong eric! heh oh well it will still be fun to see baseball in anywhere else besides the dome

"Here's hoping that it will flash (between "Twins" and "win")"

Rick - Like the Met flagpole, you should get this done as well.

grandpa sports was doing his tired "we're gonna regret not having a roof" routine on the radio this morning. adjusted for the seasons of course, in this case because it's too hot for anyone to endure a baseball game outdoors. it's too hot, it's too cold, it rains...waaaaahhhh! i think milwaukee's a fun town and i like the brewers but i'll take a roofless ballpark to an airplane hangar any day.

looks like they are installing a Target Sign this morning... Check out webcam 1, just above the Metropolitan Club...

Kev, I'm going to try and make it down to Anaheim for the Twins series. Still need to get tickets though.

Let me know if you decide to go.

Webcam 2 is pretty worthless but zoom into the Metro Club and you can see some of the old Met colors inside.

i just received a "jobsite report" from my twins rep that was prepared last friday. it contains a bunch of neat pictures including:
-roof deck fire pit construction
-the last terrace level flood test
-home dugout stone installation
-metropolitan club millwork

it's in pdf format so i'm not sure the best way to share but i'll see what i can do.

Is there any update on how the Target Field sign installation is going? How big is the sign?

it's right on camera one. they just finished within the last few minutes. letters are about 6-10 feet tall - click link

has anyone taken pictures yet?

AC - do you have a Mac? If so, drag PDF's into Preview and "Save As" a .jpg. I believe those pics were posted on the website and linked here earlier though...

Annoying,
Are you sure that's not just your rep recycling the photos from the 6/22 update on the Twins Web site?

My wife is one of these people that complains about the heat once it reaches 80 (I just shake my head), but there are people that just need their A/C... The only two ballpark experiences where I felt that a roof was needed were in Texas. Ballpark @ Arlington was a bad experience for me just because it was 100+ and they had a capacity croud. You couldn't cool off, and it affected my enjoyment of the game (i.e., I didn't). The next day, I was in Houston at Minute Maid, and it was 100+, and I had a great time with the roof closed. MM may be the best of the retractable roof ballparks IMHO.

But outside those extremes (I think Phoenix, the two in Texas and the two in Florida need roofs), I don't see the point. You really can't convince me otherwise.

Moose

This weekend I had a bit of a suprise as my father tried telling me that it is a joke that they didn't make it retractable because sitting outsid ein 88 degree weatehr is too hot. I couldn't believe it. This is a guy that went to ball games when there was no seatbacks. Of course he argued with me when I told him that to date there may be one game that was postponed due to weather so far for the year.

It just amazes me that some people will completely destroy the game of baseball that is meant to be played outside so that they don't have to experience a bit of weather. I guess there just is no experiencing life as it is without having everything altered, changed, augmented, or controlled.

moda - For those types of people, there is a perfect solution: television.

As for me and my kind, I'll take the real thing.

Maybe it's time for a new thread then :)

Days like this were my favorite at Met Stadium. Sweltering heat and humidity. Usually I would have to chip away at the frozen solid frosty malt with the wooden spoon. Days like today you can let it sit for one inning and it's ready to eat.

I used to bring a bath towel to the game. Once through the turnstiles, I would go to the restroom sink and soak the towel with cold water. Stop by a vendor and ask them to put some ice on my towel...wrap it up and drape over my head. The ice melted kept the towel cold and wet and kept me cool. I also did this in KC in 2001 when the Twins played and the temp was over 100.

People can adjust to the elements. If those people are too afraid to do so, STAY HOME!

The roof conversation just reinforces how soft we've become up here in Minnesota with our skyways and domes.

What it really comes down to, and what Sid and others miss, is that it is about the game time atmosphere more than the temperature. And, the game atmosphere will be better in the open air of Target Field...as it will be in October at TCF Bank stadium.

People will come for the game time atmosphere. If they want to keep warm or cool, they'll go to the mall.

When did we get so soft? Honestly.

kevin, can we get some photo evidence of you wearing the ice turban?

Has anyone taken a picture of the TARGET FIELD sign yet?

Joe Mauer on the cover of Sports Illustrated. They calculate he is worth $38,000,000 to the Twins this year.

the pdf is in my e-mail and i need a way to publish it online; maybe i'll split each page into a standalone file and upload it to flickr...

it may be hot out there but i would gladly wear some shades and drink a beer in this sun.

there are also over 400 comments to this post. holy crap.

when the twins are kicking butt on interleague play on a friday next june, i will sweat with glee at target field as i nurse my $7 cold ones.

Another thing people need to consider when we are talking about these hot days....most of these games will be played in the evening when it's not so hot, anyways. Just last night I was sitting in my backyard and I was thinking to myself "what a great night to be sitting at the ballpark..."

It's funny how when people are talking about it being too cold, they bring up the "low" temperature and how cold it will be at night, but when talking about it being too hot it's the daytime high that gets brought up.

I've sat in a Nationals game (at RFK) in the middle of July. 99 degrees and humid. It was hot, it was wet, it was pretty miserable. No way in the world I would have wanted that game inside. We may have a game that uncomfortably hot here once every few years (probably less).

It's been my experience that most of the people b*tching about there being no dome watch the vast majority of the games from home...

Fred- i was totally thinking the same thing last night, it was a great night for baseball!

As someone said earlier, tomorrow was supposed to be the day all construction type equipment was going to be gone off the playing field. Well, it is pretty bare right now. No crane in sight!

Another big positive about building the park in the North Loop: NO BUGS!!! I haven't ever swatted a mosquito down here in the concrete jungle.

Some very cool Met Stadium colors inside the Metropoitan club.

Rick, speaking of concerns, do you plan on doing a follow up post regarding the glare from the skyscrapers?

I've had the good fortune to attend four games at Camden Yards. In all cases, I was traveling for business and was able to work a game or two into my itinerary.

In one case, it was a very early season game and the game time temperature was chilly - and I didn't have appropriate outerwear.

In another case, it was a classic swelter-fest: insufferably hot and humid.

In the other two cases, it was perfect weather.

The point is, I cherished all four of the experiences - and I experienced different aspects of the park due to the differing conditions.

On the cold day, I bought a hot chocolate and stayed hunkered down in my seat until I was shivering so bad I couldn't sit any longer. (As noted, I didn't have a proper coat.) I think I lasted about 6 innings.

On the hot day, I strolled out along Eutaw Street and sampled Boog's finest BBQ as well as a number of lemonades and other adult beverages. I also took more opportunities to get up and move around - finding shade where appropriate - than I normally do when attending a game.

It should also be noted that I'm not an Orioles fan and none of the games involved the Twins. But, I still had a great ballpark experience and wouldn't trade either of the two weather extremes (to say nothing of the perfect days) for an indoor, climate-controlled game.

For what it's worth, I also saw a game in the old Astrodome - I wanted to take it in before they tore it down. I wouldn't have bothered to go back.

But, I've been back, many times over to Kauffman - and can't wait to see their new renovations.

And, to top it off, I've even attended a mid-summer game in Phoenix - OUTDOORS - before they had the D'Backs. They had 'misters' and no bugs. It was a dandy experience. The daytime high was 105+ and I was perfectly comfortable at the evening game.

I concur with the viewpoint expressed above that people who want to watch baseball in a living room will still be able to do that - in their own living room on an HD picture that offers more angles and close-ups than you can get from ANY seat in ANY stadium.

But, if you want to see a game at the ballpark and get the ballpark experience, you do it outside. And you take your chance that you might get cold or hot or rained on or even rained out (or snowed on or whatever) in the same way you take your chance that you might get beer spilled on you, you might catch a foul ball - or get hit with one - you might get a boring blowout or you might get a spine-tingler, extra-inning affair. The random aspect is exactly the point of the experience. If you want a scripted, climate-controlled, exactly reproduceable experience, go to Disneyland for goodness sake. I guarantee you there's a fan just aching to fill your seat - and bake, shiver, snooze or cheer as they occupy it.

Just don't try to tell me that I can't enjoy a rain delay or a rain out or a cold day or a hot day or whatever. Extreme experiences often make for the best, most lasting memories. "Remember the time when we bundled up in parkas and long underwear and went to the Twins game..."

Life is about those kinds of peaks and valleys.

Then again, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong. After all, Disneyland is packed every day.

Here's a picture of the new signage

when are they going to finish the halo? (left field)

and why are they leaving the stone off in those black parts of the exterior in webcam 2...it looks stupid like they forgot to finish it or something

Deenels,

Those black parts will be covered in a different material.

On Cam 1, zoom in on the area above the Pro Shop. Those parts are already covered.

I expect that is the same material they will use on the elevator shaft connected to the Admin Building...

I drove past the sign on 7th street this afternoon. You can't even see the sign until you get past the skyway between Ramps A and B.

Thank you Target for the discreet signs.

I like the change Rick made - just the one article.
And also that he numbered the comments for each one.
The Target Field sign does look very nice. One question I have though, why is it a different font than what is used for the Target corporation?

Follow the link for the Target Field update sent out by my ticket rep last week.

looking at webcam 2, are they going to begin seat installation in the champions club?? theres something down there covered in a green and white tarp - or something...
and do they have to replace all the seats in the terrace level now - since they didn't get the anchors right??

Downfall I am not seeing anything.

I need some help, now with the lower level seats filling up fast and i still have 19 days until i pick, how far back in the lf bleachers would you say you would lose the sun? I need sun! and i want to stay on the lower level but not sure what is gonna happen

Anyone have pictures of the Twins sign lit up at night?

Liriano needs to be sent to AAA, and is it just me, or is Delmon Young one of the most akward looking Left Fielders in baseball history? He runs akward, and lets so many balls get by him, around him. Its ugly! Send Liriano down to AAA, and recall Swarzak!

vikeologist - i have to agree with your comments about delmond young's running abilities. it is almost like he can't find his center of gravity when he gets going and often looks like he is about to fall over. also, he does not seem to have very strong ankles - at least it appears that way when he runs. perhaps one of those examples of a guy who does all of his lifting, etc. up top and doesn't do any leg work while in the gym?! who knows.... :-)

that is exactly what it is...it looks like he can't put pressure on his ankles or feet, its like he is limping along...its really weird

agreed with 466, 467 and 468

Anyone?

groundbreaking stuff, guys.

ahhh i see how it is elston. well, would you care to contribute anything to the board tonight? other than snide remarks that is?! really, anything at all? i wait with baited breath. wink, wink. ;-)

I biked downtown to get that shot of the new sign. And here's some info regarding the Red alt Twins jersey that had been discussed here earlier this week.

oh, and Delmon looks like he's stomping grapes when he runs. haha.

The dairy queen jerseys need to stay dead....No need to revive them.

Does anyone know what day SI arrives in the mailbox normally? I just subscribed and am not sure if I'll get this issue or not. Thanks

Hi,

My name is Allan.

I'm excited to be part of this large and growing forum of great people and thankyou all for making me feel welcome. I just joined today.

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Greetings...

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