Awesome update... (you really reminded me of the spirit of early days on this blog. (I mean that in a good way))
I wonder why the twins chose to have roller hot dogs instead of grilled dogs like at other outdoor parks?!?
BTW.. I like all your posts rick!

^this post reminded me*^

Great post Rick! You nailed it. I had to keep reminding myself that the Twins play here. I think it will take a few games for it to sink in but it felt very right. For me, it felt like a perfect fit.

Terrific writing, Rick! Keep the photos and articles coming! I always look forward to coming to this site and am never disappointed.

Really enjoyed that Rick. What I would really like to hear from you now, is what really impressed you, and what disappointed you?

As always, another great addition, thanks Rick.

We are now 10 days away from the exhibition opener. The weather channel puts out a 10 day weather planner. As always, things can change but right now the forecast is for 60 degrees and Sun!

I've always been in the camp that first impressions are very important. What a great day for the Twins open the field. I wonder how many exhibition game fans will be getting their first look at Target Field? I had planned on either selling by Friday exhibition game or giving the tickets away, I may have to rethink that. What could be better than leaving work early, walking down the street and sitting in the sun and catching a ballgame? No jacket required.

Agreed and well stated. Personally I am still convinced that come April 12th we'll be heading down to the dome to watch the home opener. It really doesn't seem like it's here, it's just a traveling exhibition or something.

From that FOX9 news article below, it really does sound like Minneapolis is displeased with having Target Field. Lets not allow empty parking lots to be used, what the hell. R.T.'s idea is to park at IDS.

I've worked at the IDS building, it is the most expensive parking in downtown. Plus is not exactly a short walk to TF and you have to walk through one of the seedier areas of downtown, the intersection of 7th and Hennipen Any way we can pick up Target field and plop it down in Lowertown St. Paul or anywhere else?(I know St. Paul had its shot years ago, and they blew it)

Minnespolis does not deserve this ballpark. Hell they didn't even think about traffic until last month. Talk about procarstination. They probably should have taken the last two years to add on to the A, B, C, parking ramps, but no, they want to force people to use the light rail and bikes. Light rail convientent before the game but after a semi busy game it is a nightmare.

Sorry about the rant, that story just annoyed me a bit.

Thank you everyone for the pictures, I had to work last weekend and couldn't make it to the open house. I sent my parents in my sted, but they decided to take pictures like they were on vacation,with them in each of the pictures. Which is fine if the purpose for the pitcures wasn't to see the ballpark. I hope to make to the Gophers Game on Saturday and finally see this long needed venue for myself.

Great post and awesome writing rick, it does seem unreal, my whole life was the dome, but like you said it was never the twins, TF most deff is!

Duffman-

I agree 100%. Another thing, how much fun is it going to be to find parking during a mid-week day game when the ramps and other parking downtown will already be full with people who drive to work in the area? It'll be all the more frustrating to know that, while driving around searching for a spot, there will be a few lots north of TF that will be empty but the city won't let us park there.

Jeez, guys! You live in a city with other people. Deal with it.

Thanks for the Farrell's reference, Rick. That made a lot of us old-timers smile!

Badjuggler-

I get that, but what I don't get is the answer the City gave to the owners of the lots near the Farmer's Market. Their reasoning was, am I'm paraphrasing, "we already have more than enough parking". We'll see if that is true or not.

Great post Rick. My 1st game there will be April 16th. Me, my dad, my wife and my oldest (9) son. Section 326, skyline view. It will be pretty cool because I remember going to games at the Met with dad and now here we are 30 years later and I'm bringing my son and dad to outdoor Twins games.

The Star Trib had a picture this morning of a pair of red tailed hawks that have made their home behind the scoreboard. Reminds me of when I went to a game at TCF last fall and there was a bald eagle flying overhead. It doesn't get much more "this ain't the dome anymore" than that.

Thanks Rick.......I live 1200 miles from the twin cities and for now you are my best connection to Target Field. I can't wait to see it in person. Baseball for a lot of fans is about the game itself, cheering for the home team (our beloved Twins), and the ballpark experience. With Target Field, Twin fans can now truly say this is true. Rick's comments on this post reminds me what now Target Field brings to the Twins family......BASEBALL..“It is a leisurely game that demands blinding speed. The only game in which the defense has the ball. It follows the seasons, beginning each year with the fond expectancy of springtime, and ending with the hard facts of autumn. It is a haunted game, in which every player is measured against the ghosts of all who have gone before. Most of all, it is about time and timelessness. Speed and grace. Failure and loss. Imperishable hope, AND COMING HOME.” (author unknown)....Each time the Twins and Twins fans return to Target Field, they can now say they are back home that they can be proud of.

The article on Fox 9....
I can see where the city of Minneapolis is coming from. Growth around the dome never happened because people used the land as parking lots. Why spend the money to improve the land if you can put some lines on cement and charge 20$ to park. The same thing would happen around TF if lot owners were able to charge for parking. I would rather see condos, bars, resturants, shops....ect go up and not see a bunch of parking lots like the dome.

Great Post Rick!! Thanks again for everything!

Just used the MY TWINS TICKETS email transfer for the first time. Easy and seamless. Emailed Opening Day tickets to myself and printed them off.

Joe117--

Exactly. Parking lots are low-maintenance, but they would also kill the feel of the neighborhood.

Does anyone know what the plans are for the transit centers under "B" ramp? I never thought they were used, but they've been doing some pretty hefty improvements on the 394 on/off ramps. Charter bus drop off and pick up? Shuttle bus?

Duffman, really, Seventh and Hennepin isn't that bad. And with the budget shortfalls cities are facing, how exactly was Minneapolis supposed to come up with the money to expand parking facilities?

Really, all you need to do is take the light rail or the commuter train if you're worried about parking. It's not like parking during weekday games was easy at the Metrodome either. Lots of other cities deal with these issues and we will too.

The idea that somehow parking would have been less of an issue in St. Paul's Lowertown is a joke. There is more than enough parking in Minneapolis, especially considering the bike/walking paths and the mass transit options. Minneapolis is doing the right thing by encouraging more people to use mass transit.

IDS to target field is what 5 blocks? maybe you can grab a cab to avert your fears. we wanted an urban ballpark i thought. 7th & hennepin is seedy and i guess dt st paul is just milk and honey, streets paved with gold. surely they "deserved" the ballprk. mpls is a city like any other. with all the good and bad that comes with it. grab your blanky and get back under the covers. the park is in the center of the city, deal with it. i guess it's not the "right" city for some people, who continue to live in the past. there is a ton of parking downtown, more than enough. just look at the dome.

the city wanted the park and welcomes it. i guess you havn't been following the park progress enough to know city reps have been meeting regularly with all stakeholders involved for months to ensure things run smoothly.

Also, I just read that the Depot Tavern(attached to the 7th St. Entry) will be opening in May.

"“As we celebrate the long history of First Avenue, we will also be celebrating the opening of The Depot Tavern. Set to open in May, The Depot Tavern will be your neighborhood bar in downtown Minneapolis. The restaurant will offer what we believe to be the best burgers in town, along with grilled cheese sandwiches, hot dogs, french fries, cheese curds and more. With items such as “The Diamond Dog”, a ¼ pound all beef hot dog, wrapped with pepper bacon and deep-fried on a pretzel bun, the menu will appeal to concertgoers and Twins fans alike. It will be conveniently open during the day so you can enjoy lunch and purchase First Avenue merchandise and concert tickets even when the club is closed.”

So, basically a First Ave box-office/bar combo. That's good, because it's always a pain in the ass to get First Ave tickets AT First Ave. (Yes, I know this isn't directly ballpark related)

I wholeheartedly agree with Joe.

Perhaps one of these developers is looking to build additional ramps on top of or underneath new commercial structures. If I remember correctly, the building of the new inter-modal station on the opposite side of 5th will also include 1 (if not 2) additional ramps.

Surface parking lots are the suck.

Rick,
That was wonderful, needs to be picked up and ran as a story in the paper or somthing...

everybody

save yourself the hassle and just take the light rail for the first few games until we can all figre out the best spots...I am staying at a hotel downtown and will just park there (for a ton im sure) but for the other games i will prob park at old huberts, get the 20 dolla deal (10 in food & bev and a lrt pass) to park there...

still no season tix , and the dirst game is 10 days away, my rep said monday they all will be out this week but i know that is bullshit

Rick,

speaking of surface lots, is the Rapid Park lot that advertises here going to allow Tailgating if one wants to? look perfect for it.

no need for a debate to start about tailgating, just asking rick. we all know where everyone stands on this subject.

Chad, that sounds awesome, i usually like buying at the club cuz even like fetus, treehouse etc have an extra fee, but it sucks always having to wait for a show, but this will be nice

I received my SRO Rooftop tickets yesterday, and while that's not that interesting by itself, I thought what was interesting was that they were labeled with section(329), Row(E?) and seat numbers. Oh, and the fees amounted to 40% of the ticket price.

Awesome.

Good Lord Duffman you make a fine whine with all those sour grapes.

I understand that Ron Coomer will be opening a new pub down near the ballpark...forgive me if it's already been discussed, but does anyone know what the name will be and where it will be located?

Wow, such hate,

I said 7th and Hennipen was seedy not overly dangerous, poorly lit, people milling around with no place to go, massive amounts of panhanding, people sitting at bus stops, when there are no buses running. I beleive that qualifies as seedy. I have zero problems walking around down there, like I said I used to work down there, (security). I would have a problem with my mother or girlfriend walking around down there after a night ballgame.

The main point of my little rant was that Minneapolis wasn't exactly welcoming Target Field to their city. TF is an asset that will draw in more tax revenue for the city, yet they haven't done one thing to make it easier for people to get to the ballpark.

Right now the major north loop development is stalled because of financing, not because people want to use the parking lots that are there for parking. I am a fan of development, but how much more do you need around TF, the warehouse district is mostly developed. Condos will not be built for sometime, due to the market, so why not let people park in parking lots that are already there?

Maz - where did you hear about that Hubert's deal? I am strongly considering parking in the Metrodome area and walking/taking light rail to avoid all of the chaotic congestion/confusion that will be present down in the Target Center/Target Field area.

If I don't park down in the Metrodome area, I will find some $5/$10 surface lot 3-8 blocks from Target Field and just walk.

I'll just walk to the park -- from my house. Sorry to rub it in, I can't help myself...

Rick, that was a great piece of writing. BRAVO!

Also, I'll post a flyer shortly for the Opening Day BBQ. The event has really grown and we have all kinds of fun prizes and giveaways!

I think I might park by the Dome and either walk on a nice day or take the light rail. All those lots by the Dome would be cheaper and easier than parking by Target Field, right?

Could not be more excited to go to the Gopher game Saturday - I feel like one of my fourth graders I teach - wide eyed and totally excited!! It will be my first look!! I can't wait tot see the green grass!! Thank goodness for Rick - another great post.

Forecast for Saturday could be better, but only a 20% chance of rain and 50's isn't as bad as March 27th could be. I just hope the small threat of rain will not force this game to the Dome - I would be crushed.

When are the statues going up? Those seem to be the last big "decorations" to be installed.

Fantastic post again Rick!

You've really gotten at the heart of why baseball is great at this level.

One reason why I'm both super excited about TF but yet still nostalgic about the Old Met, there was so much room to tailgate, break out a grill, a frisbee, and whatever else before a game. Then just walk up to the gate.

Understanding that this is a new era in pro sports, wide open parking spaces seems to be a thing of the past. I am ever more grateful for those days. That's probably the ONLY thing I can really say that TF is lacking, abundant outdoor parking around the park that allows tailgating.

You can park in the Star Tribune lots for only $5...They were handing out flyers promoting this during Twinsfest.

You couldn't pay me enough money to park in the A, B, and C ramps. Trying to negotiate the way out afterwards along with 7,000 or so cars is going to be very tough, especially in such close proximity to the ballpark and all the pedestrians, some of whom will likely not be following the rules of traffic. It'll be even worse during the early part of the season when people are still figuring out directions and their overall gameday routines. I have a secret parking spot or two that might be a bit of a walk, but will provide an easier exit for going home time. What I most look forward to is biking to the games and avoiding parking and traffic hassles altogether.

Is the sofit under the awning wood?

Fred I think you are confusing Coomer wtih Roy Smalley, which Champps in Butler Square is changing into a restaurant named after him.

On a side note, in the Townball Tavern last Sunday an employee was trying to tell me about the drinks in there being fair priced. I mentioned Smalley's opening and he asked me "Who is Roy Smalley?"...

DVS--

What's a fair price for them? Anything under $7.50 for a bottle of Summit? Were there places selling taps of anything other than Bud/Bud Light? I didn't see 'em.

DVS - I think Coomer is opening a place too. He was on with Barreiro recently and they talked about opening his new establishment. That was the first time I had even heard of Coomer opening a place.

There was a concession stand on the plaza (just inside gate 34) that had Michelob Golden Light taps. Brews of Twins Territory stands also had Mich Golden on tap, at least the one I stopped at on Sunday.

I've seen a ton about the food offerings at TF. Any articles on what brews will be offered throughout the park?

Walked around the park last night and they are installing brackets all around the outside of the limestone. It looks like they will hold giant banners... maybe 25-30 feet tall.

DVS-

Coomer was on AM-1500 (I think that was the station) talking about opening his own bar.

Hey - you guys forget that Coomer was an All-Star!! :)

And there is no way possible that I would confuse Roy Smalley with Ron Coomer. It would be easier to confuse Kent Hrbek with him then it would be to confuse him with Smalley.

Someone posted this link for parking options last week.

Check it out, they list a few options.

2 blocks away for $12 per game
5 blocks away for $5 per game
11 blocks away for $3 per game

they actually break it out per full, 40 and 20 game plans, so you only purchase the games you need. The problem, I found is that they first two options to not provide parking for day games. Those are the ones that I am most concerned about.

The $3 option is the HCMC ramp next to the metrodome. I wonder what the game day price will be there?

Click the link to check it out.

Maz is about to go ninja on some city council members. Lisa Goodman, lock your doors.

Unknowntwinsfan:
That quote is most often attributed to Ken Burns. It was part of the narration for his PBS "Baseball" series.

My personal favorite, however, when pondering the "fond expectancy of springtime and the hard facts of autumn" has to be 'The Green Fields of the Mind' from A Great and Glorious Game: Baseball Writings of A. Bartlett Giamatti. Best read aloud, it has served as a bit of balm in recent years after those miserable postseason series losses to the Skankees.

Thanks, Rick, for the great post. The Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor reference was spot on for this aging boomer. (Trouble is, though TF is not wallowing in a re-created past, we're also talking Cold Stone Creamery pricing, eh?)

Does anyone know about rates for the ramp just to the south or east of Hennepin on 5th Street. Different downtown maps I look at (Bing,Google) don't have a link to this ramp. On the north side of the ramp across Sixth is the Central Library. I don't know who manages it, but I noticed it today and figure it is 4-5 blocks from TF and might be a possibility.

There are a few ramps within (maybe) three or four blocks of the ballpark that I think would be optimal; especially if you're heading south or east. The Radisson Arcade ramp, for sure (exit on 8th St. and head up LaSalle or east towards 94). If you know where you're going, it's not that bad.

Oh, and 7th & Hennepin has been "seedy" for eons. Nothing new there, except there's a cop shop in Block E now for those who may be other wise dissuaded to spending time down there.

Wow, Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour is still around. Who knew? Four locations left in SoCal and Hawaii of all places.

Sorry about that Fred I was unaware. I think Coomer might have another restaurant in another state too?? (Illinois??) I haven't heard anything about it though, although I hope they sell authentic merchandise there because I have been on a quest to buy a Coomer jersey for some time now.

The prices were like $8 for a cocktail and $7 and change for beers. The cocktails were tiny as well. I almost laughed in the guys face before he told me he didn't know who Roy Smalley was. I drank a few Mich Golden Lights on Saturday. Sad to say the 2 beers at the stands outside my seats are Bud Heavy and Miller Lite...my two least favorite beers. Awesome.

It'll be interesting to see the shake out and turnover of bars and restaurants opening near Target Field after the 2010 season. With few exceptions, no business attracts more people with big dreams and good intentions, but no experience or knowledge of how to run things, than bar and restaurant ownership. Some of these places are going to see boom times and some of them are going to lose their shirts in a big way.

The last Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor that I recall in the TC-area was near Brookdale Mall....I don't even remember when it shut down, I just know it was a while ago.

Crookdale Mall...

They have the same thing going here in Denver. The Westminster mall has about 25% capacity right now...and you better be packing if you still want to shop there.

I wouldn't blame Farrell's for closing down that location.

What is so bad about the walk to TF from the IDS parking garage? Whenever I'm in town and attending events at any of the DT Theatres or Target Center, I always park in that garage, eat at Basils (they validate the parking stub) walk to the event, walk back to my car and leave without paying for parking.

It's also very important for the city to keep most of the people to the east of the ballpark. Why? So they will patronize the establishments which have been hurting so badly during this down economy. The establishments wouldn't be hurting nearly as bad if the T-Wolves were worth a shit and drew more than flies to their games. This ballpark is going to bring so many people DT and revive all of the Hennepin Ave, Nicollet Ave, 1st Ave establishments.

I understand your opposition Duffman. It's kind of nice to not have to park in a garage and sit in line for what seems like an eternity in order to exit, but the concrete blight is something Mpls needs to get away from.

I can't wholly agree with Rick's perception of Oriole Park and its disciples. I find nothing wrong with using architecture to hearken back to the past. I don't think it makes these stadium any less of genuine ballparks. TF isn't more authentic because it uses limestone or glass. People liked these parks when they opened because they didn't look like the civic center across the street; in other words, they were aesthetically refreshing. They weren't "old school," they had the latest amenities like Fenway did back at the turn of the last century. And, even today, they are still the more popular ballparks around (Baltimore, San Fran, Denver, etc.). It's because people like them. Nothing more, nothing less. It's a very big stretch to say these ballparks fail at being contemporary, or that they are nothing more than vessels for a baseball team.

If Rick was going for a subjective, "oh gosh, we have the best ballpark in the land" post, then he did a great job. (It brings a tear to the eye to say the Twins ARE Target Field.)But if he was trying to give an objective argument, then it just doesn't hold up, IMHO.

Plus, there are plenty of things at TF that hearken back to the past, starting with the humongous celebration sign. Looking backward isn't a bad thing.

TTH it isn't the design principles... it's the straight up cheeseyness and trying to make them look "Old". That and it would be one thing if it were one maybe two but we are talking an era of building that followed the same boring principle. At least taht's how I see it.

moda, I would debate that they look "cheesy" but I understand your point.

Slowey was once again dominant today in his start, and Jacque went deep for a two run bomb. I really wish Jacque actually had a chance to make this team, because I feel he has earned it. He would be better in center than Cuddyer when Span is getting a break, and he has shown this spring he is better at hitting major league pitching than either Tolbert or Casilla.

DVS - I am surprised they are selling Miller Lite at Target Field considering Budweiser's big sponsorship deal.

Don't know if this has been posted or not but the ballpark authority website has a new photo update and video update. The video includes some pretty good video clips of the wind veil at night.

This from Jim Caple at ESPN (I hope the formatting works):

• Joe Mauer's contract extension is probably only a surprise to Boston and New York fans who couldn't imagine the catcher playing anywhere but their cities next season. But Mauer, a St. Paul native, is as much a part of Minnesota as Frances McDormand's accent in "Fargo" and I always assumed he would re-sign there. What is difficult to come to grips with is the Twins' signing a player without using an IOU. I mean, the Pohlads are paying a player $184 million? On top of an $80 million contract for Justin Morneau? A payroll near $100 million? Seeing the Twins spend money like this is as strange as hearing a talk radio host saying, "Actually, I don't know the answer to that. So let's call up an impartial authority to explain all sides of the issue." Pity the Pohlads couldn't have felt this generous when it was time to decide whether to include a retractable roof on their new ballpark.

You just have to smile when people say stuff like that :) I think our own luke could teach Caple a thing or two on this subject!

Four blocks down 6th street (at 2nd ave S) is the Northstar Center ramp. $6 parking if you are in after 4pm and out before 2am. Rack up a bill of $20 at Dan Kelly's across the street and they will comp your parking. This is my plan every single game I go to...granted I work in the Northstar Center so it's a little easier. Just saying there are many easy, existing options that will benefit existing and trying businesses in downtown.

Also I believe the city of Minneapolis collaborated with the county and the BPA to fix up the streets surrounding the park to benefit both the pedestrian and the driver. I think it is short sighted to say the city doesn't care about having this ballpark.

Budweiser Roof Deck tickets are popping up on CL now, some for $60--for the SRO tickets! I went up there for 5 minutes on Sunday, and from my short time looking around, the only way you can reliably watch the game is if you're in the first row of the bleachers, or if you're one of those people that get to the stadium door 5 hours early and run to the railing when doors open, like they do for SRO at Cowboy Stadium.

Did I miss an LCD tv or 13 hidden somewhere? I only noticed the 4 above the small bar.

19 days to go, yet someone needs to tell the great ballpark minds at ballparks.com (Munsey and Suppes) that the Metrodome no longer should be in the Present section of American League ballparks, and Target Field should no longer be in the future section. Atleast Ballparksofbaseball.com got it a good couple months ago.

Anybody know about parking on the side streets on 5th Street N and also 4th Street N just north of the ballpark? Looks like no meters. Also there is a brand new Holiday Gas Station store on the corner of 5th Street and 6th ave that I'm sure will do a brisk business for munchies on game days. I also see lots of lots by the Farmers Market. Since they can't charger I wonder if you can just park there?

Yeah, Like it wouldn't snow in Boston or the Bronx (The Yankees and Red Sox second flagship Television station is ESPN) in April people in the "national sports media" need to get a clue.

Haha, thats a nice shot of me in front of the stadium tribute wall in the Ballpark authority webpage. Its like the 4th or 5th in.

My thought process..."Der, is dat picher a good one? I better check."

Chad, they had Summit Extra Pale at the Twins Pub on the terrace level last Sunday.

Link to the Ballpark Authority March slideshow. I can't see enough pictures, angles, and everything having to do with Target Field!

So I was at the opening house this last weekend, loved every minute of it! One thing that I was disappointed about however was the fact that they had Pepsi instead of Coke at the concession stand where I bought my jumbo dog from. No big deal in the grand scheme of things but I always loved the Coke at the dome. So my questions is is did anyone find any concession stands that had Coke instead? That would be nice to find out where so I can grab a Coke at the games instead of Pepsi, Thanks.

Coke or Pepsi will all taste the same if ya put a little rum in it!! I suppose you could put that rum in a water bottle to look like its just water when going into the game? They don't smell the plastic water bottles do they? LOL!

Uh oh....weather.com is predicting a 60% chance of precip on 4/2.....It's still a ways out yet, let's hope the forecast changes for the better.

Well I will be pounding the beers most of the time but I don't know if anyone else can agree with me on this but the fountain Coke at the dome was way better than Coke anywhere else and I always had to have at least one everytime I was there. I don't know maybe I am just being crazy about it but I always suspected that they added more syrup than everyone else and that is what lead to the better taste but that is just a guess.

It's all Pepsi at Target Field. I do agree that the Coke at the Dome tastes good though.

What's the best route to walk all the way around the outside of TF?

I was hoping to get from around the transit station over to the main plaza, but once you get to the SE corner of the park at Gate 3 it appears that heading SW you'd be walking onto a ramp to 394, requiring either a long walk out of the way to the SE, or maybe cutting throught Ramp B...??

Could anyone detail a favorite around the park walk?

I concur. The Coke at the Dome was like crack. Even better when they had the small "crushed" ice as opposed to the cubes of recent years.

Rick: Just outta curiousity, how many and which ballparks have you been to across the country? This post was well-written (as always), but like my pal TTH said I don't agree entirely...

Not sure if anyone saw/heard, but they had a quick test of the pyrotechnics today. Red fireworks coming out of the main videoboard. It was just a few, but pretty cool to see.

One comment regarding parking, I'm surprised to see Ramp A nearly full today as part of the basketball tourney. If it's full for HS hoops, chances are pretty good parking will be a nightmare on game days.

(Note I have a good view of both TF and the roof of Ramp A because my office looks out over TF).

Yes, I completely agree, the "crushed" ice was way better, I had almost forgotten about that.

schweady--

You can walk around the Promenady(back of TF), or you can walk up 5th St(towards 1st Ave) and take a right on 2nd Ave, cross 6th St and walk up the stairs at Target Center right up to the Plaza. 3rd Ave is now a 394 on-ramp only.

The first way is much easier.

I am also curious where the bucket drummers will set up shop. I am assuming the plaza, but maybe they will be relegated to the promenade.

Some random thoughts:
(1) Wonder what the red-tailed hawks think of the pyro shows. Sure hope they tough it out; I think that adds character the park right away.
(2) Are there any plans for activity on the promenade? I walked around looking for bike racks after the OH on Saturday, and with no west-facing entrances, it seems to be a lot of wasted space. Cager (one of the drummers) sure would want a spot with more traffic than that.
(3) Where is northstar access? An older couple was wandering the promenade looking for it, and there was a sign pointing south on the promenade from the LRT station, but that didn't seem right.

fiesta - the "Target Field Station" (attached to the stadium right next to Gate 6) is how you access the Northstar platform. You enter some doors on the main level, and you're in a big room with a giant star hanging on the ceiling (see the MBA update above). Stairs/escalators take you down a level from there, and you exit right onto the Northstar platform.

thanks, expectorate. Next time I see confused folks walking up the promenade, I can point them in the right direction.

Has anybody heard for sure if they are hanging banners down there? Do you think they will be strictly for the first few games or do you think they are year long things? Either way I am sure they will look great. Every little addition has been top notch.

Another parking option is U.S. Bank Plaza. You enter on 5th street. Could be as cheap as $5 after 4pm. Then just walk down 5th street to the ballpark.

I didn't see the Fox9 report on Minneapolis not being happy, but this is hardly a surprise. Mayor Rybak did absolutely NOTHING to get TF built yet he was at the bill signing at the Dome w/ Pawlenty in '06 and I have no doubt that he'll find a way to show up at TF on OD even though he had NOTHING to do with the building of the facility. Avoids his constituents before the election, but will make his way to TF and 40,000 on OD. What a fraud, but I digress.

Those of you who had the Murray's steak sandwich, was it on a plain bun or was it on a special bun? Fan Guide says it's served on a fresh ciabatta roll from the Franklin Street Bakery.

K

Rybak aka the boy mayor is a major league buffoon!

Look on the bright side: at least our mayor didn't stop the ballpark from being built. That's more than enough for any politician to take credit for. And Rybak could very well be our governor by the end of the year...

Looks like they pulled the plug on the "Target Field World Premiere."

I guess the $750 per ticket was not what the market would bear! LOL! And Rybak our Gov? Hide your wallets and run for your lives!!!!!

Is there going to be a Leine's lodge anywhere in the ballpark?

Yet another food-related press release...Lunds and Byerly's Wild Rice Soup

Love that soup!

Did I hear somewhere that one of the first few games of the season had the game time changed? Something makes me think it was the 4/2 Cards exhibition game but I can't remember. I am probably blowing smoke but something triggers that in my mind and I would like to get it straightened out. Does anyone know or recall anything? Or am I just blabbering?

Yes, they are for sure hanging very tall banners down the side of the building on the promenade. They were just installing the supports when I was down there about noon.

Also noticed they were fixing the inanimate wind veil.. shingles. And putting up the etched glass for the tradition wall.

Mayor Rybak did absolutely NOTHING to get TF built yet he was at the bill signing at the Dome w/ Pawlenty in '06 and I have no doubt that he'll find a way to show up at TF on OD even though he had NOTHING to do with the building of the facility.

Meh...it's not something I can get worked up about. Who knew politicians would act in their self-interest?

Look: a major component of building this ballpark was that the parking infrastructure was largely in place. Ergo, there was much more emphasis on alternative methods of transportation to get there. The Met Council, with the city's blessing, extended the Hiawatha line down there. Every other LRT line that's being planned this decade will have it's terminus there. The bike trails/racks. Hell, even the plaza for walkers! It's all there to accommodate almost every living being that would possibly want to attend a game. That is no small feat, no matter how you parse it.

Terrific article Rick.

Although I've only seen the Twins at the Metrodome, I never considered it their home. They were like kids living with their parents because they had no place of their own.

Now they have a great home of their own and the parents are a wee bit jealous. :)

"Yet another food-related press release...Lunds and Byerly's Wild Rice Soup"

mmmmmmm......Now THAT sounds good. Even better if it's served in a bread bowl.

Chad,
I found (& enjoyed) a Summit PA, Schell's Dark & Finnegan's.

Forgive me everyone if this has been discussed. But looking at Rick's pic, fourth from the bottom (The LF Bleacher one with the "339" in view), didn't they paint the Twins logo on the wall right around there? I don't remember seeing it last Saturday either...

Thanks Chad,
I figured that would be the way to go, walking around the back side counter-clockwise, but didn't think the promenade had much visual (or olfactory) promise. But suppose I'm gonna want to see it sometime... So, is there a place to walk across 5th St and the light rail tracks around the north corner of the ballpark (about where 4th Ave would be)? and is the promenade at street level, or do we need to go inside and up somewhere? Suppose I could go look at some models... I just don't recall any pictures posted of the promenade side.

Speaking of the promenade...if the Twins are thinking of putting in a playland with fun little rides for the unruly munchkins who can't sit still...THAT would be the place to do it.

First Ave's Depot Tavern to open in mid-May, according to the Strib:

"After many delays the Depot Tavern is set to open in mid-May. First Ave general manager Nate Kranz has said he wants the Depot to be a neighborhood bar in downtown. Expect burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches and cheese curds. Watch out (literally) for the “Diamond Dog,” a quarter-pound all-beef hot dog wrapped in pepper bacon and then deep-fried on a pretzel bun (yikes!). The burger-and-beer joint should help the club capitalize on all the new Twins business."

Promenade is at street level. I think that you can cross the LRT tracks there on the north side, and it meets 7th street on the south. And, Fred, since it's outside the ballpark altogether, don't think it would be a promising kiddieland.

Jared - I beleieve that the times for both the April 2 and 3 games were changed, but that was months ago right after they were first announced.

fiesta-

The fact that the promenade is outside of the park is PRECISELY the reason why it would make a good playland. That kind of thing doesn't belong IN the ballpark itself. I've heard talk of them possibly putting one on the roof of the parking ramp beyond center field, that's FURTHER outside the park than the promenade is...and who knows, maybe the Twins can open up some sort of entrance onto the promenade that would allow for re-entry back into the park for families who wish to tire out their kids on a kiddie-ride then come back in for the game.

Otherwise, I see the promenade as a huge waste of space.

Rick:
Is there any way to search for key words on this incredibly informative, but huge, site?

oops. sorry. I just noticed the search box up there. Yea!

“It is a leisurely game that demands blinding speed. The only game in which the defense has the ball. It follows the seasons, beginning each year with the fond expectancy of springtime, and ending with the hard facts of autumn. It is a haunted game, in which every player is measured against the ghosts of all who have gone before. Most of all, it is about time and timelessness. Speed and grace. Failure and loss. Imperishable hope, AND COMING HOME.”

A romantic quote, but for some perspective... In the game of Cricket the defense has the ball. Cricket is also older and has many more fans globally. The above quote could, in many ways, be applied to any sport given the fan is passionate (which I believe you to be). Here is to ringing in the new and ringing out the old. Target Field 2010.

Thanks Clublevelfan-
Do you remember what the game times were changed to? The Twins website currently says game time is 5pm for the 4/2 game. I thought it was earlier in the day. But I am probably just mixing confusions with another of my events the same weekend and the fact that the exhibition was changed from 7pm to 5pm...

Cool video about the making of the tradition wall. See Link

So seeing already people looking up the forecast for the exhibition game a stupid question came to me. I have visited 20 stadiums and most of them have a local weather person come on and give the forecast for the game. Anyone know if that is the case? Like I said just a stupid thought that I had today.

Jincr - it will probably be the FOX 9 weather guys since My29 is the Twins over-the-air partner and is the sister station to KMSP.

And speaking of weather....Did anyone catch the premier of the new Twins commercial tonight on FS North? Pretty hilarious and was surprised to see Bud Grant of all guys in the commercial.

Now we know what they were filming when we saw the group of people on the plaza in January/February.

So it's gonna be Ian Leonard? Awesome. (thick sarcasm)

Great post Rick!

I think everyone that is concerned about parking should drive to Big Lake, grab the Northstar, and come back into town. There is plenty of park and ride space up there. Problem solved! Seriously, this is absolutely no different than when they were in the dome, just on the other side of downtown. I used to park all the time up in the warehouse district and take the 50 cent train to the Dome. Now, just reverse it. There will be plenty of meters/$5 lots down near the dome, and just take the train up the road.

I agree that I will NEVER park in the A/B/C ramps for a game, unless I plan to leave in the 7th inning. I never parked in the ramps within 4 blocks of the dome either.

The City of Minneapolis has no money, and a dysfunctional governing system. They also sold many of their city owned ramps, so they won't even benefit from the activity.

Someone run the numbers on the stadium: Hennepin County: $XXX, Twins/Pohlads: $XXX, Target Corp.: $XXX, City of Minneapolis: $XXX, State of MN: $XXX. I think you'll be able to see reasonably functioning organizations from those that are not.

The only issue I see with taking the LR from the metrodome is going to be that the people taking it from MOA and Ft. Snelling are going to make it a full train by the time it makes it to the dome. The issue I am seeing with Northstar is looking at some of the schedules you better watch the clock or you might miss the ride back.

Wow Farrell's Ice Cream Parlour home of the zoo I remember that right along with Cicero’s Pizza the musical eatery that was in the same area.

Ron Coomer does have A diner called Coomers thats in his hometown of Crest Hill, Illinois.

If you are coming from the west, park at 394/Hopkins Crossroad, and take an express bus to and from the game. Only $5.25 round trip, free parking, and they arrive downtown underneath the A Ramp.

With Slowey's performance today, Twins starting 5 for spring training is: 8W, 0L, 65IP, 1.38ERA, 42H, 55K, 12BB, .83WHIP. Liriano is the only one of the five with an ERA over 2.00 at 2.70.

I use to carry the zoo and bang the birthday drum at the Farrelll's at Old Shakopee Rd and 35W. Now where did I leave my styrofoam straw hat?

I've got a feeling we are going to win a World Series this year...

No, but at least it will be Twins vs. Rockies. :)

And Twins win it in 6...

Umm ... if the answer is NO, then it can't be Twins in 6.

Rockies in 7. And I'll be at every game. :)

Charcoal grilling like at Hammond Stadium?

I've not heard anything here or anywhere else that would suggest this. Fresh grilled brats and dogs over charcoal is powerful stuff.

I'd spend my last $5 for one.

Pictures of a few of the promos are now up at the Twins site. The homer hanky is a new edition - it would be nice if they did a good job on the OD cert. as well. The bobblehead is a rehash of a retail piece that was floating around a couple of years ago. Mini TF looks pretty much like junk in the pic - maybe better in the flesh.

Rockies in 7 ??!!??
lol

I knew what the bobblehead was going to look like because it was in the fan guide they handed out during the open houses.

Seeing the Mini Target Field makes me regret buying tickets to that game. It's nothing like the other two.

I love your Target Field site. I check it everyday because the Twins do a lousy job on their site. I love your passion and constancy for the structure. I know it is not much but I donated a beer's worth to your cause. Thanks for the hard work.

Beer is on me.

Here is a link to the newest Twins commercial.

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/fan_forum/commercials_2010.jsp

I love the Twins commercials.

Yeah, I've got 6 tix for 4th of July and M&P bobble. Would look sorta cute alongside my 1963 bobble, but after seeing it I'm wondering if it's worth lining up early.

Mayo Clinic, Minnesota Twins team up to improve health in Twins Territory

Mayo Clinic and the Minnesota Twins have announced they will work together to improve the health of people living in Twins Territory. Mayo Clinic will present the exhibition series as the Twins play their first games at Target Field on Friday, April 2, and Saturday, April 3.

“Mayo Clinic is excited to work with the Minnesota Twins,” says John Noseworthy, M.D., president and CEO, Mayo Clinic. “By teaming up with the Twins, we share ways for fans to improve their own health and remind fans throughout the region that Mayo Clinic is close to home so that, if you or a family member is faced with a serious health condition, we can help you find the answers you need.”

In addition to the exhibition games, Mayo Clinic will provide on-site health screenings and educational events before Twins home games, pregame interviews with Mayo Clinic physicians on health topics, and other collaborative efforts throughout the 2010 regular season.

“The Twins are proud to build a relationship with Mayo Clinic to encourage people throughout Twins Territory to maintain and enhance their health,” says Dave St. Peter, Twins president. “We are excited to work together with another Minnesota organization with such a strong tradition of excellence, teamwork and success.”

Yeah, the Mini TF looks like junk... Guess I'll be selling the roof deck tickets I bought for that game...

Target Field fashion show?!

http://www.alishopsblog.com/2010/03/target-field-fashion-shoot.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AliShopsShoppingBlog+%28AliShops.com+Shopping+Blog%29

I don't know if its been asked, but does anybody know if the Gopher game will be on tv?

Who is going to want to eat chili and soup when it's 85 degrees in July?

Does anyone exactly how the roof deck works? My group has 14 SRO tickets for May 8th, but I've also heard that you may need a regular ticket in addition to this. Is that correct or will the SRO ticket suffice and get us in the door and to the deck?

Thanks

Jakers--

From what I understand, that's how the initially thought it would work, but they've made no mention of that recently, nor did the Twins tickets site make any mention of needing to piggyback the SRO tickets on top of another game ticket.

From what I saw on Sunday, there's no way I'd leave a paid-for seat to get up on the Roof Deck, and not be able to see anything but the giant scoreboard.

The bartender at Huberst told me that deal during Twinsfest,

Thanks Rick, that sucks but im ok with it if i dont have a moral problem sneaking in a pint of hennesy to a game I dont have a prob setting up a lil cheap weber under a bridge somewhere until i get told to leave...

i emailed the rapid park lot, 20-35 bucks to park there depending on day/night/weekend ect..

are they serious?

thats insaine there is no way i will park there its down by the dome baby!

I have a half-season package and am very excited that I have the first Angels home game of the year, because...

Can you imagine what it's going to be like for Torii Hunter? He's not going to believe his eyes when he steps onto that field. It will be fun to see his reaction.

oh and still no season tix... WTF

awesome, thanks Chad.

I figured the view was going to be pretty bad, but I just want to get up there and try it out. For $14, its not a bad deal either.

I think they are on to your ninja activities from last year Maz. Maybe you are banned from the ballpark for a year!

"Please take the fries off my head, kid. The basket is extremely hot." --Moe Szyslak

so the law for scalpers, is they can't sell much more then face value right? So in everyone's opinion, how many do you think actually follow it? I was thinking of going to random games throughout the summer, and would rather do it without stub hub. Although the tickets i got for April 14th were the first stub hub tickets i have seen that price wasn't super bad, only other game i bought from stubhub was 163 and they were cheap seats and were $70 each!

sorry for the double post but: "HERE YOU GO, HERE I AM. UNCLE MOE! THANK YOU MA'AM! THIS'LL BE A TREAT! UNCLE MOE, HERE I AM WHILE YOU EAT.......(insert Deepee's post)" That is all

Sooj: Without going into too much detail you are incorrect. The State of MN made it legal to sell tickets above their face value approximately 2-3 years ago.

oh ok! Thanks max, yeah i wasn't sure, is there a limit to how much over face, they can sell for? Well i do plan to use TC traders, so that might be the better route, but there is the possibility of when I'm just walking around downtown and decide hey I'll go to the game. I do have to say the one good thing with the dome (and probably the good thing about it) was you could do just that!

Scalpers ("ticket agents") get whatever the traffic will bear - and now do so legally. It will be interesting to see how it goes at the new park. I'm wondering if maybe everyone and his uncle has been buying all the tickets they can in anticipation of huge profits and that maybe the scalpers have overbought. What I'm getting at is what street prices will be just prior to any given game in relation to what we are now seeing on Stub, etc. Another factor is how many "new" faces there will be on the street and how many of them will be more predatory and less honest than what people have experienced in the past.

Mazaratirick, I would call your season ticket rep and ask him to track the tickets for you. I am sure they would be happy to do it.

The Twins just released a few more seats to the Wednesday 4/14 game. I was able to pick up some row 1 seats in the right field bleachers (section 136).

I realize they may be partially obstructed views for parts of the outfield, but I can't complain since its row 1.

Do you think TC Traders will be populated with people trying to make a profit on tickets or just get tickets to somebody who can use them? I'm not opposed to people making a profit but looking at stub hub the profit margin is pretty big, atleast for now. Granted some of that money goes to stub hub.

*should be section 139, not 136

Maz - call your rep... mine came the week after I made my final payment.

Mike,

At the open house I looked at those seats. I think you will be ok in row one. I think most of the obstruction comes when you are farther back in those sections.

If I'm remembering right, the lower the seat number, the more it is obstructed. I think the numbers get bigger as you go towards home. Also, like Joe said, row 1 isn't as bad as row 2 and so on.

I took a lot of obstructed view photos and took notes, but it'll be a long time before I look at my camera again. I know I do have pictures sitting in row 1, first seat next to the concrete wall. It was a big obstruction, but not as bad as row 2 and further back.

Yea I should mention that it didn't really matter if the State of MN passed the law legalizing scalping. The on-street guys were not the least bit afraid of being arrested and the cops didn't care about enforcing it. I bought from the brokers/scalpers for years walking up to the Dome as you'd get much better seats for less money than the poor seats the Twins had remaining at the Ticket Window. Absolutely nothing to worry about unless there is extremely high demand (such as April 12th or last Fall's Vikings/Packers game where there were media reports of fake tickets being sold on the street and hence very upset people being turned away at the gate).

The other factor that is almost impossible to regulate was the coming of age of the internet (Ebay, Craigslist, Ticket Broker sites). This made the ticket markets "global". I never understood why the State of MN would attempt to stagnate the free market capitalism of people buying/selling tickets to each other. Prices have a way of working themselves out as any economist can illustrate.

One mystery solved: the first banner is up on the promenade. Navy blue 2004 Division Championship banner.

When John Gordon says, "There's a fly ball, Denard Span is backing off, and the catch", what the hell does he mean by "backing off"? When I hear backing off, I think the player is stopping, or not going after the ball any longer. Yet that doesn't seem to be the way Gordo uses it.

Joe-

Regarding sections 139-140...you imply that you're not 'ok' if you further back...what do you mean by that? Does that mean you can't see deep center field? You should still be able to see the infield, all of left field, shallow to mid center field, and shallow to mid right field?

Fred,

The farther back you are in these sections the more of the outfield that will be cut off. I dont think that there is a seat that will prevent you from seeing the infield. But, there are seats where that is all that you will see.

couple questions I'll throw out...

1) anyone know what happened to the guy who used to do the Twins Territory commercials? There is a new guy now, who's not bad, but doesn't have that same unique presentation as the guy who used to do them.

2) I have tickets for a game on April 10, and will be in sec 325 Row 1. What is the verdict on rail obstruction, and also regarding leg/knee room? I am not terribly concerned, just curious. I really can't complain because they are tickets to one of the first 10 games in TF history, and they are skyline view seats, and they were a gift.

I sat about halfway down in 140 in the first seat on the aisle next to 139. The side of the overhang wiped out most of the outfield.

Dan,

1. no

2. if you bought tickets for a game on April 10, then...um...Luke, can you break the news to him?...it just breaks my heart.

Yeah, if you bought tickets to a Twins game on April 10th, you'd be at US Cellular Field in the South Side of Chicago...

You'd better catch a flight to Chicago for that April 10 game.

skyline view seats are nice, mine are row 11 in 323 and im 6'4 and the leg room is prob just a little better than the metrodomes leg room in upper deck, great view though, the skyline is amazing

Sorry, I meant April 17th. Thanks for the catch. :-)

The Skyline View seats are great. The rail and leg room were a non-issue for me (then again I stand 6'6) or my girlfriend (barely 5'5). And yes, the view is amazing...

oops, sorry. I didn't think that was big enough to mess with the formatting.

Dan -

The guy who voiced the Twins commercials probably retired. He was awfully old (he was the intro voice on Leave it to Beaver) and worked from a home studio in California. He was great; the new guy will take some getting used to.

I've got a 20 game pass up in section 326 row 7. Looking forward to the 7 day games in the sun man!!!! Yes those are great seats for $12.00. And I also can look down to the party deck and still see the scoreboard! Can't wait!

Jared, was that taken with a fisheye lens or something?

Can someone please explain to me how both the regular SRO tickets and Roof Deck tickets work. Are the Roof Deck tickets all sold out to groups? Did I here that SRO tickets will only be sold day-of? Thanks for the knowledge.

Internet Explorer 8

I emailed him monday and he replied that they all should be out by the end of this week, I paid for mine in full the day I got the invoice... this is nuts, i dont even know where my seats are for the 4/2 game since they just charged me and did not tell me where...

Rick-
Just an FYI, I posted on IE 8, which is also where I viewed the formatting issue. Looks like it is fine if I view the page in Firefox.

Jimmer-
I used a standard lens, took about 5 or 6 shots and patched them together. I wish I had a fisheye lens...much easier, but this works well too.

Found that voice actor from the old radio spots. Bill Woodson. Dude is 92 years old. Amazing. click..

Does anybody know why the did not include any of the preseason games in the 20 game pack. I know on the web site that they hat stated that they would but I see they must have changed their minds because they now make no mention of that in the season tickets! Was just curious. Somebody told me they only included those preseason games for people that signed up early. I ordered mind about 2 months ago!

The Twins fan guide given out last weekend is saying that no reselling of tickets can occur on TF/plaza property. Hmmm, what will be the new gathering spot like the big metrodome sign/island was?

We finally got our 20 game tickets on Monday. We did get two tickets for the 4/2 game which I didn't realize we were getting. Luckily we can go.

Janiceah , when did you order your tickets? Maybe I got to look at all my tickets again! LOL!

If anyone is interested in Roof Deck Standing Room tickets for 8/14, I've got 2 for sale... I was going to go for the Mini TF giveaeay, but after seeing the photo, I no longer want it.

We ordered them in October & picked our seats early November. We did do the payment plan & our last payment just showed on our statement so maybe that's why they took a little longer.

Mazaratirick, if you go on MyTwins tickets your seats for the 4/2 Exhibition game should be listed on there. The tickets will probably only take a day to get to you. You could try and get your rep to e-mail you or call you on the day they ship as well.

Elston, that is great stuff. Thanks for linking it.I knew he was quite old, but didn't know if he had passed on, or merely retired. I also didn't know of all the work he did. And thanks to Jared and others for their input on the first row of the Skyline View seats.

Does anyone have any information on the bike racks at the stadium? Are all the bike parking on the side of the stadium that faces the incinerator? Just asking because I plan on biking to quite a few games, and after walking around back there I figure it will be kinda isolated and not a lot of foot traffic back there. Just hoping that people wouldn't come by and vandalize bikes or anything.

Does anyone have any information on the bike racks at the stadium? Are all the bike parking on the side of the stadium that faces the incinerator? Just asking because I plan on biking to quite a few games, and after walking around back there I figure it will be kinda isolated and not a lot of foot traffic back there. Just hoping that people wouldn't come by and vandalize bikes or anything.

18 days to go and ballparks.com (Munesy and Suppes) still lists Metrodome as Twins' "current" ballpark.

Chardonnay and merlot, just a glass or possibly the whole bottle? Click my name. WCCO reported this morning that they would also be creating a wine bottle label exclusively for Target Field.

That ballpark site is definitely outdated. The news and columns are all from November and December. That is why I have always enjoyed ballparksofbaseball.com as its much more updated.

OK - I looked, and nobody has posted this since yesterday.
TCBJ claims the Twins have sold 2.5 million tickets for this season (so far as opposed to 2.4 mil for last season all total), and 49 of 81 games have been sold out.

Clicky for article.

"I'm not going to drink any fucking merlot!"

- Bart Giamatti's son in "Sideways"

Forgot to put my email... 2 SRO Roof Deck tickets for 8/14... $40 for the pair.

The Twins just put out a press release with ticket updates. They are indeed over 2.5 million tickets sold, they're now over 24,000 full season equivalents, and they list all of the sellouts.

Link to the press release.

Does anyone know if one could still get HPB season tickets? I'm just curious, not actually looking to buy. I'd imagine there could be a day where they sell out?

Pat,
Yea he just replied again saying the plan is to have them all out on end of biz friday and that mine have not been mailed yet, but are on his watch list to make sure they are ok???

I guess i have to wait until late next week now... like a day b4 my first game...

I would love to upgrade my pack from lf bleechers to those seats behind the plate i sent a pic of but he told me only 40 packs are avalible now?

wow

duffman & fred = truly clueless.

joe117 = this guy gets it.

enough with the lame minneapolis bashing. if i didn't know any better it sounds to me like some of you here should be calling into the mouth breathing rubes over at "garage logic" on AM1500 and whining to local yokel republican idiot joe soucheray about how the city of minneapolis sucks, they don't knowing anything, now where am i supposed to park my chevy sububran so that i can quickly and easily "escape" to I-394 and back to wayzata after a game without having to "deal with the blight that is city life", blah, blah, blah. please get over yourselves.

ahhh, that felt good to get out! :-)

one question for some of you.

why would some of you want to park way down back by the metrodome when in reality the "traffic time" that you think you "might" save by parking so far away from target field will really just be eaten up by the walk, bus or LRT trip back over there from target field? park near target field in the warehouse district and if one is in a hurry they will be out of their ramp or lot probably before one even gets back to their vehicle way over by the metrodome. and if you are heading west, northwest from the metrodome once you get to your car you are just going to run into the traffic that is already leaving from spots near target field/the warehouse district.

just my two cents on the subject. i for one will always be parking somewhere in the warehouse district ramps or lots.

Beta,

The biggest reason for me is not time, it is the fact that some lots will be over 30 bucks to park for a game..not cool, last year the church lot across the street from the dome was 10 bucks (huberts parking lot) thats as close as you can get to the ballpark...im not paying viking parking prices 25 times a year when we go to game s we usally "pregame" (its allways sunny in Philly ref..) so I can park at huberst, have a drink or two, get validated, light rail to sneeky petes and have a few more, go to herbks have a beer then there you go!

and i have left a timberwolves game from the ramps that took over 40 mins to get out... i could imagine what a twins game will be like this year...

It's good they mentioned in the press release that tickets may show up from season ticket inventory unsold, or canceled groups. May not happen much now, but it's something many people aren't aware of.

why would there be a leine's lodge in a minneapolis ballpark? keep that crap in wisky. just doesn't seem right to me, but maybe it is because i don't drink over-hyped leine's piss.

i mean fruit in your beer? really?! come on man......come on. as kramer once said to jerry seinfeld after jerry revealed to him that he had shaved his chest hair: "i'll pick you up a sundress and a parasol and you can just sashay your pretty little self around the town square!"

maz - i too love "its always sunny in philadelphia". great show and even better writing! that show needs to get a bump from FX onto a bigger network, imo.

Nice to see the baselines drawn. Gearing up for Saturday.

"Unkie Moe? My sodie is to cold my teef hurt!"

For Saturday, I know tickets go on sale at 8am, but does anyone know when the gates actually open?

jfk - the gates will open at 9AM for the gophers game on saturday

ha! i just called you jfk instead of jfh. sorry! my bad. just to be sure i didn't jinx you please don't go riding in any covertibles through dallas anytime soon.

"""if you bought tickets for a game on April 10, then...um...Luke, can you break the news to him?...it just breaks my heart."""

HaHaHaHa.........

anyyyyyywayyyyy

I know some people were complaining about the net being to obvious and that it they thought the net was too thick. Well it could have been rooutine maintanence or something else but they had a mobile scaffolding truck up against the net yesterday, maybe it was nothing but maybe they were replacing the net.

beta,

yea i think its bypassed the office.. great show.

who here is going to the game sat? me and my girlfriend are gonna give it a shot but cant get down there until about 10am...do you think its still a option?

what is the deal with TC Traders Rick?

I have to unload my opening day Tickets since I start my new job on monday (cant call in sick 2 weeks into work)

The reason I'm thinking about parking by the Dome is the easy out to 94 East to Hwy 52 back down to God's country where I live. Also, as previously mentioned, there's no way I'm paying more than $10 to park.

I am heading up for the Gopher game and have had discussions with a few people re: attendance. I have no idea what to the think MazRick, some people think it'll be long lines for tix and they will sell out all 25,000. Some people think that with the open houses, there might not even be 20,000 people wanting to go. The forecast doesn't look the best, so that might detract people from going. I know my sister's boyfriend who lives within 15 minutes of TF has graciuosly offered to stand in line for tickets for us and he plans on being down there around 7:30.

ole,

Thanks for the info, how about if the tickets are sold out can we still do the "public" open house or is that capped at who gets the gopher tickets?

Not sure if once people leave, they will let more people in or what the deal will be. I bet you'd be ok if you get down there by 10ish, man.

Don't you need a ticket for the game to even get into the park Saturday?

Yes, my point was that I'm not sure if they would sell more tickets if alot of people come to just see the field or leave after just an inning or two.

Great panoramas, Jared! Do you use Photoshop to stitch the pictures? Hoping to get a similar shot from my seat on OD, and frame it with the scorecard and the ticket.

GBR

Maz - putting our differences aside, how much are you asking for them, and where are your seats? I'm just curious...

From the pictures people have posted from last weekend's tour, it doesn't seem as though they have installed the seats up in the Budweiser party deck. Am I just blind, or have they changed their mind on installing seats up there, or just haven't gotten around to it yet?

During last weeks open house. I never made it to the Twins pub. The one on the terrace level where the organ is located. Does anyone have any photos? I think I have seen pictures of just about every other location in the park, except the one area I never made it to.

Thanks in advance.

Twins surpass 5.5 million tickets sold
Pioneer Press

Updated: 03/25/2010 06:56:30 PM CDT

To help pay Joe Mauer's 184 Million, Minnesota Twins fans are forced to sit on each others laps.

Gotta love the typos.

18 more days!

Two things:

1) Pregaming existed long before Sunny referenced it.

2) If Sunny were to move to a major network they wouldn't be able to get away with half of the stuff they can on fx, they're fine right where they are.

And since this is a site about ballparks and not It's Always Sunny (I've been a fan since season 1 by the way), I may be getting to go to TF sooner than I thought thanks to my University's student activities committee. The weird thing is, I'm not necessarily excited to go see the twins play, but to walk around and see as much of the stadium as I can since I have seen it yet.

I believe that the "seats" in the Bud Deck will be bar stools with backs. Ticket holders will sit up to a drink rail type counter. There are three levels. The seating levels are listed on the tickets Row 1, 2 & 3. The SRO tickets are listed as Row A thru I, and they do not say Standing Room Only on them. Just have good like trying to find Row H on the roof top!

I thought I read they were keeping it at 25000 at any one time. My guess is people can get in later in the day.

I thought I read they were keeping it at 25000 at any one time. My guess is people can get in later in the day.

I was kind of curious why they haven't placed any information road signs for Target Field on the highways....

Luke: Did things go well with Joni last weekend? Did she call you for a 3rd date this week? I bet you could really impress her with your "pimp hand" if you acquired Mazaratirick's Opening Day tickets and took her to the ballgame...

RE: Denver

Huge airfare war going on right now for flights all summer long between MSP and DEN. Just thought some of the posters who reside in Colorado (and there are a few) may want to take advantage of this. Direct flights for around $200 RT is what I am seeing...

@Max - things did go well as a matter of fact. There is potential for a 3rd, but I havent heard back from her yet.
While I am interested in hearing how much Maz is requesting for said Home Opener tickets, I'm kinda in the same bind he is, I already have vacation slotted for April 14 for the 12:10 game, I'd hate to have to ask for Monday too.

Channel nine weather guy just said that by Friday the 3rd of April temperature will be in the lower seventies and sunny. The previous three days will be in the sixties and sunny. Take that you national media baseball morons! I am going to go to the game this weekend. That is if I can get tickets of course. Planning on getting their with my dad around 9 AM or shortly thereafter. We are going to take the light rail from 28th street across from MOA. I remember my first Twins game that my dad took me to-Jimmy Holt hit a home run in extra innings at the old Met and we won 2-1 back in about 1970 or so. So this will be kind of cool for us.

Expectorate-

Photoshop it is. If you can't get the shot you want. Give me a shout, lemme know where your seats are and I will help you out. I am planning on framing some of my own panos once I can finally get one of the completed stadium, without the grass covered.

Max - true. Makes seeing Twins games much more affordable; now cheaper than driving. I'm planning a couple more trips than originally scheduled this year because of it. I;m going to love the June 15-17 series - don't care who wins ...

It is pretty amazing how many Twins fans there seem to be out here. I thought I was the only crazy one that trekked to Minneapolis for baseball. Only bad thing is that it cuts down on my Rockies games.

i am too tired to say anything eloquent or argue convincingly so I'll just say:

a. not all Republicans are idiots and (clearly) not all idiots are Republicans.

b. Wayzata rules.

p.s. I'm going to capitulate and go to Saturday's game but I swear if any snot-nosed college brat hits a home run out of that park, I will freak out.

well got my tickets for aug 14th! Which i ordered from the twins, but i guess my april 14th tickets (which i got off stubhub) won't be shipped until april 10th

oh and random series but does anyone plan to go to phili for games? my sis and bro-in-law live out there so i may go for at least one game (since it is expensive enough with flight)

Flex that Pimp Hand Luke!!! Don't let her play "hard to get" with you....

Just outta curiousity, is anyone taking advantage of the "Twins Train" road trips this summer? Scott, the proprietor, has organized 5 different trips for Twins fans. I've always done my own leg work and flown to different ballparks, but this isn't a bad low cost alternative...

Sooj: I am considering flying to Philly and New York on those consecutive weekends to knock 2 more ballparks outta the way. I was at the old Shea Stadium in April 2001, but have not yet been to Citi Field. And a cheesesteak wit whiz sounds mighty fine right about now...

Here's the best panorama I got from the weekend. It's from one of the two Twin's Pubs.

*Twins Pubs

Who has access to the First and Third Base Lounges? Dugout Box seat owners only? Are the entrances in the moat?

Also, the latest knowledge about SRO tickets would be appreciated. Thanks.

Jax "Not all Republicans are idiots and (clearly) not all idiots are Republicans". I agree. What party elected a former pro wrestler with brain damage and a washed up SNL comedian into public office? Just wondering. Hope our state can survive becoming a nanny state. Sorry....no more talking politics.

cool well only game i'll be at on the east coast is one philli games. I may go to NYC and just go and chill cuz i love that city (2nd fav after these here twin cities we all live in-yes i count it as one)

If you're referring to Jesse Ventura, he was a member of the Independence Party, not a Dem. And complain about Franken all you want, but it's not like the Republicans haven't elected an actor or two for some pretty big positions.

Touche Buffalo......I know better Rick.......just wanted to see who else was up and ready this great site at this time of night......getting ready for some fab outside baseball, can't sleep.

correction.......reading....must be tired......still can't sleep....??????

Some people have discussed what their plans are for the Open House/Gophers game on Saturday and how early they're waiting out for tickets, figured I'd throw in my two cents. My friends and I are planning on getting down there around 11PM Friday night and camping out, but we're doing this with the hopes and the intentions of being the first in line. From what people have said here, it seems like most have a lackadaisical attitude towards getting tickets for this, so I'm hoping that's the case.

Does anyone happen to know if they'll have all the ticket windows around the stadium open or just the main ticket office? I'll probably call the Twins ticket office tomorrow to find out if no one here knows.

i was just thinking 7am the next day, i'm thinking i'll be fine

by next day i mean Saturday ha

Billymayshere,

umm and you decided to come out of the closet for that post?

Im aware that pregaming is before sunny, guess what im also aware there was baseball before "field of dreams"

I guess I have a knack for knowing these kind of things...

anyway arent you the guy who said somehting like "Look for the guy with the strawberry blond hair bouncing off his shoulders with a Cuddyer jearsy on and thats me"

wow I was just laughing about that one yesterday...

Luke,

what makes you think we have differnces? I kid you a bit but we are no problemo...as for the tickets.. unless you can trade me a bunch of games I think that you better blow joni's back out b4 you invest in OD tix from me for her!

GET SOME!

good night!

How many different ballparks have you been to Max?

rick, et. al: come on now ladies. it is supposed to be 52 degrees on saturday. that is not cold. no where near it. especially for march 27th. also, the latest weather reports i heard tonight were saying any rain that MIGHT (it is only a 30% chance afterall) come through minneapolis would be earlier in the morning and should be out of the metro area well before golden gopher game time, which is 1pm.

that said. yes, me and a few friends will be at the gophers game on saturday.

my bad rick. i think i overlooked the "19 month old" part of your post, which was rather important. your logic with that one makes total sense. from personal experience i am guessing your other little guy (it is noah right?) will likely enjoy the day (just seeing actual people playing baseball and walking around the inside of the park) no matter what. has he been with you to the ballpark lately or have those all been solo trips? if i recall you used to take him on a few of your earlier "ninja style" recon missions.

peace

hey rick the pics aren't showing on the InGameMagic site

For the folks that have transferred tickets to themselves electronically - how did you start? Did you add the same email address that you used for your STH account into the buddy list? Use another email?

I want to transfer some tickets to myself so I can keep the stubs, but don't want to screw it up. Thanks!

Before I forget, can you place a direct link to InGameMagic on the main page.

luke....just in case joni doesn't call, keep your chin up young man. I don't want to hear that you're victim number 4 jumping at the MOA.

A little bit off topic, but does anyone know why the Twins changed voices for their radio commercials this year? The guy that had been doing the "This is Twins Territory" commercials for the last few years isn't being used this year.

I liked the old guy. Did he retire? Twins go in a different direction? The guy die? New ad agency?

Found this on gophersports.com:

"The Minnesota baseball team has finalized several events for the Target Field game against Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Mar. 27 at 1:10 p.m.

Minnesota's day will begin when the team arrives at the Metrodome where they will play the Bulldogs on Friday and Sunday. The Golden Gophers will gather their equipment from the Metrodome (where they are playing the other 27 home games this year), and hop on the 9:34 a.m. Light Rail to head to Target Field. Minnesota is schedule to arrive at the Target Field stop at approximately 9:43 a.m.

The Golden Gophers are scheduled to take batting practice from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. followed by Louisiana Tech's batting practice from 11:15 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Former Golden Gopher Terry Steinbach will throw out the first pitch, which is scheduled for approximately 1:03 p.m."

lol Kev. If, by some strange circumstances, I ever DID want to end it all, I'd find a taller building than MOA...:).

Hey Beta-

Leave the name calling to the kids, huh?

I've only had one complaint about Minneapolis, and that's it. It's "classless" to disagree with the City over the fact that they won't allow Twins fans to park at the Farmer's Market on game days? Really?

I plan on walking over to TF at about 7:30am to see what's going on, and hopefully they're selling tickets at all ticket windows/kiosks, and not just the Plaza ticket window.

The city is also shutting down 1st Ave from Washington to 8th tomorrow from 8am-5pm. The signs were up last night.

As luke said, nice to see the lines painted on the field. Next week they will probably be painting the "Twins" Logo behind home plate. Then, it will truly be "the capital of Twins Territory."

ML, I was asking the same question, and the thought from a few posters here was that he retired. Elston Gunn found the gentleman, Bill Woodson, is 92 years young and has a nice resume including the Odd Couple and the Marvel Comics Justice League voiceovers, and most importantly, the Twins Territory spots.

As much as one can trust Wikipedia, there is no indication he has passed on, and the Wikipedia link Elston provided was tied to the entertainment database IMDb for much of their information.

I'm hoping they have at least another beer cart up on the rooftop. That bar is waytoo small for 250-300 people.

(It's Friday, so expect each and every one of my posts to be increasingly inane and jejune. I don't have the energy to think.)

Beta-

Did I ever attack Minneapolis, I just stated that they do not seem to welcoming this tremendous gift that was bestowed on their city. I really didn't want to bring politics into this, but it seems R.T. wants to force people to take "green" ways of transportation to the game instead of the evil SUV. I am not a Minneapolis hater, but their priorities are a bit messed up, also St. Paul is a lot easier to attack, since they seem to hate growth and developement.. I.E. "the Bridges" project. If the RNC did anything, it showed how inadequate the City of St. Paul is. Almost every delegate was shipped to Minneapolis, including John McCain at the Hilton, because of the lack of hotels.

The reason I drive a car, a Taurus, is so I can leave arrive and leave when I want, go where I want without being crammed into a little choo-choo train with hundreds of other people. If thats you idea of a pleasent trip to the ballpark so be it, I prefer my independence.

Also I can think of no better beer than a Honeyweiss to be drinking on a summer afternoon at the ballpark. You don't like it, I don't care, go back to the Happy Gnome with the other beer snobs.

It's possible that I've overlooked this, but was anything said about a per person ticket limit for the game tomorrow?

Hmm... I should probably proofread these posts before I post them. The grammer in that last one was aweful.

Natron,

I haven't seen anything about a ticket limit, but let's hope there is a cap at 10 or so.

Just called 33Twins and they said limit of 8 per person for the game tomorrow.

Duffman, I would say if anything Minneapolis has its priorities straight by encouraging more people to take mass transit. You may not like it, but the more people who do, the less traffic for you and others to have to fight through. The less impact on our roads, the less pollution from cars sitting in traffic, etc., etc.

Excellent. Thanks, JinCr.

Well, there ya go. 3125 people will have to buy for a "sell out".

I'm totally going to buy 8 and then sell them for $20 a pop! Easy money...

Does anybody know if they will be installing a fence that runs along the stadium to keep people from walking into traffic on the first base side? I would have thought they would have done it already if they were going to. Kind of a dangerous area.

Duff - don't worry about the grammer. Your point came across crystal clear.

Buffalo - There is a big difference between "encouraging more people to take mass transit" and forcing it.

Who is forcing it. All I have seen form the Twins and the city is your options. I have seen the encouraging people to take mass transit but I don't see them forcing you.

It's obvious you (Duffman) have an agenda to preach here as it's your second rant about "minneapolis not appreciating" the ballpark, which is utter nonsense. RT isn't forcing anyone to do anything, ok dude. Just get over your anger. and then you tip your hand further by stating you don't want to be "crammed" in a little "choo-choo" with hundreds of other people. god forbid how terrible. You seem to be living in the past as that reference was the put-down of choice for lighrail opponents back in the late 90's when the hiawatha line was approved. Personally, there was nothing more fun than taking that train the first time to a twins game with bunch of other fans wearing the team colors. it was like a moving pre-game party. Enjoy our spring buddy.

Chad - I hope you're being sarcastic!

One of my favorite things in the whole world is taking the El to Wrigley Field to see a game. It's part of the experience. Don't see why that can't be the same thing here with all the rail lines that will eventually end at Target Field. It really is a shame how much people are attached to their cars these days.

Hey Rick
I was just down on the plaza and send a pic of them installing the tradition wall. I don't see it?

Ole,

Yes, I was, but I imagine that scalpers will be out tomorrow trying to make a quick buck. Yuck.

My seats if I look to the left

Traditon wall install

Hey Maz,

My brother has 2 seats in the 2nd row right in front of you. I will be sitting in those seats for OD.

The city doesn't want seas of concrete. It makes sense. They don't want parking sprawling all over and pushing out into other parts of the city. they want development and growth in the area of the city that the ballpark is located. That makes sense. God forbid you take a transit option that drops you off right at the front door, and costs less. And reduces teh traffic. How horrible.

You can park your car wherever you want so long as it is in a place that you can legally park.

Personally I'm more attached to my car if it is a BMW and not a Ford Escort. Additionally the LRT/Northstar make absolutely no sense unless you are in the NW metro or the SE metro. Maple Grove, Plymouth, Shakopee, Chaska, White Bear Lake, Woodbury, Lino Lakes...makes no sense to ride the rail unless it is reasonably accessable which won't be the case in many metro locations for many years to come. No matter what everyone preaches there will be massive traffic jams near Target Field for the foreseeable future (pedestrian, mass transit, and commuter)...

I don't plan on taking a car to any Twins games this year. Bus/bike for me all summer long. I could maybe even walk home if I wanted.

Building train lines like this takes time. We should have been doing it for years instead of waiting this long. But I disagree with part of what you said. I live in the Northwest suburbs and I plan to take the Northstar commuter rail to several games and would take it to even more if it was offered to every game. I might also just park on the other side of downtown or even at the Mall of America and take the train rather than park next to Target Field.

nice article about how TV will cover TF

No to be a negative Nancy, but how long until the first panel is broken by some gin sot stumbling around at 2 am?

By the way, the Fridley stop on the Northstar line isn't that far from Maple Grove, but for those in Plymouth and other more westerly suburbs, there is an express bus being offered that goes right down 394, so there's no lack of mass transit options to get to the game.

DreDogg, the same thought had crossed my mind. I wondered how long it will take them to replace the ballpark history wall should someone smash it. Hopefully we'll never have to find out.

"This season FoxSports North will cover all the Twins games in HD"

Nice. 'Bout time!

I still have some really wonderful, lasting memories from riding the 'L' back to our hotel from US Cellular after sweeping She-cago in a late July 2004 series. Very subdued atmosphere for the South Side faithful in that car. Poor saps. The Twins smelled blood and the WSux could sense they were done.

And if you don't live in one of the "exclusive" areas where the trains run, we also offer these things called "buses" which are another way to help ease traffic for your fellow man and feel good about it. No parking fee or walk from distant lots. So radical!

The festivities for Exhibition games. So close.

Thanks for the link someguy. I really hope that the "High Home" shot is at a good level at TF. They really screwed up at Nationals Park and made that angle way too high up.

Canopy Cam!
Now, if they'll just be willing to show on the scoreboard those Super SloMo replays of the close calls... (unlike at the HumptyDump)

Anybody know if the Gopher game tommorow will be on tv? Will be out of town and was thinking about DVR ing it!

I drive up from Rochester and use the light rail only for Vikings games.

I occassionally will take light rail for Twins games, but it depends on the game. Light rail is a nice option if you want to stay later and hang out downtown, but if I want to leave once the game is over I will drive. It takes over 35 minutes on that light rail and the car is usually just as quick, if not, quicker than the train. I also don't like standing on the crowded train shoulder-to-shoulder for 30+ minutes.

Twinkfan,

Nope, just on WCCO radio.

By the way, is that supposed to be "Twink" as in "Twinkies", or, um, not as in "Twinkies"?

I noticed that weather.com now only predicts a 10% chance of rain Friday after it being 60% a few days ago... WTF?

"This season FoxSports North will cover all the Twins games in HD"

Yeah, but all Sunday games including the last game of the year won't be in HD. At least for most of us. Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't there only one provider that has WFTC in HD? Is is Comcast? It's not Charter. Anyone know if Charter will be picking it up soon? Or if I'm overlooking it.

WFTC broadcasts were terrible aside from the definition. There were visual and audio issues all season long last year.

are you honestly surprised that the weather prediction has changed, Jimmer? long range forecasts are to be taken with a grain of salt

"And if you don't live in one of the "exclusive" areas where the trains run, we also offer these things called "buses" which are another way to help ease traffic for your fellow man and feel good about it. No parking fee or walk from distant lots. So radical!"

I've asked this before, but no one has posted any answer--Has there been any thought from MTC about making sure some of the routes that typically end right about 10 pm run a bit later on night games? I'd love to take the bus, but I don't want to get stuck with a taxi home as the only option after a extra innings game.

Another report found at Star Tribune with more wine options at Target Field. If interested click my name.

From what I have read, today's weather technology is pretty much worthless forecasting more than 48 hours out. And it's debatable how accurate they are even within that two day time frame. Just sayin'.

RE: Gopher Game TV Coverage

I noticed that the game is available on GopherSports.com via "Gold Zone". Looks like the cheapest option is $9.95 for monthly access though, no daily option. Click my name for the link.

Another LRT question - the TF platform looks to be built so the train on the Southbound track (closest to the stadium) can be loaded or unloaded from either side. Would this be only for loading departing Southbound trains, or is there a possibility that Northbound trains arriving prior to the game, full of fans, could cross over to that track and unload? People could stream out and not have to cross any tracks to get to the stadium.

Went down to the plaza today and man was it windy. The wind veil was really moving. And for those of you wondering, yes it can be quite noisy when it was as windy as it was today. Sounded like a bag full of aluminum cans being tossed down stairs. Definitely not loud enough to disrupt your enjoyment of the game, but pretty loud if you are sitting out on the plaza.

Joe,

Sweet, my OD tix are not in that section per i was part of the presale, but we will have to share a beer sometime, i have plan D 20 game pack

Pat,

I was there too this morning at it was very windy but I did not notice any sound... it also seemed weird looking at it and it felt like all I could hear is wind ...

you better belive that someone will smash those glass things at some point and they have a back up repacement plan...they are made of real thick glass but you know how kids are...

I'm board. Lil Ninjaz bud party deck

Maza the hoodie with the t-shirt or a jersey on over it is a good look. I plan on rocking that look a lot for the colder weather games.

Chad, I've always called them the twinks!!!!!!!since 1961 anways!!!!LOL!

I get WFTC on ch 236 with my Comcast HD package. So yea I get the Sunday games in spectacular HD. If you ain't watching in HD yer just not watching! I compare it to color vs black and white! LOL! Nice FSN will have all the games in HD! Just like the Wild this year!!!!!

Pat,

yea and it was a pretty chilly day out then, 4 hours we put in and not really any complaints, hot coco helps...

Are parking and traffic going to be rough around Target Field during 2010? Definitely, but for good reason. The park is new.

When the Metrodome was new, people also had a hard time parking and getting through traffic. As time passed, people learned what routes worked and didn't work as well as which parking lots and ramps made sense vs. those that didn't, shortening everyone's commute in the long run.

This year is going to be a learning experience for everyone who goes to the park, whether by car, bus or rail (I anticipate a lot of groaning about overcrowded railcars and overly long waits). However, things will improve as time passes.

On the Weather Forcasts-
I graduated in '07 with a degree in Meteorology and have been forecasting since...Weather technology today is actually really good. Sure, forecast reliability decreases the farther into the future you go but it is heavily dependent on the type of current weather pattern and how well the information is picked up by the forecaster, the forecast models and such. A good weather pattern can be very accurate in the short and long range but a more dynamic (not-so-good) pattern can create reliability issues even in the short range. Some systems move much much faster or much much slower, changing arrival times by days sometimes. So really you shouldn't be taking a forecast as gospel but you should never just throw it by the wayside. You should use it as a guide for preparedness. Personally, I have the opinion that I never forecast Paul Douglas style (over-emphasizing or over-exaggerating worse conditions quite a bit) but I do shade on the worse conditions side. That way you are at least prepared for a worse than typical for the day and can relax a bit when its nicer than my forecast.

Just called the Twins Ticket Office regarding how many ticket windows are going to be open for the Open House tomorrow. The guy I talked to was pretty non-committal, but he did say that they would try to have windows open around the whole stadium, not just the "main" ticket office by Target Plaza. He specifically stated that the windows by the transit center would be open, but when I asked about Gate 14 behind home plate he wouldn't say anything more than that they were going to have windows open around the stadium, but he wasn't sure how many or which window was going to have the shortest line or the quickest wait.

The press release for the game tomorrow said tickets would be available "at all Target Field ticket office locations" so I would assume that means all the ticket windows at all gates should be open. The one at Gate 14 only has two windows, but I'm considering camping out there and entering at Gate 14 to get behind home plate quicker than those on the plaza.

It might be a good idea to check and see if the automated machines are working. That might be a good shot to try since seats are GA anyway.

ok, I am all paid for and signed up for TC Traders.. so now how do I post/browse or is it to early?

One negative about taking the Northstar Commuter is that you don't have the opportunity to hang out after the game at one of the local establishments...If I'm not mistaken, the train leaves approx 30 minutes after the last out. It sure would be nice if in the future if they offer a "late train" for those who aren't in a hurry to get out of town.

and I just want everyones honest opinion, other than Opening day, all my tickets will be pretty much face value(maybe plus any fees I paid to the twins like 3 bucks per ticket blah, blah)

Would you guys prefer me leaving the OD tix off of TC Traders since they will be way over face or would you like the option of still looking at them?

Either way they will sell, and they will sell for cheaper than Stubhub or CL

Just trying to gauge what you think

let me know

...and one other thing, people need to get off their soap box about mass transit. I'm all for additional options, but some of us don't live in an area condusive to using it. For some of us, cars are basically our only option. We don't live in NY or Chicago, our communities are more spread out than those. If I lived close to a LRT or Northstar stop, I would use it. Bus also doesn't make sense for many people.

Yes, I love the idea of an urban ballpark, and yes, I hope that the ballpark will spur additional growth in the North Loop area, but I don't see the harm in allowing parking in some of those lots until the day comes when the economy ALLOWS for development....People need to remember that we are in a recession and it's going to be many years before that area will be fully developed.

If you want to drive and not park in a garage, get there early and get a spot on the street. Make sure you have a roll of quarters to plug the meter for the length of time you're going to be there....It's not rocket science people! Surface parking lots don't belong in a downtown core and having them to the north and west of the ballpark prohibits further growth unless sold to developers. It is in Minneapolis' best interest to encourage parking where the establishments are. If you don't like it, don't go, there are plenty of others who will go in your place.

By the way, TC Traders is ready! If you're already on the list, you'll get a message within the next couple of hours inviting you to join.

Yippee!
Heck Ya!!! Send that email Rick!!!!!

Jared - will it rain between 10-4 tomorrow? Show me your stuff!!

Just re-read my comment - you know what I mean...(that's what she said)

Maz,

I'm interested in what's available for OD. I finally got my OD tix and I am dissappointed. My office concierge had group tix and she said they would be good.. Today I get them and they are sec 333, row 12, seats 24-26. I doubt it will feel like I'm a part of OD WAY up there.

Email me if you don't want to do TC Traders.

I look with some scepticism on the report of 49 sell-outs. Checked a few of the ones listed and they are still showing availability, many in the lower sections. My most recent count earlier this week came up with about 25 sell-outs and I have seen some games that were sold-out that later had tickets appear again. I'd guess that there is perhaps another 15 games that showed no 2-seats-together availability.

However, you can definately see an upward trend of the seats that are available. From one day to the next (on a particular section) the available seats move on to the next row above.

Yes, but where? ;)

Early, light (if any at all and barring any localized shower) and done after noon.

Most likely it stays dry with some sprinkles at most.

And thats your quick and dirty Saturday Baseball Forecast. I am Jared. back to you at the news desk...

Jared, maybe you should become ballpark magics official meteorologist...with approval of rick of course...

Fred, if you truly think we're more spread out than Chicago, I wonder if you've ever been to Chicago? And like I said before, give it time. Chicago has had trains for a damn long time and we're just beginning. Again, we should have been building these a long time ago and we're running way behind a big city with established mass transit like Chicago.

Buffalo,
the Twin Cities had a great public rail system until the 1950s. Then, because of a lot of political corruption, it was dismantled in favor of buses and freeways. I believe the late Mr. Pohlad was one of the beneficiaries of these backroom deals. As Luke would say, "clicky" for more details...

lucky - actually that was copyright infringement on my part. I can't remember if it was Trosy or TTH that used "clicky" before I did :) .

Luckylager it would seem to me from reading that wiki that the dismantling of the rail system and the switch over to busses was largely completed by the time that Pohlad took it over and it seems that he wasn't a long time owner.

Interesting that the Twins depth chart was updated today and Rauch is listed as the closer.

My Minneapolis ninja just came back from Target Plaza - located our entry on the tradition wall. :)

She noted that it was nice of the Twins to put a bench in front of the panel so I can sit and admire a quote from Rod Crew. Also noted that you should be able to read the top entries even if you are short.

Maybe the old weatherball should be brought back to downtown that could be a cool thing.

I love taking the train to the games in Chicago, and I do all the time. One thing about Chicago, New York and most other places - the trains generally go above ground or below ground and they are a solution to traffic problems and they are much quicker than taking a car. With the light rail coming from the MOA the train travels on ground level and is a source of traffic congestion rather than a solution. It stops multiple times in short distances. It is also much quicker to stay in your car and drive to Mpls than to take the light rail. The Northstar Commuter makes sense, just as a commuter train from south of Lakeville following the 35W corridor would make sense.

unless you live on hiawatha or south minneapolis, there is no way driving on hiawatha i quciker then taking the train, why does the lights suck so bad on hiawatha

fred - just wanted to respond to an LRT vs. living in the suburbs point that i think you made earlier. i am currently residing way out in afton, mn and we use the LRT all of the time when going to minneapolis. in fact i think we will be taking the LRT to the gopher game tomorrow. so actually living out in the burbs does not make it less conducive to use the LRT (which i think was your point). personally, i think some people simply have a stubborn and false belief that anything not 100% related to their personal vehicle will always be an inconvenience to them. that is unfortunate.

just my two cents.

clublevelfan - have you ever used hiawatha ave in the morning, during lunch or during evening rush hour? i have multiple times and it is certainly not faster to drive that stretch between the minneapolis airport and downtown minneapolis. the LRT is the way to go during those times of day, imo.

Beta-

Just curious.....you say you live in Afton, but you use the LRT "all of the time when going to Minneapolis."........really?????

I've used the LRT of a few occasions...mostly to and fro the airport. Rather than have my wife drive all the way down to the terminal to drop me off or pick me up, I'll have her drop me off and pick me up at the Cardinal Bar on Hiawatha. Instead of hanging out in front of the terminal waiting for someone to pick me up, I'll have a brew in the Cardinal...much more enjoyable.

I don't want anyone to get me wrong...I'm not "anti-mass transit", but I'm also not out to make my life more difficult, either. If it's convenient, sure I'll use it. However, not allowing someone to charge people to park in their lot doesn't sound very American to me, and it's seems like the city is cutting off their nose to spite their face. There is some open space, an owner is willing to pay for a permit to allow people to park on their PRIVATE property. Why on Earth would the City not allow them to do it? Also, I'm sure if a developer wanted to purchase that space, those owners would sell in a heartbeat.

Beta - your point is well taken. If you live along the train route - it is desinged for you. And I am sure that if the train went all the way to Dakota County as it should, I would feel different. Once I am accross the river, I am half ways to the ball park. It doesn't make sense to go out of my way and get off the freeway to get on the train. It also doesn't make sense to get off the freeway and drive Hiawatha into Minneapolis. I will take your word for it that the train is faster. As for me - neither is a preferred option.

It will be interesting to hear views on the LRT once people actually start using it for Twins games. I tried it out a couple times and found it to be very nice inbound but a monumental pain in the ass after the game. My wife and I have gotten by with 50 cents/hour meters within easy walking distance of the Dump for several years and are hoping to find similar circumstances.

Fred,
Agree with you 95% - however, I do want to see the Target Field neighborhood populated by something other than parking lots - as much as I disagree with most of what amounts to leadership in Mpls - I do agree with them on this. I also back you up on the fact that RT did nothing to support the Target Field project and it is sickening to see him try to take credit for it now.

Rick, thanks for the pic of 239 row 1 on saturday. Spent the whole week trying to get ahold of and working with my ticket rep to fix the problem. We finally settled of section 204 row 1, and I know that the pic helped. Now, does anyone have a pic from section 204 from this past weekend? thanks again.

I'm in 204 row 2 and would be unwilling to trade.

I'm looking at buying tkts for the may 28th game against the rangers on stub hub. what would be a better section to sit in do you all think. I'm looking at section 324 row 4 and also section 125 row 9. Any ideas what's better would be greatly appreciated. Me and some buddies are gonna head down from grand forks to celebrate a 25th birthday and a college graduation that weekend and figured a stop at Target Field would be a great way to celebrate!!

glad to hear ben, what seats are you in? im 15,16,17,18

A favor from someone at the Gopher game tomorrow:

Could you look at/photograph the seats in Sec 310 row 7?... We have seats there Sat Apr 17 and I'm thinking that our seats 17 and 18 are separated a bit... one in that goofy seat island or something ??? (I can't quite count the seats in that row from the photos I've seen so far...)

Oh, and maybe a shot of the view from there?

Have fun tomorrow, everyone!

TwinkFan, Maybe I am being over-protective of my fellow posters, but I would like to suggest that you check my link for the modern day definition of Twink before you use that moniker outside of our friendly message board here... you may attract some puzzling attention otherwise. :)

Haha Jax! I was going to post the same thing. I shudder anytime someone calls them Twinks.

Schweady - click my name for a pic from around there. I think this was 311, but it was row 7.

Incidentally, has everyone gotten their emails for TC Traders yet?

The family section at TF is in a significantly better spot compared to the Dome, which is very much appreciated. My wife, daughter, and I will be in section 310 for 3 games (one each month, June through Aug).

Another favor for tomorrow...
Could someone please take pictures of the maps of each level? Thanks.

This would be extra credit...
Document the type of each concession location. I noticed that if you are sitting in the first base side of the Legends Club, you have to go to the far third base concessions to get a brat.

Also, a "Don't Sit Here Guide" with pictures would be nice. Here are the problem areas that I've heard of...

1. Can't see center field from section 139
2. Can't see the base line from the first row behind the dugouts
3. Powerball Pavilion seats and front row seats in the Terrace Level are tight due to the cup-holders
4. Can't see home plate from an area in section S
5. Some first row seats are closer to the railing such in section 239
6. Other railing obstructions
7. Can't as much of the field from the back rows of the Roof Deck

If no one gets to this, no biggie. Have fun!

My NostraCommonous-like prediction...
Kvasnicka will hit Target Field's first homerun into the Overlook at 1:24pm.

Jax-

That was my point! Perhaps I've lived in the city too long...

Lol it took me a while to word it gently lol

btw...looks like sprinkles tomorrow. Do you suppose they'll close the roof?

Hey Bobby....did u hear tickets are two bucks?

Thanks, luke. And you had another photo from that same spot that looked over toward the plaza. I have both of those in my 'To Stitch' folder. Nice.

Oh, and even though TK and other Twins have expressed their dislike of the term, I always sing "Root, Root, Root for the TWIN-KIES..." every 7th inning stretch. Sort of disarms the attempted mocking use of the word by opposing fans.

Where I'm from in south central South Dakota, "Twinkies" is a term of endearment for the team. It's not until I moved up to Sioux Falls for college that I learned some people really really really don't like it.

I heard someone claim that getting from MOA to downtown Minneapolis is quicker by car. Maybe with empty roads. Most of the time, it isn't even close. LRT is faster. Besides, on the LRT, I don't find myself wanting to pound my head against my steering wheel as traffic stresses me out. That is surely worth something.

Glad my pix could be of help. I remember that one towards the plaza - cause I wanted a shot of the wind veil from up there.

Thanks Jax. My brother plays D1 baseball and his team's doubleheader is broadcasted over the net tomorrow. If I could get it on my phone, I'd be at TF. But I was up there last weekend and I have exhibition tickets. So I'm probably staying home tomorrow.

Webcam 1 is a thing of beauty tonight...

Sorry if this has been answered before but do we know what will be on that wedge-shaped sign in right field?

Jeremy,

You are right. Wow. I cant wait to see this place all lit up for a night game.

No, we don't know for sure what will be on the trap sign.

Article from MPR about the ballpark. Quite extensive coverage of the Transit options to Target Field.

Looks like there isn't really a line tonight, at least not on the 3rd Ave. side that is.

Hi! I just bought seat 23 for the first Exhibition, when I already had 22 and 24, so I'm giddy. They weren't offering those 3 seats together to begin
with

Yeah, Jeremy.. very nice look tonight.

I've been combing through the webcam archives, looking for unique shots, and noticed something odd: what's with the different, lighter color shade to the seats in the LF corner: Sec 125-127 and part of 124; also Sec U-V and part of Sec T. There's even a column of seats in Sec 126 in a third color, lighter yet. Like they ran out of seats and the next lot shipped in was a color or texture just slightly different... ??

Not that it ruins my enjoyment of the game or anything... just seemed weird.

I heard from a friend of mine that works for Pepsi that there's supposed to be a huge Pepsi sign at TF. Didn't see one at the open house so that seems like the only spot for it...

A little history lesson about Minneapolis' involvement in the ballpark. You really can't blame RT for the city's lack of effort in getting the ballpark built. When all of this started back in 1997, the bimbo Barbara Carlson orchestrated a referendum which passed that limited the city's contribution to a ballpark at $10,000. It would take another referendum to undo the damage and you know that would go down in flames. The Mayor was handcuffed the minute he took office after Sharon Sales Belton.

Ok, here is another question/comment. Perhaps a bit odd because for all I know the guy posts here. At the dome who was that guy who was always in center field with the batter's helmet and autographed glove? He'd always scoop ball up and hand them off to kids. I don't know why I thought of him but I hope he finds a good spot at Target Field.

I am still disappointed that Pepsi is the soda at TF. It is seems so un-american not to have coke. O well i will get over it.

Waldo the ball hog

Waldo the ball hog

Seriously? Ha, that is great! I'm from northern Minnesota and only catch about one or two games a year but it seems like he was always sitting there every time I went.

mike d

Pretty close to right behind you. You might want to check out the rail height and cup holder locations before letting your rep off the hook.

kev -

the mayor of mpls is also a largely ceremonial post as well... the city council and committees have all the power.

as for the people who should be out there on the 3rd throwing out the first pitch:

Brad Finstad (the guy who shepherded the bill through the leg)
Matt Entenza (who got enough of the DFL caucus to commit to the bill)
Steve Sviggum (who led skeptical GOPers to the bill)
Dick Day (who did the same in the Senate)
Mike Opat (who came up with the innovative funding formula)

special guest: Shane Nackerud (who ran the Greet Machine - and had more accurate whip counts on the bill than the caucus leadership)

odds are - he won't get the credit he deserves. but I remember those heady days in 2005 and 2006 when we realized we were close - and just how helpful and what a forceful advocate shane was.

forgot Steve Murphy in the Senate...

also - they could invite Phil Krinkie and John Marty... just for giggles.

all this nostalgia reminds me of the seminal moment for this bill (at least, in my mind) the night of the Tax Committee hearing in Bloomington, when Ann Lenczewski figured having a big public hearing would bring out hundreds of anti-stadium advocates, and a few twins rubes...

when we packed that place with hundreds of Twins fans, eloquently stating the case for this project (from a quality of life perspective, primarily) it shocked the committee. They just weren't expecting it... best moment of my career.

Saw Waldo at Twinsfest this year, custom jersey and all. I'm assuming he has season tickets in the outfield somewhere.

what ever ever happened to the parking ramp that was supposed to be built for the twins that was to be used for the twins and the suite box holders. I remeber seeing it in the early stadium drawings. I would guess lack of space prevented that?

Interesting part of that transit article was this little piece of it.

Then again, tailgating, as Minnesota has long known it, is pretty much over as far as baseball goes. Minneapolis bans fires in its parking ramps and is cracking down on surface parking, hoping to encourage real estate development near the stadium.

"The alternative is the many bars and restaurants that exist in the warehouse district, that will be fun places to go before and after the game," said Joanne Kaufman, head of the Warehouse District Business Association.

"It won't be the same as tailgating, but it will be just as good, and you'll be outside when you get to the game," said Kaufman. "A lot of the places have sidewalk cafes, so once the weather is fabulous out, they'll have their tables out and you can be outside. And almost be tailgating."

At least you can watch the game outside.

Never thought of a bar or restaurant as a replacement for tailgaiting hmmm dont know about that one.

Oh yeah Waldo lol... I forgot about him!

As for me I am hoping my buddy Steve G who was a Twins gear vendor at the Met and the Dome - will resurface at TF. As of game 162, it was in question if they'd still have a job at TF. I hope I see him come 4/2 or 4/12.

I am hearing lines were much longer than expected this morning as tickets went on sale early again (just like the single game presale) at 7:45...

Anyone know if the concession stands take Amex? (Or Visa/MC for that matter) Just curious.

K

CJ,

Don't forget Penny Steele! She can stand there and weep while the rest of us have a good time.

Question - where can I find tickets that are already listed on TC Traders? Rick's email said that tickets for May 4 are already posted, but I can't find where they are, just how I can list any tickets that I have.

Just got back from buying tickets! It could be the lack of sleep, or I'm still feeling all that beer last night, but I'm giddy.

Yes, they started selling tickets early. AGAIN. I walked down there at 7:45 and some guy was almost up to Washington on 3rd Ave N, with tickets. Why do that? If you say 8am, START AT 8AM. The kiosks were much faster than the ticket window, and the lines were shorter. By 8:05am, the light rail ticket kiosks were basically empty. Those poor people waiting on the Plaza.

One annoying thing this morning? The only thing open for breakfast was Smalley's 87. And they were packed. The only smart business on 1st Ave, that's for sure.

yeah, Natron was back HOME by 8. I love that they always start early - it's great for people in the know. Like us.

Shall we play "Where's Waldo?" First one to spot him, wins a Killebrew Root Beer. lol

"It won't be the same as tailgating, but it will be just as good, and you'll be outside when you get to the game," said Kaufman. "A lot of the places have sidewalk cafes, so once the weather is fabulous out, they'll have their tables out and you can be outside. And almost be tailgating."

That's a ridiculous statement. The options for "sidewalk cafes" downtown is extremely small. Outside of Smalley's (and possibly Kieran's, if they turn the outside into a patio), you'll have to be downtown 5 hours before the game to get a spot outside.

Speaking of, does anyone know what bar the gated alley outside of Epic belongs to?(Nice sentence, Chad) It doesn't really have a doorway IN to Epic. Maybe Brothers, but that seems weird, too. It looks like it's been used recently, but I've never witnessed anybody in there.

I went down there at 8:30 and bought 8 tickets, didn't even have to stand in line. I'm not jealous of those folks who camped out last night.

This may have been posted yesterday, but there are another 4 empty brackets for banners.

I bought opening day tickets on ebay last November.- Shipping details
USPS First Class Mail They are from a local guy. (Depending on where you live he could have been the director of your son’s Little League or his current or past coach.) I hadn’t received the tickets, so I sent him an email yesterday (Friday) saying that If you haven't mailed the 4 tickets, and you will be at the exhibition game on Friday, we will be there and we could pick them up then. He replies with this: I think I can EMAIL the tickets right to your EMAIL address (all 4 of them) so I will try and do that this weekend. ENjoy, Take care,
So I immediately reply back with this:
I would prefer that you mail them. Our son collects his ticket stubs. - our daughter does too - just because her brother does. (The kids don't actually know that we are going yet, and that they get to get out of school early!) The piece of paper probably won't mean much to them. I can meet you on Monday or Tuesday if you don't want to deal with the hassle of mailing them.
So within the hour the guys transfers the tickets through email. So I send him another email:
I still want the hard copy tickets. (It's my understanding that the hard copies aren't good for entrance since you emailed them.) I can also meet you in this weekend if that works.
He sends me these 2 emails:1. If you insist on having hard copy tickets, I will have to refund your money for the four tickets. Let me know what you want to do.
2. No hard copies. I emailed you what I have from the Twins. Enjoy the game.
(He is a full STH, so I know he has the tickets.)
I replied with No, I don't want you to refund our money. I don't understand why I can't have what I paid for and what you put in your ebay listing that you would U.S. mail them for free. I know you had to pay $8 to email them - I don't get it. You want to keep our collectors item?
So he sends me this
You can make the decision. I emailed the tickets to you for my fee already. If you want, I will happily refund your purchase price.
Just let me know. No hard tickets.
So here is my reply:
No, like I said I don't want a refund. We'll be at the game.....
Just disappointed. Remember your name is on the hard tickets, so don't try to resell the hard tickets and leave those people standing at the door. I'll also be disappointed if I see you selling the stubs on ebay or craigslist or that you are just keeping them for yourself. Unfortunately money sometimes drives peoples' actions.... Whatever.... So you get to keep the over sized commemorative tickets. (I see some guy on ebay trying to sell the stub for $50 - seriously????) The kids will get over it.
So I’m not sure what the guy’s intent is to do with the hard copy tickets, but I just wonder how the Twins will be handling situations like this at the gate. If he walks up with the hard copy tickets, will the Twins’ scanners have a message that he transferred/emailed the tickets? Or will he be able to stand there and say these are his tickets – they have the STH name on them – show his ID and get in? Or will he just make hundreds of more dollars by selling them on the street and denying someone else access? I see it as a huge problem, but maybe the Twins/other MLB teams have it figured out. Any thoughts?
Rick, sorry for the long post, but hopefully TCTraders has good/honest people and is a success for you.
Thanks for all you do.

As of 9:15 there are over 12,000 tickets left for today's open house/game. Just got back from getting mine, no line at all, just walked up.

Goldy ---

Get his contact info. from eBay and call him up.

Some observations from looking at the Webcam 1 archive:

Looks like the first in line (at least at the plaza window) started setting up his tent at between 10:10 and 10:20 last night. The second guy wasn't there until just before 1 am, with his portable fish house (?) They were basically alone until the main "crowd" of early risers got there around 5:00. Around 6:30 or 7, the line snaked its way down 7th St, but by 7:40, folks had moved up to the windows and the crowd really dissipated. By 8:40, no real line, and folks were moving through the gates and rushing down to those cushy seats behind home plate, which started filling in around 9:10.

I hope, at least the guy that claims the title of "First in Line to Buy a Ticket for the First Baseball Game Ever Played at Target Field" got his 15 seconds of TV time or something for his wasted efforts.

Wow, only 12000? Well, I added 10 to that count, but I saw people only buying 2 at a time. If I can't get friends to show up today, I'm gonna make it rain Twins tickets on the Plaza.

thats just the thing schweady - am i missing something? waiting all night for General Admission tickets? *shrug*

I just read the "Target Field Parking Tussle" story. How does Rapid Lot get to run a lot but nobody else does? That doesn't make sense.

Ben,
I have his contact info - name/number/address/picture from facebook... What am I going to do with it? I am not the type to take any drastic action. I just try to look for the good in people and hope that we can all treat each other with honesty and integrity. (Maybe he'll have some heart and mail me 2 of the 4 hard copy tickets.) His season tickets that he sold us (he could have others though) are about 10 seats away (same row) from our 20 game pack, so maybe I'll get to buy him a beer and find out why he treated me this way. He's a parent too, so hopefully he sets a good example as a baseball coach... I'm just hoping the Twins have a plan in place for situations like this.

You guys will love this....Next Friday's forecast for Minneapolis calls for a high temp of 72 degrees. Next Friday here in Phoenix they're calling for a high temp of 65 degrees. Thank GOD we have a roof on our ballpark down here! I don't know how we'd survive the frigid Arizona temperatures in April.

Goldy is correct. This emailing of tickets could become a problem. However, I only see it being an issue for the really high demand games (Home Opener, Brewers, Yankees, Playoff games). And even then if a STH tries to pull shenanigans it won't work more than once as their name/company is printed on each ticket. Nobody is gonna bother doing this for the Royals in May or the Indians in September. If you were to report a problem to the Twins I bet this could be strongly discouraged in the future or result in the loss of STs...

Still waiting for my 4 tickets to next Friday night's game. 6 days away...and I've received other tickets in the meantime that were ordered after these 4. WTF is going on at 1 Twins Way.

So the consensus seems to be that's there's plenty of tickets to go around today, right? Thinking of heading down there shortly despite talking myself out of it last night.

How does one get to the Bud party deck?

DanB-

You have to go through the elevators right below it. Last weekend they were letting people up only through the elevators by the Town Ball Tavern.

Goldy ---

My understanding is that sending the tickets electronically kills the hard tickets. If he refunded would you not wind up with valid tickets (albeit paper tix) for free? I would still give him a call - maybe he will cave and do the right thing when he can't hide behind his keyboard. He really ought to be willing to make good on his TOS which, of course, is the issue.

For the tickets I email this year I have no problem sending the hard copy tix AFTER the game...This guy is shady...

I can see the guy wanting to keep the hard copies - I think they will fetch pretty good $$$ because, like I said earlier, there is going to be about two million people claiming they were at the OD game. But a deal is a deal - is his name Walser or Hecker?

Webcam addiction has set in... Quite a sight at 11:30: fans in the stands and players on the field.

Goldy- I feel for you. The guy's really low. Did you at least get the tix in the email and could print them? Here's hoping for the best on the hard copy.

Can anyone who is going to the open house/game confirm that the ridiculous armrest cup holders in row 1 of the Terrace have been removed? I was told by my season ticket rep that they were.

I talked to Waldo once, real name is Greg I think. Bert Blyleven or his wife gave him the Waldo nickname because he's everywhere. I think Bert's wife gave him the jersey too.

Anyway, I talked to him a year or two ago and he said he wouldn't be renewing his season tickets in the new ballpark because there was no roof. Not sure if he changed his mind, but he was pretty adamant about it. I just kind of looked at him while he went on his "roof" rant.

Walleye fingers

Jon,
Contrary to what you may have heard, the front row seats seats in the terrace area are not all uniform in size. I have seats in the terrace level and sat in many of the sections last weekend. I believe that they ordered narrow seats for some of the sections in order to squeeze in an extra seat. This fact, in addition to the fact that each of the armrests has a cupholder made squeezing into the seats a problem in some areas, but not all.

I am not large, 33 waist, most of the seats I had no problems sitting in. A few of the sections I could barely fit. The one I clearly remember is Section 228. It is the last section on the third baseline. I think the front row only has 4 or five seats, in each of these seats my hips touched the armrests on both sides as I sat down. In this section, if you have a larger than 36 inch waist, you just won't fit. If you have tickets for a specific section. I would ask someone to check those seats.

Maz......Oh man...You dirty dog...

Almost looks like my view from my 306 row 1 seats...from the webcam it doesn't look like they will get 25,000...

From the webcam it looks like the garbage incinerator is active.

Thanks for the info, minn55441. We did notice that our seats (Section 201, by the way) seemed a bit narrower than other seats even in our own section. But I think it won't be an issue as long as the cup holders are gone. I was just barely able to squeeze in with the cup holders, so without them, I think we will be fine.

View from twins pub

I love that the outfield walls do not have ads on them yet!! Hopefully that holds true once the season starts!! Thanks for the updates Maz!!

Last row sec 319

What a thrill for the players. I'm sure this will be the largest crowd any of them have ever played for. Turned out to be a nice day as well.

Damn, it looks like a REAL ballpark now! You guys that are there suck! :)

Gophers winning?

For those of you that pass a TV, how do the camera angles look? I know that was a question someone else posted about the camera angles coming from CF.

Yea,,,I'm very interested how the stadium is gonna profile on my BIG SCREEN..

Listening to the Gopher game on WCCO and the sound from the bat is killing me.

Yea the NCAA is really missing the boat with metal bats. I consider myself a huge baseball fan, but I refuse to watch college baseball.

If they go to wood bats, the College World Series would be bigger than they possibly could imagine.

In 304 row 7

Anyone else have only the comments and no pics on InGameMagic?

I'm on my iPhone and it's very inconsistent if the pics show up.

Btw- I do see pics in the comments on here.

Yea the "in sec 304 row 7" was suppose to go with the pic I posted since I forgot to add it but yea

1st HR by Lou tech..Clint Ewing

My lf bleecher seats nice view

Hey Rick, can you e-mail me privately when you have a chance, I want to run something by you in advance of Friday's opener. Click my name for e-mail.

Thanks.

Last seat sec 202

Wow Mazaratirick! Those are some awesome pics you are uploading! Thanks for sharing with us!

I mean the park looks great, but doesn't it look even better with butts in the seats? I can't wait to see what it looks like when its full!

Keep posting these awesome pics!

mazaratrik, thanks for the pics im in 204 row 1, so that last pic was perfect for me

View from sec 224

the grass looks great! I wonder what it looks like in person. I was at the open house last weekend, but they had it covered! I was bummed about that!

I thought maybe the trap sign would have an ad on it for this game, but sense thats not the case. does anybody have any idea whats going on it? do we know what sort of soda will be served there? maybe an old school Coke or Pepsi would go good there.

I am very surprised that isnt covered as well. how about a "Target" hit it here sign? lol

I noticed today that the electronic ribbon boards at the ends of the park are being used for closed captioning of the PA announcements. Haven't seen any other ads on them. It's also surprising how little of the fascia on the upper decks have any ads. That's a good sign.

Oh, and the Kramarczuk's sausages have Halsey's Sausage Haus beat hands down!

Anybody try the seats behind the net? Is it too thick?

Here is a picture I took from behind home plate at the Open House:

Da moat!

I sat behind homeplate last weekend during the openhouse, you really don't even notice it is there. at least I didn't anyways

Maz-

I noticed your pic from 224. My seats are row 1 225. Are the still cup holders in the arms?

Matt Tolbert was optioned to Triple-A after the game today. Jacque Jones will be at Target Field next weekend, but was told he'd start at Triple-A too. Alexi Casilla "by default" has won the final bench spot.

Also, Mike Maroth was assigned to minor league camp and Anthony Slama was told that he would pitch at TF next weekend and start the year in Rochester. It seems that Neshek will take the final bullpen spot (along with Duensing).

The backup catcher race is still going...

Awesome pics guys!

Rick, my concierage has LC tix in section M for $55. Should I get you a game? I can check availabilty on Tuesday.

CSG Mike, I would be willing to purchase some as well if there are any available. I am sitting in LC Section Q for 2 games

Homerun porch view

CSG - I might be interested as well.

They're saying that 36,000 came through the gates today. I thought they were capping the attendance at 25,000?

Tha trap

They said depending on how many are in their seats or roaming around, they would open it up to around 35,000.

Even the outfield seats have a great view for being cheap seats!

We have seats first row of terrace (218). The cup holders were removed and now there are no cupholders--I don't think that is a problem, the ledge will work fine. I'm not overly thrilled with the railing and I'm about 6' 3". Lean forward a bit and you can see the whole field without any obstruction. You can also see the pitcher and homeplate without obstruction through the top two rails. I'd love to see them cut down the rails a bit, but it might present some safety issues. That said, in a big spot, we'll be standing up and have one of the best seats in the house. It was great to finally see the place in person.

I was down in my seats (Sec 126 row 2) and Waldo was sitting in front of me. I remembered someone asked where he would be sitting and he told me he didn't renew because he had issues with the front office at the end of last season. He did say he was going to be out on the Plaza by gate 34 during the games to catch the first HR hit outside of the ballpark.

Some good photos if you scroll to the last blog entries on the left.
http://www.gophersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=8400&ATCLID=204916980

Goldy - sorry to hear about your ticket issue. If your seller tries to use his hard tickets after issuing e-tickets, the bar code scanners will reject them. He can show all the ID he wants, but he won't be able to get in.

Sorry if this has been covered before, but what are the options for getting from the LRT station at TF around to the main plaza from the front side? I tried making a loop from the back side of TF around the front and back to the LRT again. Ended up going through the skyway level but got lost a bit and ended up on 5th street but not in the right spot. Can you get from the plaza to 2nd and then around the corner to 5th, or is there a way through the ramp? 3rd looks like just a freeway on-ramp?

Official attendance - 36,056. Too bad it was such a lop-sided game.

Hey Maz, I was sitting near you and eating walleye fingers too. lol

I wanted a steak sandwich but they didn't have any up when I got to the front of the slllloooowwwww line...she said it would be a while. I told the lady that was fine, to give me walleye, and I thought she was going to cry from relief when I didn't rip her head off like a few other people in front of me. lol

It was nice to see all the vendor carts up and running and the Twins swag vendors in the concourses (including my buddy! YAY!) Felt and smelled like a real game day.

It beats the damp-concrete/sock-water beer/dome dog smell of the MOAFATHHHMetrodome by a mile.

Goldy,
While it sucks that you don't get the hard copies, you got what you ordered. 4 Opening day tickets, enjoy the game. If the auction had specifically stated "4 Hard tickets - Oversized souvineer style" and you got emailed the tix, I would be pissed. But if it didn't specify he can deliver printed or hard copies.

He's obviously doing this to sell the stubs. They will be worth $50-75 on ebay EASY. He's not going to try to scam you.

"If your seller tries to use his hard tickets after issuing e-tickets, the bar code scanners will reject them. He can show all the ID he wants, but he won't be able to get in."

My take (let's assume he's not dumb enough to think he can sell AND use or dishonest enough to sell twice as seats) is that he wants to sell the hard tickets as collector's items after the game. Really low, unless he had made clear in the listing that the hard tix were not part of the deal.

Can we get the guy's eBay ID so we can stay away from the jerk?

double checking - is there a game tomorrow too? if so - is it also at noon?

i'm hoping to make it down for a game - also, what are ABC ramps charging?

thanks!

B:
I had a similar question just a bit ago. Seems like folks who exit a game near the RF corner and wind up on the plaza are going to need more than a bit of help getting back to the trains. I sure hope they're not herding them all around back on the Halsey Promenade. (Think onions and cigars.) Walking from our hotel, we'll be approaching TF on 5th near the LRT, and I was hoping for a more straightforward way of getting around the east side of the park to take in some of the sights on the main plaza before entering. But, like you say, 3rd is now just an entrance ramp to 394.

CJ:
The Gopher game tomorrow is at the Metrodome. Be sure to post lots of pictures.

well... that sucks...
thanks schweady...

Just got back from TF. That was a blast. I can report excellent smells all around. Plus, while in the bathroom, I noticed the p.a. was indeed piped in through speakers. No radio broadcast, but you could hear the announcer.

I basically wandered around and sat in different sections. It was great. The upper concourses were nicer than I thought. You could've sat anywhere you wanted on the 300 level. Everyone just crowded the lower concourse leaving the upper one with plenty of elbow room.

Had a polish (w/onions) at the Kramarczuk's stand and it was delish.

@B

I think the best way to get to the plaza from the light rail is to just get off at the Warehouse District stop and just walk down 1st Ave to Target Center and walk along the pedestrian bridge to the plaza.

Honestly, the skyway walk back to 5th isn't too bad at all, but it is a bit confusing at the moment due to some work being done over on the 5th st side. I have to believe that ultimately they will put better signage up over there for people trying to walk to 5th. Once you get out from there, you are standing at the bus shelter. All you have to do once you are there is walk toward the ballpark to the train platform which is very nearby.

i need some twitter followers in case I say something good.

I'm Jax_s102r9s3

thanks!

The best thing tweeted directly to me so far:

JoseCanseco @Jax_s102r9s3 even if u don't like me I still love u

lol lol

Click name for a short walk around the plaza video from last night.

Wow!

What a day! we overslept and did not get down til about 11am and once we got it the smells of the food and the happy people walking around with beers just sucked us in.. there were no drink holders in any section i sat in... the walleye fingers were good but were over 10 bucks so maybe just ok..the kazmucks or whatever they are called had a 25 min line all day and ran out of everything but the brats by the time i got one but man for 6.50 (ballpark prices apply) it was the best thing i have ate in my two trips to TF, I will post a pic of it..

every place I sat I was amazed at the views, and as you see we walked around and sat in almost evey section.. i would say home run porch view was my least fav, when you pay 20 bucks to sit there i would rather pay the 13 to sit in the skyline view..legends club was nice, reminds me of the redbird club in STL. but I really like sec 244 for the "more bang for your buck" seats, you get it all 100% unobstructed view, skyline, scoreboard and entire field...

My seats in the LF blechers are nice and a good deal, but next year I want to sit upstairs for one huge reason, the CONCOURSE, did anyone else enjoy the upstairs concourse more than downstairs? it was more open, lit by the sun, way less crowded, same food options.. just seemed calmer but still in the mix.. love the twins pubs but dont see you beng abole to get in there for awhile they only hold like 82 people each and have premo views..

I will post more pics soon,,,i probably seen a few of you guys and did not know it!

From the trap

Banners going up. Smoking area

Kazumzackesfsggd or whatever it's called. It was DAMN good

Folks on the plaza doing... Plaza things

Nice pics but ketchup on a brat...C'mon, man!

they had no bbq sauce.. i guess to each his own...

i was there at the game, sat in the 50$ seats section 109 i believe, somethings i noticed, that screaming line drive down firsts base that ricoched..sp? of the rail above the moat seats, wow, that could of been dangerous, not sure if anyone noticed this but i did notice a few times during the game there was the smoke over the field from the grills of the food, and it gave the ballpark a nice look and smell for a bit. awesome feel to outdoor baseball, this is my first outdoor gamve ever. i wasnt born before the dome opened, i really am trying to convince someone else in the fam to go in on season tix with me, maybe i can get the girl to go in with me, not sure what everyone elses experience was with the lrt, maybe it was hard to gauge on a day like this with people leaving early and not a full stadium but when we left after the game was over, we stepped outside walked the the gates and got onto the train, no one had to stand , and there were no lines to wait in either, but im sure this will drastically change for twins games, what a beautifull stadium, and i dont really care what the reviews will say about it, either way, its the best ive ever seen and because its in minnesota and the twins are playing in it, of course i will be biased, i will be going here for years and years to come and we will love outdoor baseball, about time!

I didn't find your user at Twitter, Jax. I copy and pasted what you put, and they didn't bring it up in the search.

"---but ketchup on a brat---"

I spent a year and a half on the Bavarian border in Germany. One of the real treats at a "wurst stand" was a curry wurst - which was basically fried white sausage (bratwurst) dressed with a line of ketchup topped with curry powder. Delicious - you should try one.

maz, I have to agree with your comment about the upper concourse. i know when I strolled up there to check out my Family Section seats, i thought the same thing you did, nice, open, sun-lit.

I'll be curious though to see how great it is when there's a Twins game going on and 8 or 9,000 people are up there.

Maz!!! You've committed a grave sin! Only mustard on a brat, NO KETCHUP!!!!!!

I understand Ben, curry wurst and paprika schnitzel are wonderful. But it's just a bratwurst thing with me...BROWN MUSTARD please!

The pommes frites (French fries), by the way, are usually served with mayo - something else you should not scoff at, at least until you've tried it.

but I really like sec 244 for the "more bang for your buck" seats, you get it all 100% unobstructed view, skyline, scoreboard and entire field...

Maz

Since 244 doesn't exist, can I assume that you meant 224?

Ben,

I love fries with mayo! Hell, I even gross out my wife when we eat at Wendy's. I love dipping fries in my frosty!

well then I will repent b4 I die for that sin... we were sharing everything so i just ploped everything on everything we got.. my girl got some chicken stir fry! that was crazy but it was pretty good for 8 bucks...

yes luke it was better, you have to rememeber there are waaaay less seats up there than the lower level...hrbeks just does not do it for me im afraid... no vibe and kinda a open space with tvs...townball tavern looks as if it could be converted into a night club they play that kind of music and even has some nice lil vip looking nooks with seats and chairs..

twins pubs look to me to be the best besides that outdoor full bar in the outfield under the bud party deck...simple, get your drink on but still can watch the game, hrbeks just seems like a closet they turned into a area to sell beer and food..just my opinion, i hope it changes cuz i love the concept..

Minn,
yes thank you for the correction, sorry I have also tryed out 3 beers and 2 cocktails... I was there from 11-5 until they made us leave. gotta try the spirts!

sec 224!!! thats my shit.

Loved my first taste of Target Field, except for the Powerball Pavilion. I need to sell those tickets and buy some new ones for my dad. We're both pretty big guys, we both could stand to go on a diet I guess, but it's too cramped for us with those cupholders. Too bad. Great view.

I would love to get tickets in the left field bleachers for him instead, but not having much luck so far. Maybe I will have to settle for the Homerun Porch Terrace.

Did anyone see the bloody mary's that they were serving at Hrbeks!!!??? Those things were like a meal in a glass: pepperoni, cheese, pickle, olive, mary mix and of course...VODKA!! Can't wait to hit up a Sunday noon game and get one of those to start off the game...

Buffalo,

I im sorry to hear that, I have LF blechers seats that I would have loved to trade you for a few games but as you can see by all that shit we ate today I need a diet too!

any skinnys on here can help him out? im sure if you post them on TC Traders you will be able to make something happen

I've finally got a few of the hundreds of pictures I took at Target Field last weekend posted. There is a slideshow at the bottom of this mini review.

Mazarati, Beautiful pics! Thank you.

Some of you realize, you're poets; keep the descriptions coming, i.e. food, smells, bloody marys. I'm sure I don't speak for myself here, but I can't tell you how jealous some of us out-of-towners are right now.
Living in Chicago now, and because of some of your fantastic posts, I couldn't take it anymore and had to buy tix' to the Cell for April 9, Twins/Sox...Jealous?? Of course not!! You boys & girls have a top 5 field to go to now.

Ben, and thanks to you! Everyone on this board now knows what pommes frites are.

Hey buffalo
what games are you looking to trade? i have seats in the lf bleachers, shoot me an email we might be able to work something out

ohhh Kevin, mayo on my fries is just *mwah!*

I'm on a diet so I don't get to eat such things now..although today was kind of a diet cheat day. I had walleye fingers (not as good as famous daves!), some gelato from the legends club (good but $5 and for $5 I thought I deserved at least a plastic spoon instead of a wooden thingy), a fountain diet pepsi (tasted weird), a $4.50 bottle of Diet Pepsi without a cap, and my standard nachos. I line up the chips in the cheese cup til they get kinda soft and eat them up. lol

ok, that all sounds kinda piggy for a girl on a diet, but I just lost 31 pounds! (I quit smoking 2 yrs ago and got fat.) My goal is to be in shorts again by June without scaring small children.

:)

Luke, click on my link.

buffalo, what game are you trying to take your dad to?

I think Jared's weather forecast proved my point about such things. I live five miles north of TF and I have not seen a drop of rain all day. It was "supposed" to rain all morning. Don't believe a word they tell you!

My Powerball Pavilion tickets are for June 8, although I might just keep them and see if my brother and sister want to come along. They could sit in the more cramped seats since they are smaller and from time to time we could meet up to watch the game from a railing somewhere or to to one of the bars. Or I might sell it on Ebay.

Jax,

Congrats on the smoking front. Quiting is easy for me 'cause I seem to quit every week.

Game preparation is the key. You'll just have to remember to travel to games with a poncho, flask, AND a plastic spoon if you're going to hit up ice cream stands. I have in-laws who were in the DQ business who never indulge unless it's with a plastic spoon.

Ben, what's gelato?

Rolo-

My wife got pegged in the ear with a foul ball that ricocheted off the moat wall on the third base side in the sixth... She got the ball from the guys on the other side of the moat after it bounced 10+ feet off her head. She also got a zip lock bag of ice from the first aid crew.

wow yeah your right it was the 3rd base side not the first, damb dude, sorry to hear that, when we saw that we said theres prolly no way that didnt hit off someone, too bad it was your wife though, hears a cheers to getting the ball and nothing to serious, i hope

I had a huge health scare that motivated me to quit but I couldn't have done it without Chantix. Yes, Chantix folks - I could do a commercial for the stuff. I was quit in a month and it was EASY. Ask your doctor or pharmacist. :D

No worries... she's good, but thanks for the concern.

Actually, we were commenting on how "if we ever won the lottery" those would be great seats. After she got hit, the seats weren't so great...

I will also get hit by a ball this season. I've come to terms with it. I'm just not good at tracking the ball off the bat. Maybe it'll be better against the sky rather than roof but my location down the 1st baseline worries me. Maybe I should buy a batting helmet and wear it...that'd be hot eh. lol

WOW WOW WOW You can say I'm drinking the Target Field Kool - Aid but from my first step in to my last step out I love the place to death! The RF overhang is gimmicky, but that was my only issue. Rick - great job with the site, I totally knew where to go and what to look for when I was there today. Thanks to all of you who have posted to get me pumped! As high of expectations I had, I must admit I was worried aboiut being let down but it was the total opposite! I can't wait to go back! First row of LF bleachers for 5 games and hopefully more!!!

Jax - Starting Chantix on Monday...one goal of mine was to not ever step foot in the smoking section at Target Field...

I took it in '08 but didn't follow through....it does work though...it is quite amazing...CRAZY DREAMS though...

good for you trosy, you'll do it this time... i didn't put them down until day 13 but I never looked back and it's been 2 1/2 years.

I did have the crazy dreams though too lmao! I'll tell you about mine sometime - it's too weird to share with the whole world. lol

I determined today that the best seats are Legends Club Sections N or M. If only I could afford $55 a game for 82 games a year and a one-time seat license. Great view.

It is kind of neat that most of those people there today were really finding out about the ballpark for the very first time. I wish I could relate, but after checking this site non-stop everyday for 3 years or however long it has been means that I should never miss a Target Field trivia question.

here's a trivia question for you Rational!

How many regular season games will be played at Target Field this year?? (barring a tie)

Jax- Last time I only took Chantix for 5 weeks. That was my problem. This time I am going to take them for at least 2 full months probably 3 and maybe even the full 4. It was amazing though that the first day that I "quit," I didn't even need or want a smoke...like you said, it does work...

One of my favorite things about the ballpark - besides all of the sight lines - was the pictures from around the state of Town Team amateur baseball. There were pictures of ballparks some of us have played on, and also some impressive photographs that captured people enjoying town team baseball from around the state!

well I'll be pullin for ya Trosy! Life is better when you can trudge up ballpark steps from row 1 without dying. lol

Went to the game today.. I am too currently drinking the Target Field Kool-Aid. all the best Rick you are the man for doing this blog.. you've made all of our lives better.

well if you guys wanna smoke i will be by the bike racks! ha

Rational - "one-time seat license"?
Not that I know of. The NFL is usually the culprits for the Personal Seat Licenses.

You haven't been reading your fine print, have you, luke?

I went up to the cheap seats down the 3rd baseline, they are really high. Are there going to be oxygen tanks up there?

Are there any pregame parties/gatherings planned for ballpark magic folk for the two exhibition games?

My view for April 14

August 14 view sec 236 row 6

Tom,
I don't feel I received what I bought on ebay. The listing said Shipping Details: USPS First Class Mail.

Ben,
I could reveal lots of details about the guy - ebay store name, city he was director of little league baseball for ..., but I won't. Not my style.

Goldy, I understand why you're upset, but if he had emailed the tix to himself, printed them out, and shipped them to you USPS, you would still be equally upset, and he would be following his auction terms 100%.

I don't really see the difference between that and him emailing the tix to you.

To me Target Field is what we have all wanted and maybe even more. Today was my first visit to the park and I think one thing that stands out is what a great feeling of ambiance I got about the place. I felt like I was at the old County Stadium. I mean that in a good way-this place is going to great for the sounds,sights and smells of baseball. One thing I noticed in the two places I sat(in the club level and down the first base line a bit was that the seats did not seem angled towards the pitcher's mound-especially the club seats,they faced straight towards right field. Did anyone else notice this,too.

37,000 my right tooth from all the views including the web cams there never looked like more than 20,000 in seats ,....and dont tell mee 18,000 were im the concourse continuously......

I guess not juggler.
There's a $200 per seat deposit.
And I know there's extra per-game, per-seat surcharges for sitting in the front rows and stuff.
Haven't seen anything about license fees...

Then again, I'm not an STH (although I might consider it next season), so there might be something I'm missing.

try $2000 luke.

oh dang the "Guest" are me dunno why it didnt come up with my name again guess i'll have to re register.

Anyway i wonder if i saw any of you there, you may of seen me, indian kid in brown hoodie with little twins symbol with a messenger bag. Ha long shot but maybe you remember seeing me

bw - I am assuming that there were a lot of people like my fiance and I. We showed up at 12:30 watching a couple innings, walked around a bit and took off. We left in about the 4th inning and there were still people walking to the park and buying tickets. It was very much like an open house with a ballgame going on...

luke - Go to the seating view page, hover over any of the LC sections, and look at the pricing info on the right side of the screen to get your answer.

On today's radio broadcast today they mentioned there were some things "covered up" in the outfield that wouldn't be seen until either the exhibition games or Opening Day. Does anyone have any idea what they were talking about? The pictures don't seem to substantiate that.

JCTwins - Retired numbers on the admin building

If interested, click for brief first impressions from a guy raised in Metrodome.

I know I don't post here very often, but I feel compelled to share my experience today after seeing how great a time you all had.

I ended up moving around all day, pretty much never staying in one spot for more than five minutes. Ate an Italian Sausage and it was awesome. This really is a special place.

When my friends and I were sitting in the Legends Club seats, some man behind us said, and I quote, "The only thing I don't like about this stadium is the artificial turf. Can they even grow grass in this state?" I wanted to impolitely turn around and tell him to take a second, third, or eighteenth look, but I figured someone wittier than me could have that honor in the future.

Also, no troughs = amazing. And I openly yelled that for others to hear.

My friend and I were debating afterwards what we liked most about the place, and it was definitely the sound system. Hearing walk-up music and knowing what song is playing is, literally, music to my ears.

After looking through many many pictures from the past couple of days it looks as though the two dugouts are not set up the same. The Twins dugout has benches in the front, whereas the vistor's dugout does not. Does anyone know why this might be?

I would agree Rick - there were people coming and going the entire game I don't doubt there were 37,000.

I came up with a great idea at the game yesterday(I won't break my arm patting myself on the back). Once a year, a game should be general admission. Charge everyone $30, and whoever gets there first gets the seat. Have all the real fans (like us) sitting in the best seats, not a bunch of corporate stiffs. I bet those seats behind home plate are half full for most games.

Rick, in regards to seat articulation, there are in fact sections where I noticed some of the seats themselves angled toward the infield (i.e., the right side of one seat back is a couple inches in front of the left side of the seat back on the seat to the right). Section 205 is the only section I know for 100% sure that does this. I would imagine 201-205 are all this way, and I believe I remember seeing the terrace sections down the left field line being the same way.

Too bad I'm in section 206, which has no articulation at all.

hey rick-so i tried to make an offer on tc traders, while logged in of course, and it sid that my email address was not valid what's up?

Test

sorry about that i was test in game magic (this is now from my comp) since before when i posted pictures yesterday of my seats, it had posted me as "guest" when i knew i had subscribed before anyway yes i guess sorry for the triple post?

they did announce they let $36k+ in over the course of the day. It will be much more tolerable with people just in their seats watching the game and people actually up on the other two levels in their seats - gawker traffic will diminish exponentially.

by the way, I noticed on the ribbon boards they were saying that "Last day to purchase 2010 Game Packages is Monday". So, I was thinking that would mean that more tickets would be released for single game purchase after Monday, right?

Trosy, what's $2000? i don't get it...

Me in puckett atrium

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That's what I'm hoping Jax :) just hoping to get a single seat for OD on there. Screw my friends they can do stubhub :)

I went out for my second trip yesterday,so I can add some new and confirming/questioning thoughts, especially since more of the food and drink areas were open.

Seats:

1) The Powerball pavillion seats on the ends seem fine, since they only have one drink holder. Likewise, if no one else is sitting next to you, the seats seem fine. However, if you have a whole row of non-petite people, I still say these will be uncomfortable seats. Again, that is ok as long as you know what you're buying.

2) The right field bleacher seats are fine except for the very lowest numbered ones, and even those I can appreciate for the price. Most of the action happens in the infield, and you can see that fine. Not for the purist, but for $10 those are ok.

3) For the price, there is nowhere I'd rather be than the 200 sections on the third base side. Too bad those were only full season packages this year. I thought on both the 200 and 300 sections, you really had to be up in row 3 and above to get the barriers, but in some places row 2 will do. They did the best they could with the barriers, but I still don't think row 1 is worth it up there, especially for a $5 upcharge. To each their own.

Food:

1) The Kramarczuk sausage stands are going to be completely overrun throughout the season. I only saw one on each level. More please!

2) I did not see the "dugout dog", and it looked like the "dinger dog" was just advertised as a footlong hotdog. I did like that the Twins big dog, the dome dog replacement, was being warmed up right on the griddles and not coming from a mystery bin.

3) The crock size for the chili and soup seemed reasonable. Not worth $6 of course, but at least they weren't totally ripping you off.

4) The carvery and wok stations did not seem very busy, but I love the option. I'm someone that is often going straight from work to the game, so having these types of options are fabulous.

Transportation:

1) They were clearly using the promenade as the staging area for light rail going out, so I think if you are riding the rail your less crowded option for leaving will be gate 14 and then walk down the promenade, rather than gate 6 where it is going to be packed and you'll have to go back up the promenade anyway. The LRT station is going to be the most congested part of this whole deal, but they are already trying things to make it work.

2) Lots of temporary fences and such so people don't cross those tracks at the wrong places. Also, they are still running 2 car trains. When do the 3 car trains come? I thought all the stations were done now.

4) 1st Ave. from 4th St. to 6th St. was blocked off at 4:00, so they are testing that out. The cops I talked to were all saying they are just going to see what works. Part of blocking that off is so they can get the trains out of there, but it could make for a great scene after games along the bars. Maybe that ugly surface lot between 5th and 6th will finally get built on.

Areas:

1) I thought Hrbek's would be the hidden gem, but now I'm thinking Town Ball Tavern might be the place to hide away once the buzz goes down. Maybe if we have 40,000 every night there won't be any hiding places.

2) I still like that big bar on the main concourse in left field.

3) The Twins Pubs will be packed a cold nights. Very fun place to watch from.

Jax - the $2000 (for most sections of the Legends Club) or $1000 (outer sections) is a per seat "license fee" that allows you to own the rights to the seats. The money is used by the MBA to enhance the ballpark.

That is a one-time up front fee that allows you the right to purchase season tickets (and those for other events) as long as you own the membership. The primary difference between LC seats and "regular
ST seats is that you can legally sell or otherwise transfer them to another party, which you cannot do with regular season tickets.

Because you could buy LC seats before the relocation process, many people (myself included) bought LC seats to have a known location prior to getting "regular" seats.

If you are familiar with the PSLs for many NFL teams, this is the same idea.

Regarding going from the plaza to LRT...wouldn't it make most sense to turn right out the gate and walk around the back of the park? It's a trip, but at least it would be very simple.

Listening to Sid this morning and he sounds as painful as those bats sounded on the radio yesterday...Time to retire buddy.

Nice, Jax. I went back and looked at my post... I'm an idiot sometimes. The answer is 81.

Question...
So beer is cheaper in the Town Ball Tavern? I'm guessing you can't leave with your drink. Anyone know?

This isn't my picture. I just did a Target Field search on Flickr. It's a pretty good example of what you'll see on TV.

I just called the Twins ticket office and asked if more opening day tickets would become available after the season ticket process was over and he said, "highly unlikely"

bummer!

hehe Rational :)

Ole, The one game general admission is a cute idea but I (not a corporate stiff) wouldn't want to give up my good seat! :p I was irritable yesterday when some hairy dork was in my spot. (sorry if that was one of you)

I don't know about the rest of you, but this work week is going to go SLOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW.

Twins vs Red Sox on MLB Network at noon today
Twins vs Cardinals on ESPN tomorrow at noon

Steve, is there really a point to retiring at age 90? Let him do what he does. You'll miss him when he's gone.

Just ordered tickets for the Thurs game vs the BoSox. I used StubHub for the first time, I'm not sure what to expect. Do I only get a "digital" copy? or do I get the real ticket too?

Bobby,

I ordered a bloody mary @ the Townball Tavern ($11.33) and the guy told me I could bring it with me to my seats.

11.33 for a bloody mary? wow, that is steep!

has anyone else noticed the Twins have pinstripes on their gray away pants? I thought the new away jerseys were pinstripe free.

For those at the Gopher game yesterday, did they play the ballpark organ at all? If so, how did it sound?

They're just using those during ST with the BP jerseys. New roads will be pin-free.

Twin,

You will only get the digital ticket. I don't think that stubhub gives the option to mail the ticket.

The twins will also not wear the away pinstripes this season. Even though they have been wearing them this spring.

Was there yesterday as well tried the cheap hot dog and had the steak sandwhich both were very good. It was a little slow at the steak sandwhich booth but they said were working things out to make it more efficent I said it didnt matter I had no where to go anyways. So these test runs are A learning experience.

Found out there is 4 bars where one could buy a beer after the seventh inning Town ball tavern, Hrbeks, The Metropolitan club and I think the Twins pub, but of course theres A catch you cant take the beer out back to your seat you have to drink it there. Also those bars will remain open for an hour or so after the end of the game or close at midnight whic ever comes first. I also belive the bar that sits below the party deck will be closed after the seventh inning not sure but maybe some else knows more about that. Oh yea and the party deck from what we were told was sold out already for the year for group rentals at games if I understood that correctly.

Parked further down on fifth street since we were not staying for the game just touring the place and saw transit cops all over the place ticketing and towing cars away from areas around there so they might have to tell people where they want you to park and not park in or around that area. I wasnt sure where you could park down in the area and be ok. Lots of people trying to park in or around the lots in the empty buildings.

"11.33 for a bloody mary? wow, that is steep!"

I guess that explains the seventeen cents worth of condiments that come with it.

Mike,

The organ was played for around 5-10 minutes yesterday a while before the game started and sounded wonderful not being bounced around by a fiberglass ceiling. That was the only time I heard it being played, but I left halfway through the game, so it may have again later. Wanted to get to the Twins Pub to check it out being played but I wanted to keep my seats behind home plate. Great weather for baseball as well yesterday.

Just a few more thoughts- I knew that I hated the overlook overhang but after seeing it in person I hate it even more. I think it is going to be way too easy for major league players to hit a home run to anything to the right of the 365 sign on the wall. The Twins eventually should re-do that area and push back the right field foul line distance to about 340 feet or so and connect the fence from the 365 foot point to the new 340 foot line and get rid of the overhang.(Just my opinion) Also I did not realize that the canopy covers the whole view sections-I like that. Anyway that's all.

So I snagged some left field bleacher seats for me and my dad to the June 15 Rockies game instead off Ebay. Made an offer of $25 per ticket, just $1 more than face value and actually less than what the Twins would have charged me with the fees and such. Very happy.

One question though. Anybody know the last row in each section out there in left field. I got row 11 in section 130. I realize that's one of the last rows, just curious if it's the last row. I actually wanted to get one closer to the field, but I figured all those steps would be hell on my dad's knee.

And whoever said $10 was a good price to pay for the right field seats? Dead on. Unfortunately they range from $17 to $22. Nice price if you're toward the four pole, not so much as you get closer to the Overlook.

Actually I was wrong, face value for those left field tickets I bought are $21 for that game. For some reason I thought those Colorado games were premium pricing ones, but their not. Still happy with that price though since it's still cheaper than what the Twins would have charged me in total, if they actually had left field bleacher tickets left for that game.

I love the overlook. I think it makes the park unique, and its going to be fun to see how fielders play the ball. They will backpeddle and think they are going to catch the flyball and its going to land in the stands of the overlook! I LOVE IT!

So much attention to detail in many areas and so little thought on others. They need a REAL organ. That dome organ SUCKS. And they need a real organist. Yes, Sue Nelson is a neat lady, but her selections are boring and easy enough for a 12 year old to play. We need another Ronnie Newman! I think the Twins need to start demolishing right field after this season and do it right this time!

Pavano is getting tagged. yeesh. There goes the Majors Cup. sad! lol

Demolish right field and do it right this time? was that sarcasm? I hope it was lol

You know Rick, there have been a lot of questions about row numbers and seat numbers. It would be great if we could start a wiki or something where everyone contributes what they know about how many rows there are in each section, how many seats and which direction the seat numbering starts from. That's an important thing when looking to buy right field bleacher seats, for example. You don't want the high numbered seats because they are closer to the overhang and obstructed views (that's the first thing I checked yesterday!). Same thing in documenting at what row exactly in the lower deck you will be under the Legend Club seats and won't have a view of the scoreboard. I know all these things have been discussed in comments over the past few months, but one centrally located area would be really cool. (I know, I know, "hey Rick, why don't you do more work for us...")

I haven't looked yet, but I wonder how detailed Target Field is on Wikipedia, that'd be the obvious place to post that information.

No, not sarcasm at all. Right field in my opinion is a disaster. And I use that word because the Twins had an opportunity to plan something special from scratch. The overlook completely ruins the RF bleachers which otherwise would be PRIME seats. Other than that, I like the park a lot.

I might be in the minority here, but I love right field. I understand the bleacher seats next to the overlook have osbstructed views, but I love everything else about right field. I love the overlook, and I love how the plaza is out there for people to mingle around and homeruns that are hit out there will bounce high and far off the cement! I think its neat!

Me too!

The right field area and plaza inside the gates remind me of the plaza area in the open end zone of TCF Bank Stadium. A place to meet, mingle and then the plaza ends right where the last rows of seats begin and drop down towards the playing field. When you think about it, both of those stadiums provide open views of the downtown skyline that when seen on TV lets you know instantly where you are and who you're watching.

Also, the Plaza at Target Field will be much different than the Plaza at the Metrodome.

The Plaza at the Metrodome was a place for fans to hang out and have fun before having to go 'inside' to a crappy atmosphere and ballpark.

The Plaza at Target Field is a gateway into the ballpark. Fans will then mingle then head to the concourses and to their seats.

I just bought tickets form the Twins website for Saturday! I can't believe tickets are still available! I got 6 tickets in section 317 row 3. Can anyone tell me just how high the upper deck is? So Pumped!

A wiki sounds awesome...a place to submit photos from a specific seat and/or make comments. IOW make a wiki entry for every seat in the park, or at least every row...I'm loving this. Now I hope someone else knows how to do it :)...I think there are free wiki platforms around, so I'd certainly consider taking the lead on it if Rick doesn't feel like building it into the site. Not sure if you can do wide open wiki at no charge...

I don't know if this has been said...

They were putting replays on the out of town scoreboard. I think that is a good touch for the people who can't see the scoreboard.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problems with the plaza at all, I think it's great. I just think they need to re-do all of the RF seating. Eliminate the gimmicky overlook and make the entire seating section LEVEL. Or if they want to keep the overlook, then alter the RF bleacher section somehow to make it level with the overlook area so views aren't obstructed. Some obstructions are caused because there's nothing else you can do, it seems the RF obstructions were caused by lack of careful planning. If I'm missing something, please let me know because it sure looks like there's more than enough room out there to do some maneuvering.

If indeed the organ is going to sound just like the Metrodome, than the Twins failed in that aspect.

I simply want an organ that sounds like a good old traditional baseball organ just like you hear at Dodger Stadium.

Heck, even Miller Park has an organ that sounds like a traditional baseball organ.

Not sure if the Twins set limits on Sue as to what she can/cannot play, but I would like to see more organ music pre-game as well as a bigger variety in selections as well. It would also be nice to hear some patriotic organ music around Memorial Day, 4th of July, Armed Forces Day, etc.

Nothing better than sitting in your seats enjoying the views of outdoor baseball and listening to the organ music while the groundscrew drags the infield and waters down the dirt.

click my name for some classic organ music at Dodger Stadium...Baseball Americana at its best!

Right field is a disaster???? cmon guy

rolo,

i understand that word might be a little strong for you, but when a new ballpark opens and there are lower level seats (rf bleachers) where you can't see half the field, i call that a disaster! Luckily there are many other locations and I will never sit in that area...I just feel the Twins and/or Populous missed the boat when it designed that area. It's just an opinion dude, chill! Remember, opinions are like assholes, everybody has one!

RF is a disaster.. There are probably 100-200 TERRIBLE seats in FV 101 and RF Bleachers 139 I believe due to the section next to them sticking up... When you can't see half the outfield it sucks

Andrew, I do believe the UD goes about 14 or 15 rows. I could be wrong tho...

Seriously Mike, You're complaining about the organ? Wow, big woopty doo! I'm glad they use the same Organ. Something from the old park had to move to the new park, and since Bob Casey's iconic voice wasn't an option, it might as well be the bleepin' organ. I hope that organ stays for a good 50 + years.

Simple solution for right field. Make it day of game sales only and do it $10 general admission. Then it becomes a bargain and a great affordable option. Done.

Joe, thanks for the info. Thats very cool to know since I will be in the left field bleachers this weekend.

Buffalo, you can see how many rows are in each section at the link below. There are 12 rows in section 130 with a WC section at the top that takes up what would be 3 rows.

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/ballpark/seat_view.jsp

To find out how many rows are in a section go to the Twins' website, click on Target Field and then click on Seating Views. Move the mouse over the section you want and you'll get your info.

Buffalo - there are 12 rows in Section 130. I think your Dad will thank you. I know my grandparents always liked being in around row 30 of the lower level when we took them to the Dome.

As for right field, there are some pretty bad seats there. The ones more by the foul poul and closer aren't too bad, but the ones that are rotten should be $10. Maybe they'll get repriced next year.

They could've raised that seating section for better views, but then the plaza area would not have felt as open because those seats would've been raised. Lower the price point and I think the aggravation lessens.

K

Yes everyone has opinions and I respect your opinion Kevin. I agree there are some horrible seats out there, but I wouldnt go as far as to call it a disaster though. Maybe with the size of the footprint, it was the best they could do, im not sure

I like Buffalo's idea, but Kev is also right. I sat there. It is HORRIBLE. You can't see even half the field in the worst seat. Why they didn't just extend the overlook toward the foul pole is beyond me.

I will be sitting in the Right Field Bleacher for a number of games. For the money, one of the best buys at the ball park. A small part of Section 139 has a major obstruction. 90% of these seats have the same or less obstruction than any of the other OF seats. I will take RF bleachers over Home Run Porch View anytime. And - sorry Kevin but I also love The Overlook.

The Plaza is higher than the rest of the seating level. It would have been very hard to have the overlook extend all the way over the foul pole, then you would have had the same problem with the seats by the foul pole on the 1st base side.

With a footprint this small, it was impossible to make every seat perfect

View sections are 14 rows.

Rick, would you be willing to add a chatroom to this site?

I'm not sure about this, but wouldn't making the right field bleachers the same height as the overlook just cause worse problems for those sitting in Section 101? There are some issues there now with the wall. I would think if you made that even higher, you would make some even worse obstructions in some higher priced seats.

You beat me to it Vikeologist. Better to have the problems in a section that cost $17-22 than one that costs $32-37.

Stubhub will mail them depending on the person selling my April 14 fix are being shipped via fedex 2 day

Didn't the original plans have no seats in that RF bleacher area? It was due to a majority of fans pushing for more "cheap seats" in the OF areas.

That is why the Twins added the RF bleachers and the additional seating in LF.

I might be wrong, but I thought I remember hearing Kevin Smith say something about that "dead space" that was the RF bleacher area so the Twins decided that would be a good place to put some extra OF and bleacher seating.

I personally am not that worried about those seats as they are sold as single games only. Not to mention, you can't complain too much for the price. It's not like they are totally obstructed views as you can still see parts of the outfield and you can clearly see the infield, that is the bottom line. As long as you can see the infield area, I can't complain for that price.

This set of pictures from yesterday are the best I've come across. Thanks to the_bill at flickr

Been out of technology land for a few days, so I get to reply now. You will notice Badjuggler, that in no way shape or form do I, nor any other forecaster, use the words "supposed to" in forecasting weather. The first sentence outlines that it will rain, somewhere (meaning not necessarily here). Maybe I should have gone a little farther with that joke but usually you don't have to. The next sentences state that any rain possible would come early, be light and be done just after noon. The last sentence states my opinion that the area likely won't see precipitation. You are a clear example of why the weather industry gets a bad rep because you take the forecasts as gospel and all or nothing and get mad when it doesn't hit the lottery on the numbers. Weather is an imperfect science, everyone knows it and still complains. You want it to be better? Then you should call your congressman and start donating more so that they stop taking away the precious weather data/instruments that allow us to forecast and start adding more so we have a better grid for data. Until then, you should do what I said before and stop worrying about if it was 55 without rain instead of 54 with rain and just use it as a way to be prepared. /rant

I guess I'm not in the same income tax bracket as others, because to me $17-22 a game isn't cheap. I think that area IS overpriced. I realize it's like the third-cheapest area in the ballpark after the Skyline View and Field View sections, but I think it should be knocked down even further.

I thought the organ music was pretty pathetic yesterday. I hope it was a case of first game jitters for Sue, because it seemed liked she missed a lot of notes, or the organ just sounded like crap. Maybe they just need to turn it up a little, I'm actually hoping the volume is turned up for everything. I am going deaf, but I couldn't hear much (announcements, etc) no matter where I was sitting. And I sat everywhere! Right field nook by overlook...pretty bad, just don't ever buy tickets there people. (Maybe $5 for that little spot would be OK) The overlook is awesome though. The best part...the smell of the grilled everything was awesome at it spread around the stadium. Best seats...Legends club by far! I was at TF from 12:30 to 5:15 yesterday with 3 boys under the age of 10 and we loved every minute of it. We could not last more than 15 minutes inside the climate controlled, stinky urin, teflon dump. WELCOME TARGET FIELD! We've waited along time for this!!! BOOO YEAH!

In Mesa, AZ we have a pizza joint called organstop pizza. It's sort of like Cicero's in the old Har Mar Mall if any of you old timers remember. I would LOVE if the Pohlads would spring for a Wurlitzer.

click my link...can you imagine Target Field with this sound?????

kev, that would be magical at TF.
I wanted to add that I talked the Larry the Groundkeeper after the game, and he said the grass was in great shape and he would have some beautiful lines in the field for all of us on Friday! He was great. I yelled out his name, and he came right over and talked to me behind the backstop like we had been friends for years! Cool guy, I hope the grass doesn't die on him this summer from too mush O-Hud spit near 2B.

hey the organ at met center was pretty good at the no stars games....

bw...Yes it was..Sue Nelson was playing there toward the end of the North Stars. but the lady who made that organ scream was Nancy Faust. She's most known for being the organist at Comiskey Park in Chicago (still is today), but during the winter she would play at Met Center.

Larry is putting in those lines right now on the webcam. Atta boy!

I have to tell one more story. (Especially for all of you who have had issues with the security guards around TF) After the game, I set the boys up on the visitors dugout for a quick pic, before I could get them all up there, a fat security dude told me to get them off. A second later, my new best friend Larry the Groundkeeper turns on the sprinkler system down the right field line and another old fat security dude has to scramble to get off the grass. I just laughed and ask the guy who kicked me off the dugout if Larry has reminder the boys to stay off the grass. The dude said, "Larry has not told us anything." Well, I GUESS HE JUST DID! ha ha Double Atta Boy Larry

im sure its a safety issue...should someone fall off the dugout and onto the field, they would be in big trouble...bummer I know, but we all pay for others stupidity!

I could care less about getting kicked off the dugout, just stay off the damn grass.

I just got 2 tickets for sat from twins website 232 row 1 seats 18 19

my fav place to eat in Mesa, AZ is the cheebahut...no organ but they have a huge joint on the top of there hippie delivery van and it even smokes...

Anyone know if they are going to put yellow lines on top of the walls to indicate home runs?

Also not a big deal but just an idea I had for concession area's is to use stanchions so lines don't go out towards the seating area's and don't block people walking by. They do it at Best Buy and I like how fast the line moves.

I like the new blue background behind the "Target Field" under the celebration sign. I think it looks a lot nicer and stands out more, which was the point.

Just an idea...
They should put a large Twins logo on the wind veil in a slightly darker metallic silver. It can look bland in photos when it's not lit up and you can't tell it's moving.

From what I could tell, the organ sounded similar to how it did at the dome. Which is good. I don't like the chintzy organ sound they have at places like Comiskey. If they have to add a fake rhythm section behind the organ melody, it just sounds like circus music.

I talked to Sue during the Gopher game. She told me that she couldn't see the game at all from behind her instrument, but they're going to build her some sort of riser. Between that and all the people coming up to talk to her, she seemed really frazzled. I think they only stuck her up there because they ran out of room down below. Seems like a cool idea, until you consider that she can't see the game and someone is bound to spill their beer on her keys... because it's a bar.

Jincr, I believe they will be using some sort of red colored plantings along the outfield walls instead of a yellow line for homeruns. Who knows though.

Stick her out in RF, she won't see the game there either.

It's amazing how many dire opinions there are here when we haven't even seen a Twins game in this park yet. I haven't sat in my seats for 9 innings, taken in the sights and sounds, the good and bad, daylight or nighttime. Until then, I am super excited about Friday and I can't believe I get to say "FRIDAY" and not NEXT year, NEXT month, NEXT week... no.. it's simply FRIDAY!!

Some of you are griping and haven't been in the dang park yet and you're harshing my mellow.

that is all.

Hey Rick,

Love the TC Traders and can't wait to make use of it! One question:

"Do you plan on somehow displaying the quantities available per game on the main page?"

I thought of this while trying to find the game which had the largest quantity of tickets available.

Thanks!

Five days until outdoor professional baseball with wooden bats. What a country!

I noticed that nothing has been planted in the planters along the outfield walls yet. Any know anything about that?

Relax and have a smoke Jax

Does anyone know why the Gophers were inside the visiting team's dugout at the game? I found that strange that the home team would not use the proper dugout. Did anyone else see the play in center field that the Tech center fielder caught. He made a sliding nice grab and not a spec of turf or anything came up. That grass field is in great shape-our groundskeeper is obviously doing a great job.

both teams dressed at the metrodome and took lightrail over.....I suspect the lockerooms were closed.....

Any way to quick link a seating chart? Or have one under the tickets listing as your looking at a date.. I already dam near know it by heart but I am OVER 50 and have my moments...

Some notes from DSP today on WCCO radio:

Twins now stand at over 24,000 full season ticket equivalents. Season ticket sales will be capped off tomorrow at 5pm with a waiting list likely to follow for 2011. This should put the Twins in the top 6 or 7 in all of MLB.

Currently just shy of 2.6 million tickets sold to date and 43 games "sold out" with the Twins expecting to sell out the entire season.

LOL at whoever has the 3-pack in 115, row 4 on TCTraders trying to get $90 each for the Indians game along with almost every other game for $99 each...hope you find some suckers to take those.

I guess I dont know much about sec 115, but is that not behind homeplate?

Someone mentioned that they saw on the webcam someone had set up a portable icehouse in line for tickets for yesterday's open house... that was me! We weren't 2nd in line as reported, but rather 4th (two people with tents, then some hardcore fans who just had sleeping bags). We got there just after 12:30, next person showed up around 3, then we closed up the ice house and opened it around 6 and saw hundreds of people outside.

Was it worth camping out overnight for when I could just walk up and buy tickets at any point during the event? The camping out wasn't in order to get tickets, it was in order to be the first ones lined up at Gate 14 to get the best seats.

I'd say it was well worth camping out for. First few rows of Champions Club was being held for VIPs (saw Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi a couple rows ahead of me, Ron Coomer was a section over, Mike Max from WCCO kept popping in and out of the section too). We got the next row behind home plate that wasn't being held for VIPs. I was glad I got to sit there for $2 instead of $200+.

Just a quick snap poll of Ballpark Magic posters...

Do you as a Twins fan sing "Twi-ins" or "Home Team", when singing "Take Me out to the Ballgame"? What are your thoughts about fellow Twins fans singing the team name, or Cubs fans or other teams' singing their teams' names in place of "home team"? Does it disrespect the tradition of this song? or is this okay to you?

I don't sing.

Dan:
That's why I sing, "TWIN-KIES!" and proud of it.

Rick:
Thanks for your attention to detail on all things ballparkmagic. I had originally asked about the "LRT area to plaza route" because we're walking from the TownePlace Suites just NE of TF, and realized that I wanted to also have my family experience the grand entrance that is the main plaza before going into the game on 4/17. I certainly did not expect a map with my 4 options drawn up for me at quarter to 1 in the morning. THANKS. Mpls is my home town and we love to stay downtown, but this is the first time I've had reason to stay in this hotel. I hope it works out well for future games, and we'll just enter at either the Killebrew or Oliva gate.

(Reminds me of the admonishment given to those of us growing up in and now going back to visit 'the Cities': "You know, there are other places to park besides the Radisson Ramp!"

I liked the outdoor seating area of the Metropolitan Club. On a nice, summer evening, I can't think of a better place to watch the game.
I thought the trap section was steeper than I care for. My calves are still sore today.
Legends' Club seats are nice, but a $2,000 PSL? That's way out of my price range. Maybe if I win the lottery...
In all the years I've been going to the Metrodome, I never once got hungry while I was there. Food was for sustinence purposes only. Saturday, I got hungry at the game, and the smell of all that grilled meat and fried food drove me crazy. I have a list as long as my arm of items I want to try on subsequesnt visits.
The Twins' Pub was nice and toasty - perfect for an early or late season game.
I was unimpressed with the Budweiser party deck. You couldn't see a thing unless you were in the front row. Even standing on the raised platforms didn't help. Someone standing at the front railing will block your view. It would seem that the party deck is for partying and being seen, not watching baseball.
We got to the park at about 8:30 and walked right up to the ticket window at the Killebrew Gate.
I'll definately return when I can make another trip.

Is there a good map of where all of the unique spots -- eateries, watering holes -- in TF are located? I suppose one was in the Fan Guide? Is there a .pdf file of that?

I've developed a good sense of where the sections, gates, surrounding streets, etc. are around TF, but keep wondering "Where exactly are places like Town Ball Tavern, Hrbek's, Twins Pub...

"I've developed a good sense of where the sections, gates, surrounding streets, etc. are around TF, but keep wondering "Where exactly are places like Town Ball Tavern, Hrbek's, Twins Pub.."

The town ball tavern is in the lf admin building on the club level of seating. Hrbek's is immediately to the left when entering gate 14 (no coincidence i'm sure). The Twins Pub's (there are two of them side by side) are right behind home plate on the third deck.

Haven't read anything on the blog about the 1st and 3rd base lounges. Are these open to every ticket holder? and where exactly are they located? Thanks.

Rick: I believe you had a blog post quite some time ago that had a detailed map of the parking meters surrounding Target Field in the North Loop/Warehouse District (including length of time allowed and location). Is this a figment of my imagination? If not, could you direct me to that or link it here? Much appreciated.

I don't sing it either. Don't have an opinion on the song. I do find some parks that do "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretch to be offensive and have no place at a baseball game. (I am an atheist.)

My only routine with the song is to make sure I include the Bill Murray Modification: Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack, AND A BEER! I don't care if I ever get back . . . (I am a beer-drinker.)

I wasn't going to go yesterday and just wait for the Cardinals series, but ended up heading over late in the afternoon, arriving at the park around 3:50 or so, just as the Gopher game was ending. I'm glad to have made the trip. The place is awesome and was well worth the wait. Around 1999 when the Twins were lucky to get 6,000 actual bodies in the house for most games, played like garbage, and were either ignored or hated by the majority of the locals, something like Target Field seemed impossible.

As for the park itself, the overlook sections are a real treat and, gimmicky or not, they offer a unique view. With the exception of upper left field, the upper decks didn't have that New Comiskey feeling of being too far or too steep. The lower deck seats felt close and had a proper baseball angle as opposed to the elevation of the lower deck infield seats at the Dome. I didn't have to time to stop and eat, but the concession stands were plentiful and there's lots of variety. The most striking thing was the color and clarity of the replay board. The Twins deserve major praise for spending the extra dough to go with an HD screen.

I will agree with kevin in AZ though. The right field bleachers are a fiasco and it is astonishing that the Twins would actually have approved of that design after learning of the obstructions or at least not have taken corrective measures if the flaw was discovered following construction. Even crazier is that there is no apparent reason why those seats couldn't have been positioned at the same angle/rake as the overlook seats. The whole situation was very avoidable and it's better than likely that some sort of change will be made before 2011.

The picture of my seats yesterday behind the plate seems to be broken now... Click my name for the link to the picture.

Forgot to mention that I tried the wild rice soup and thought it was delicious (it comes with almonds; a couple of my friends who don't like almonds were disappointed to find this out, I thought it was fine). I also had the Kramarczuk's polish sausage. The wait in line for it was far too long (there were five workers behind the tiny stand, and they weren't very good at what they were doing; in particular, the non-volunteer working the cash register kept trying to micro-manage everyone else but in the process was failing to take anyone's order... not very personable). It was delicious, but ultimately tasted, well, just like a Kramarczuk's polish sausage. Glad to know I was getting the real thing, but I think next time I'll buy it from the store before the game and bring it in with me rather than pay $6.50 for it.

The 1st and 3rd base lounges are exclusive to the Dugout Box ticket holders. Both lounges are located under the lower level seats. There is a walkway between Section 104 and Section 1 to access the the 1st Base Lounge and a walkway between Section 17 and Section 124 to access the 3rd Base Lounge.

Almonds don't belong in soup. I was considering buying a bowl until I saw that.

It sounds like the same exact soup they've sold at Byerly's for years. Many people love it.

I belive if I am not mistaken there was a star and tribune article or tv interview thing that mentions that very same rf seating section by the foul pole and DSP gives his story behind that seating section and how it kind of ended up the way it did. I would post a link but cant remember where I saw it but I bet someone on here knows where that might be.

This talk of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" has reminded me of a pet peeve of mine. The pet peeve is that most people sing the wrong words in the second phrase. The words are not "take me out to the crowd" as most people sing it, but "take me out WITH the crowd." In fact, if you observe the words being posted as they were on the scoreboard at the Dome, you would see that. To those who don't know, the song is about a woman, asked by her "beau," where she would like to go for a date. She makes it clear that she wants to go to a ballgame. She doesn't want to go TO the crowd, but WITH the crowd. ;-) I have no idea why such a huge percentage of people got the wrong idea on that particular lyric, but it is a battle I feel I will be fighting for the rest of my days on this round ball called Earth.

Buffalo, where did you get the misguided idea that almonds don't belong in soup? That is an unbelievably good soup as I have believed for years! It is a Twin Cities classic. Give her a try!

Repost: This talk of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" has reminded me of a pet peeve of mine. The pet peeve is that most people sing the wrong words in the second phrase. The words are not "take me out to the crowd" as most people sing it, but "take me out WITH the crowd." In fact, if you observe the words being posted as they were on the scoreboard at the Dome, you would see that. To those who don't know, the song is about a woman, asked by her "beau," where she would like to go for a date. She makes it clear that she wants to go to a ballgame. She doesn't want to go TO the crowd, but WITH the crowd. ;-) I have no idea why such a huge percentage of people got the wrong idea on that particular lyric, but it is a battle I feel I will be fighting for the rest of my days on this round ball called Earth.

jpberka ---

For the same reason that 99.99% of the population pronounces "gesundheit" as "ka-sund-tight".

Almonds DO belong in Byerly's wild rice soup. Don't knock it til you try it! :) And have a bowl for me since it's not exactly on my diet. lol

speaking of diet - any Legend Clubbers on here who will bring me a salad from the North Loop Deli once in a while? lol

I used to make six gallons of soup daily for a restaurant I worked at way back when. One of the most popular, by far, was one I called "Shrimp Carrot Almond" - it had about five pounds of butter sauteed almonds in it and was absolutely delicious.

I haven't seen it mentioned on here but today the Twins will announce some sort of food offering from Vincent (upscale French restaurant in downtown Minneapolis). I am very impressed with the amount/variety of local fare that is going to be at the ballpark.

1. Byerly's WR soup is the best. obviously it will have limited appeal during the summer but on frigid spring or fall days because we don't have a retractable dome ;-), I imagine it could be quite popular.

2.RE: the Baseball national anthem, I grew up singing it as "home team" because those are the official words, but having married a Cubs fan, I have grown accustomed to hearing "Cubbies". I thought they were the only fans that did that until I watched a Youtube video linked to the Dodger stadium organ conversation above, and they sang "Dodgers" so apparently the trend is growing to sing your home team's name. I don't hear alot of Twins fans doing that though. They seem to sing "home team". Thanks for those who responded about it. I don't care one way or another, just thought it was interesting.

3. One more thing about the song... It's Cracker Jack, not Cracker JackS. :-)

There is certainly a wide variety of foods, but I can't say I would want to bother trying to eat a pork chop (JD Hoyt's offering) at a game. I would be more likely to get soup or chili than a pork chop or some French food. And wine at a baseball game? Seriously?! At least to me, wine and Twins baseball seem incongruous. Maybe in NY or CA, but not in Minnesota.

Dan,

No one is forcing you to drink wine or eat a pork chop. Why are you so butt-hurt about Target Field offering a variety of choices for fans?

I LOVE pork chops and will probably most certainly get one at a game. I'm probably the most excited for a Kramarchyk's (sic) polish and a beer...although, my hope is that they'll increase the number of carts offering that sausage...

Wanda, It's an opinion... by all means eat your pork chop and drink your wine, I'm not stopping you. To me, it just seems strange fare for a ballpark, but it is advertising for these establishments, and wise advertising, I might add. I get that.

Now, Kramarchuk's sausages and brats, that's what I'm talkin' about....:-)

Eh, I realize it's just my personal choice, but just don't want almonds in my soup. It may be popular, but so is Lady Gaga and the Black Eyed Peas. Doesn't mean I've got to like it.

lol I suppose now isn't the time to say that black eyed peas in soup aren't too bad a deal either. ;-)

Baseball Celebration at Block E on Friday. Hopefully Kieran's starts a patio soon.

Buffalo ---

If you've tried them and don't care for them that's one thing --- .

Target Field has the "Vincent burger" - akin to a Juicy Lucy (which they also serve).

Badjuggler, so just because you don't like something because it has God in it, none of us can do it? Man I hate that way of thinking in America these days.

I find it offensive that you are an athiest, yet I don't try to push my beliefs on you. If you don't believe in God, fine, but don't try to take God out of everything in America! That is so hypocritical!!!

Dan, Vincent's is going to be offering their Vincent burger (in fact, it was already on the menu at TF Saturday), which is a braised short rib and smoked gouda stuffed hamburger. It's routinely been voted the best hamburger in the Twin Cities. So, it's not exactly fancy French food. Just really upscale ballpark fare along the same lines as Kramarchuk's sausages.

And so you know, the pork chop is on a stick :).

And after that rant by Vikeologist, I think we can all agree that we don't need people on either side of this religion debate continuing it here going forward. ;-) There's room for all in the ballpark and baseball discussion.

So here's a question: Does anyone in the planet think Yankee Stadium is a BILLION dollars better than Target Field . . . or anywhere even close to that?

Faber, thanks for the info on the pork chop. that makes a little more sense. I just thought trying to balance and cut a pork chop on your lap during a game seemed a bit goofy. And the info about the Vincent burger was helpful. It sounds good, but I wonder how much that would set me back.

$13.50 for the Vincent burger at their restaurant.

I disagree. We have four days to kill here until Friday's exhibition opener at TF. I think a good, bare-knuckles brawl about God's place in professional sports would be AWESOME. I mean, I'd rather read posts about that than almonds - and I can't get enough almonds! Damn, I love almonds!!

Just sayin...

As a Christian who will do a lot of pleading and bargaining with his Maker while on his deathbed, I always get looks when the stadium plays "God Bless America" because I don't stand. Standing is for the National Anthem, not for any other song. (Again, just my opinion.) It's not that I'm dropping f-bombs during it, I'm just sitting, but people still get their undies in a bunch. (I also hate it because I think the Yankees started it just after Sept. 11, and anything the Yankees are for, I'm against by principle.)

Dan, if I recall correctly, that's about the price it was on the menu board at the ballpark.

TTH, actually it isn't just a matter of opinion that we aren't to treat God Bless America the same as the National Anthem. It is a matter of anthem etiquette. I stand, mainly because it is the 7th inning stretch. I do not remove my cap or place my hand over my heart. As you point out, it is not the National Anthem. That treatment should be reserved for that. We do not salute a flag other than the US Flag. These things do matter. I agree with you completely. Now... if we some day decided to change our anthem to something perhaps more singable, I would be happy to consider such a change. but that is a topic for another day.

Rick,
Thanks for the post.
1. Yes, I want (and want my kids) to go to the OD game.
2. Yes, I want the keepsakes to remember it by.

#1 won out over #2

Life is about the experiences you have, not the stuff or money you have.
My dad took me to my 1st Final Four Basketball Tournament in in 1990 in Denver. (UNLV won) He took me to my 1st Cubs game at Wrigley Field about 20 years ago..... I couldn't tell you where the ticket stubs are and my dad passed away about 15 years ago, but I still have the MEMORIES. People need to remember you can't take your "stuff" with you, and in the case of the seller, you can't take your money. When we are gone, and Target Field is still going strong, I want my kids to remember that their parents took them to Opening Day at Target Field.
I do believe the seller was being sneaky and deceitful for the following reasons:
At 2:54 on Fri. 3/26 he sent me an email stating that he was going to email me the tickets THIS WEEKEND. (Which is not was his listing stated.)
At 3:11 I replied I wanted the hard copy tickets and was willing to meet him. (He lives 13 miles from me.)
At 3:51 ON FRIDAY the tickets were in my email.
I again send him an email telling him I would meet him for the hard copy tickets.
He sends me an email stating that no hard copy tickets, "I emailed you what I have from the Twins." He is a full season ticket holder so he has hard copy tickets.
He states that if I insist on having hard copy tickets he will have to refund my money. I bought these back in November and he sees what tickets are going for now so his "problem" becomes my problem. Once again I believe it all goes back to MONEY.
Now as far as Ebay:
Can I really go back and leave negative feedback for a purchase I made 4 months ago? On ebay I can only see my purchases for the last 60 days. (Of course I have the emails showing that I "won".....)
Does it matter if someone leaves negative feedback for a seller? If a negative seller has products/tickets that you want, might you still buy them?
What would prevent this seller from starting a new store with a new store name ....
I'll certainly follow through with negative feedback if you think I can.
Like I said from the beginning I just want to take my kids to the game and that is want I am going to do.
P.S. I'm thinking of selling the seller one of our Opening Day Hankies and certificates, so he can have more STUFF and more MONEY.

Go Go, for the record, I'm on your side on this one. I'm glad you're going to go and not sell back on the principle issue, but I do think they should have been clearer.

Kieran's had a patio set up for Paddy's day with a tent. There is a space there for it, and I would bet they make it permanent as time goes on.

Goldy,
Once again you are missing the point. If the auction listed USPS First class mail, that means the seller will mail you the tickets. They might be hard copy tickets, they might be printed off tickets, He did NOT specify in the listing. If you wanted to be sure to buy hard copy tickets, you should have asked BEFORE you bid.

If you are dead-set on receiving them via USPS, I'm sure the seller would be happy to print them off from the email and mail them to you.

I sat in my exhibition seats on Saturday(Pavillion 132) and yeah, they're really, [i]really[i/] tight with the drink holders on both sides of the seat. Anyone that's even slightly bigger will have problems.

Also, what's up with the drink holders in other areas? We sat in section S of the club level with a beer, and the drink holders are tilted so far back that you need it to be half full so there's no spillage. Kind of defeats the purpose.

OOPS I meant to say I'm thinking of SENDING the seller one of our Opening Day hankies and certificates so he can have more STUFF and more MONEY.

Tom,
Thanks for the heads up - wouldn't want to do business with you.
The upfront sellers on ebay do tell you they are etickets.

Not to further this sure-to-be-pointless discussion, but I'm not sure how merely being atheist could be offensive to someone.

The Vincent burger does sound very good. When I was thinking French food at TF, I was thinking foie gras and pate' (those aren't one in the same, I don't think).

I may be mistaken, but it looks like they might be getting ready to start painting the field with the Twins logo behind home plate. I suppose they will be painting the inaugural season logo along the baselines as well.

Anybody park north of the park on 5th and 4th street on near the farmers market lots this past Saturday? Have they just put up new parking restrictions in those areas? Thanks

It looks like they are putting scaffolding in place on top of B Ramp in order to reach the Trap Sign.

does anyone know of any special open events at TF this in the morning. I know there is a game in the evening, but we're not coming for that. I have Good Friday off, and plan to come down with my daughter to look at the plaza and then meet my wife for lunch.

Go Go ---

I'd still like to see you publish the guy's e-Bay ID so others can add it to their deadbeats list. That would only be a public service.

Dan, here is the schedule for Friday from the StarTribune. They say nothing about anything earlier than this:

• 2:45 p.m. - The Twins unveil the Carew legend statue.

• 3 p.m. - Gates open.

• 4:20 p.m. - On-field parade featuring construction workers who helped build Target Field.

• 4:40 p.m. - A video tribute to the construction workers.

• 4:45 p.m. - The Twins unveil retired numbers of Twins legends in the left-field corner.

• 4:50 p.m. - The Twins introduce members of the Richfield American Legion, who returned the Metropolitan Stadium flagpole back to the Twins for use at Target Field.

• 4:53 p.m. - The National Anthem is sung by members of the Mortenson Construction Choir.

• 5 p.m. - Ceremonial first pitches by members of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority.

• 5:05 p.m. - The Twins starting lineup is read for the first time at Target Field.

• 5:10 p.m. - First pitch.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Lets get ready to rumble!!! Please, like someone said last week, No Politics or Religion. They are some of the things no matter what you say or reason, people have already made up their minds (including me).

I had the Murray's steak sandwich on Saturday. It was tasty with a mound of carmelized onions (enough to kill somebody IMO). I took the Northstar to the ballpark and that was pretty slick. Would love to do it more if the times became more frequent/convenient for Twins games. The cupholders on the armrests were indeed removed on Saturday. This was a welcome sight for anyone with 1st row tickets upstairs.

Also, I found the Minneapolis City Parking Meter Map with a quick Google search last night. Very informative, but I have to wonder if the Time Limits/Regulations will change for those meters within a short walk of Target Field. In my opinion, meters were the hidden secret at the Metrodome and will be the ticket to getting out of the ballpark district expeditiously following games.

Anybody have any idea of how they will mow the field? What pattern they will use? I am so excited for Friday!

"Mortenson Construction Choir"

??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Ben, I picture something similar to the Tool Man Band that was on Tim Allen's sitcom "Home Improvement" back in the 90's. :-)

Looks like they are going to extend the cedar lake trail soon. 

I'm pretty sure the Vincent burger was listed for $10.50 on the concessions menu, so a little less than ordering it at the restaurant.

Is anybody going to try to tailgate this weekend? If so, keep us posted on any locations where it might me tolerated. I'll be at Hubert's this time around. Anyone know if they're on schedule to open Friday?

Max, I think that absolutely no discussion is unlikely. After all, there are connections to baseball and the presentation of games involved here and they're worth discussing in those instances. I think that the line ought to be drawn when it truly has nothing to do with the game or ballparks and/or becomes inflammatory. If we start having people saying "your way of believing offends me," that obviously needs to stop.

Rick, that is rather interesting. I did not know that. My mother is also a choral conductor by trade and I originally went to school for music performance (viola) and sing quite a bit.

I realize that there is a tradition of tailgating at Twins games that dates back to the Met, but I've never much understood it. I do not consider tailgating a "baseball" activity, but more of one related to football, and definitely related to large expanses of concrete. I always preferred a good stretch of bars like in Chicago or Denver, and hopefully the future of Minneapolis, than the idea of private cliques of tailgaters hanging out in parking spaces. Just my 2 cents.

Maybe we can have a Mortenson Construction Choir v. Ballpark Magic Choir Sing-Off on Friday?

Shoot. I'm trying to figure out InGameMagic. Am I supposed to send a MMS or email from my iPhone?

That pic of the Cedar Lake Trail is from my bike ride yesterday. Today I found an article that said they would begin working on it May 15 and it should be completed to the Mississippi River by the fall.

Also, I asked for availability on my works LC tix. I'll try to buy what I can tomorrow and post them on TC Traders. I would love to take in some games from secs 118-123.

so when do gates open on sat? guessing like 11 something?

Rick,

You are a choral conductor? So am I.

hm... when I sent a text from my phone to twins-subscribe@ballparkmagic.com it got kicked back. Although when I sent the pic from my phone it looked like it was sent back too, but I can see here it was posted...

Rick can you map my id to my phone number?

strategery, because most atheists are always saying everything is offensive, and then those of us who believe have to adapt to their ways.

Vikeologist, sounds tough. Hang in there buddy. Someday maybe they'll just all shut up and we can do whatever we please.

Damn, the BallparkMagic night @ Target Field coincides with the first night of my softball league

This kid can make a not too expensive organ sound pretty decent. While some may argue that the rythm section is a bit cheesy, it does show that someone with a real desire to be a fantastic organ player let alone a young adult, can add some pizazz to it. Maybe have guest organists?

Nothing against Sue whatsoever, just perhaps a bit more life or adventurous numbers? Not hating...

I think that the organ is a great element to the game. Old North Stars and Black Hawk games in Chicago...Wow...

The atheists only seem to respond that way after christians have tried to ram something down the throats of everyone. And for the record, I'm not an atheist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aaxLuQ5bo8&feature=related

Helps to add the link.

The announcers on ESPN just asked Gardenhire the obligatory Target Field weather question. Ugh.

Gardy said they aren't worried about the weather.

Just went down to the work cafeteria to grab some lunch, and -- lo and behold -- what was in my green bean/carrot medley? Almonds!! It's as if God himself was looking down from heaven and smiling at me (Or, in badjuggler's case, as if nobody was smiling at me... ;)

One of the guys in my ST group bought the new authentic saturday home pinstripe jersey...

#7 with BABY JESUS for the name. That's all have I have to contribute to the religion discussion.

lol Brandon....be careful with those baby jesus references...You may offend someone!

What is with the huge sign in Right field that doesn't have a sponsor on it? It looks terrible blank!

Brandon, I thought the authentic alternates only had a number, no name? I got a replica #7 with Mauer on the back lol

And whether or not one believes that God has a place in marriage, I think we can all agree that Luke needs to propose to Joni on the TF jumbotron. Luke - you could be the first!!

You can still customize the authentic jerseys. The ones the Twins wear will not have names... but someone's in section 305 will.

Speaking of the jumbotron, that was one thing that really, really stuck out for met Saturday. Holy crap, seeing a scoreboard that big in HD was mesmerizing. Now, seeing Luke and Joni on that sucker may be too much for my eyes!

Yes, the ESPN announcers mentioned the weather to Gardy, but they did take a little different angle and ask if he thought being outside would take away the home-field advantage they had at the dome. It wasn't about the cold, blah, blah, blah.

New here... well, I am but my Mr isn't, he goes by Dodgeboy... Thank you to those who voiced their concern after hearing I got smacked upside the head with a foul ball at Saturdays Gopher game. My ear (where I got hit) is loverly shade of purple and a little tender but already showing signs of healing. My friend who was with us was very surprised at the way I shook it off, said I was channeling Greg Zannon (for those that don't know, G. Zannon plays hockey on defense for the Wild, he's known for blocking shots and shrugging off any pain, plays hurt). For those that asked, since I didn't see if my Mr responded, we were sitting way out on the third base side, just in front of the stairs to the third base lounge. Well beyond where any team would have nets. If I remember right those are called Dugout Box seats? I think I'll keep to the upper level from now on. I really was impressed by TF, and can't wait to go to games there. The food was excellent, I couldn't believe how big the burgers were. Our first game will be April 21, and I'm counting down the days.

Does anyone know what the Twins plan is if we get the predicted rain on Saturday for pregame ceromoney stuff? I know there won't be a make up game, but ya know, if feels nice to even have to worry about this stuff!

Brandon, one of my friends just ordered the Saturday jersey with #7 Baby Jesus on is as well. Although his season ticket group isn't in section 305 so I don't think it's the same person. I am going to be jealous though.

your kidding!?

No I am serious. He waited until after the contract was dry to order because he claims he has a jersey curse--every jersey he has bought has led that player to end up sucking and ultimately leaving the Twins.

When does he become "Toddler Jesus"?

Yep, I got the ball. My mother, bless her, reads about me getting beaned in the head on my Facebook Page and all she asks is, "Did you get the ball?" Considering how clutzy I was as a child I think she's used to hearing about me being hurt.

I keep hearing people complain about how long concession lines were Saturday. We ate in the upper levels for an early lunch and got through lines supper fast. I don't think a lot of People on Saturday left the main level or the main concourse. We also ate in the third base lounge for supperish type meal (split a Murry's steak sandwich with the Mr), and no line. The lady we talked to down there said they weren't busy at all, she didn't think people knew they were open.

Kudos to you Rick on a very well designed ticket site. The process moved quickly and efficiently, and now I just need to get the payment out to the seller, and wait for the tickets. Thanks and great job!!

The worst jersey abuse in recent memory was a fellow Minnesotan sitting next to me in Busch II last summer. He had on a powder blue throwback with the original 'Twins' script sporting a number '3' but with his own last name. I got to talking with him about how wrong it seemed to combine a retired HOFer's number with a name other than that of the player, but he was too drunk to care much...

er, 'Busch III'...

Speaking of jerseys has anyone seen a Pavano jersey for sale anywhere? When Hunter sold out to the Angels I took his name off the back but left the 48, now I just added Pavano to it. I haven't seen any for sale, which I kinda like. Makes it easy to pick me out of the crowd.

Honey-Do list...

Paint the Trap sign
Put logos on the grass
Hang flags behind left field stands
Finish placing back-lit panel ads
Mow the grass in some kind of really awesome fashion
Put advertisements on the outfield fence (RATHER YOU DIDN'T!)
Put plants... in the planters
Put the fourth title sponsor below all of the gates
Put the bar stools in the two rows of the Bud deck, I know they're there
Prepare the rotating ad behind home plate
Sprinkle miracle grow on the "trees" in center field
Finish hanging the banners along the facade

Come find me when you're finished I'm sure I can find more things for you to do...

A+ goes to Brandon.

Plenty of atheist bashing, which is of course within your rights (though ironically un-Christianlike), but I have not seen a reasonable defense for playing God Bless America after Take Me Out To The Ballpark. Those seventh inning stretches at Yankee Stadium last about 15 minutes, which is asinine.

I am thinking Luke has fallen madly in love with Joni. He has been AWOL lately...

ROLL CALL: 1. Are you going to Friday or Saturday's game? 2. Where are you sitting? 3. What is on your "must have" food list?

Sorry to beat a dead horse. But what bugs me is "Proud to be an American" being treated like our national anthem. That song belongs on a truck commercial. No offense to truck owners intended. I'm just pointing out that truck commercials like to invoke patriotism to sell trucks.

I don't have a problem with you singing "God Bless America" if you don't have a problem with me remaining in my seat.

I'll be there on Friday in section 132. I'm not so sure I want people to know what I look like...

I am going to Friday and Saturday.
Friday- Sec 117 row 11
Saturday- Sec 131 Row 2

I just want a bag of peanuts and a Beer.

Friday April 2nd
Section 121 Row 16
Multiple Summit Maibocks and a Murry's Steak Sandwhich

Friday in 311, Saturday in my seats in 128. I want to try the Kramarczuk's Polish and maybe some stuff from the Townball Tavern

TTH - at some point he just becomes "baseball Jesus" right about the time he's put some hardware on that right hand of his...

Just got tickets to Friday's game, section 307 first row. I will probably try to get a Kramarczuk's brat or sausage first. Not sure what else, but I will scope it out when I get there. I have 5-6 games I am going to this year, so I can spread out trying new things, and there is plenty to try out :-)

Overlook on Friday
305 on Saturday
Vincent Burger! Beer!

Thing I am most excited for: Joe Mauer's first AB on Friday, can't wait for that standing ovation!

I'm going Saturday. LC sec B, row 4.
Food... not really sure yet. I'll see what's on LC level.

Since I called for a ROLL CALL I should probably answer it myself.

Friday: Overlook Sec 138, Row 1
Saturday: LF Bleachers 128, Row 10

Food items to try: Wild rice soup, Michelbob's ribs, Vincent Burger...

I am looking forward to the first HR by a Twins player, to see the Celebration sign and plaza in action!

we do all realize in comparing joe mauer to baby Jesus, that Jesus was eventually crucified right? ;-) If anyone were to do such a thing, it would be the Yankees in the playoffs...

deenels - yes, but according to Christianity, he rose from the dead and saved us all...

Nice list Brandon T. I agree with them all. I really hope that they also put in another door at the top of the Budweiser Deck. On Saturday people had to wait for one people to enter or leave the deck on the stairway and there was always a line for the elevator. I think this was brought up earlier but it was definitely a bottle neck that needs to get addressed. And god forbid if there were to be any reason to have to get off the deck right away then there will have to be some Pirates of Penzance-esque escapes (sans the singing I hope) down the foulpole/net or some equestrian sports-esque fence leaps (sans the horses I hope) on to 327.

ok, it was killing me not to have tix for Friday. I just bought these tix from the Twins.

Friday: sec 222, row 5.

lol Max. No, not yet :). That's probably like a seventh or eighth date sort of thing.
I've been busy this weekend, but I've been around here. Spending lots of time on TC Traders too, just to see what other games I'd like to purchase.

Don't count on ads along the wall. I think we're safe there.

As for "Like a Rock" . . . I mean "Proud to be An American," I agree. And every time I hear it I think of Ronald Reagan, because it was during his presidency that the darn song became a hit. Can we please move on with the "Proud to be An American" already? It wasn't even that good of a song when it first came out.

ha, true dat trosy!

I work on the roof deck and wanted to assure everyone who was at the tour on saturday that that was nothing like what the roof deck will be like on game days. It was way over its intended 250 capacity, which is why it was so congested, and none of the furniture had been set up yet. Getting up and down on the elevator and stairwell will be quick and easy during actual games when there are only 250 ticket-holders up there.

I'm sitting in the much-maligned RF bleachers on Friday, the first two seats on the fair side of the RF foul pole in the first row. I checked the seats out on Saturday, and the view from there is not as bad as some of the horror stories I've heard, especially since they're first row and further away from the overhang. Can't wait to see someone rip a homer just barely fair into my glove. Its kinda cool, the row ends in order for the foul pole to fit in there. I'm very excited.

As for food, I'm probably going to take it light this time, go easy on my pocket book. But I might trace down those Michelbob's ribs, its been too long since I've been to Ft. Myers to have the real deal.

Larry just finished striping the field in another direction. I can't wait to see the final design. As a reminder, here's what he did two years ago...

Bobby - I did read somewhere quite awhile back, that the for the first series, they are going to mow the grass in a traditional pattern.

That's no fun. Thanks for the info Trosy.

Maybe I'm alone, but I prefer the traditional grass mowing. I don't get why everybody is so crazy about designs being mowed into the grass.

we will be there on friday as well.

bobby - welcome (can't recall if you are new here or not). please do not post anything related to the nationals or royals or pirates on this board. i am just a little superstitious to say the least! ;-)

what is sacrilege, BJ, is that you called it "Take Me Out To The Ballpark" lol

ps Trosy, did you take your pill today??? :)

Beta, they all sucked before they got new stadiums or upgrades. I've been reading the articles off and on probably since not long after the site was put up. I only recently (a couple months) started reading a lot of the comments and posting.

I showed up on a whim for the opener, Gophers v Louisiana Tech.
Did anyone else notice the really quick ricochet for wild pitches/passed balls? Kind of like a little league field. Or was I seeing things?
Also, my IPhone was dead in many places in the ballpark, including the right field bleachers. No phone, no internet. Anyone else?
Overall, though, I loved this new ballpark!

"God Bless America." There were reports a couple years ago about security personnel and the police at Yankee Stadium not allowing people to leave their seats during GBA. Aren't we supposed to be celebrating a nation that cherishes freedom and the right to do what we want within the bounds of the law?

I'm with Buffalo in regards to the mowing of the grass... If you want to cut alternating dark and light stripes, fine. Want to do a checkerboard? Ok, I guess.

But whoever the groundskeeper was that cut a pair of dirty socks on the infield of the hallowed Fenway Park should have been fired on the spot, and never allowed back within the city limits of Boston. It's beyond embarrassing.

Anyone with an iPod Touch at the park with good or bad to mention yet regarding WiFi? Easy access? Reliable connection? Good apps you use for MLB games?

I'm a traditional scorecard guy. Sure wish there was a good app that would emulate a handwritten card. Until then, I guess it's a pencil and a GameDay card for me, although this first season I suppose I'll need a few memento versions from the TF vendors.

Now there is talk of rain, even a heavy t-storm right at game time Friday. How ironic it would be if the first ever got blown out - all the pundits that have been writing about what idiots we are would get to say "told you so", if only for the one day.

The Vincent burger was going for 12.50 last sat

Im going to fridays game.. i have no idea where im sitting per the twins still have not sent me my tickets!!!!!!

i want the Hungarian" from Kazmamamajdjfjf

if I dont get my tickets after work 2marrow Im gonna go nutz.. my rep just keeps telling me to hold tight..

argg

A baseball scorecard app...Now that's an idea...

Ben - I say, bring it on! There is a game Saturday, but since it's exhibition, would they have a double-header if Friday is in fact rained out?

Adding to the food discussion I just read a City Pages blog about a current proposal to change city ordinance to allow street vendors in downtown. Personally I'm all for this because it will add another element to downtown and act as another way to get people on the streets and out of the skyways. Click the name for the article

Ben, there is absolutely no way to know if there will be a thunderstorm at game time on Friday. We don't have a clue at this point and won't until hours before game time. The only thing they are saying at this point is that there is a "chance" of storms on Friday. That being said, get used to it. We're going to have a "chance" of storms a whole lot over the course of the season. Even so, the game is at 5pm. If it blows through for an hour or two, there will still be a game played. There is no reason to suspect an all day soaker that will cancel anything.

Anything beyond three days is guesswork. We'll know the weather on Friday.

Anybody have pictures to post of the 1st and 3rd base lounges?

I'll say something else about rain delays and Target Field: Being that this is not the Metrodome, I promise you that an hour or two rain delay will almost be a massive party atmosphere in that place. The bars will be hopping. The very large concourses will be alive and fun. I believe that anything short of a complete cancellation will be an excuse for more partying.

During a rain delay on a visit to Comerica Park I walked down to the dugout and tried to get Liriano's auto on my ticket stub since it was his 1st ever MLB start. I didn't want to but this guy named Santana signed my stub...:):) I can't wait for a friggin rain delay @ Target Field..BIG DEAL!!!!!!!

Doubleheader? ah... no. These are exhibition games. Avoiding disruption of the Opening Day (at LAA) pitching rotation is a far higher priority than getting these two games in.

As much as I hate to prolong any of the weather discussion, the fact that folks have paid for tickets to a game that may not be played does bring up a question: Is there a rain check on your exhib ticket and do you know for sure of a refund/re-ticket policy for these two games that may be different than during the regular season?

The Twins pub is located on the terrace level behind home plate. What is located on the same level past 1st base? Is this another pub?

No, there is not another pub there. What you are seeing is the scoreboard operation area.

I agree about the less-than-desirable score cards.

Wow the 1st and 3rd base lounges are not very impressive compared to everything else that is. Maybe they are still working on jazzing them up a bit.

Rick,

who is allowed in the 1st & 3rd base clubs?

Jax - Actually started yesterday so I am on day two today...Wednesday - double the dose...and then...CRAZY DREAM TIME!!

Anyone else having problems viewing the webcams? Maybe they are hiding another a-ha moment!

firedog - just was on there...work fine...

Believe it or not, I just picked up 2 seats in Section 114, Row 17 for the Friday night exhibition game.

The boy bugged me so much I finally caved. Let's hope the wife doesn't find out how much I just spent on not only a baseball game, but an exhibition game to boot!

I don't think anyone will be making an issue of 70 degrees and a thunderstorm - this happens at all parks. The thing that would have had them go on and on is cold and/or snowy weather. Mother Nature already gave a big F U to the national media for us on that subject. (for this season anyway.)

Firedog, select the web cams from the menu.

Target Field/Web Cams

Rick,

I know you just got TC Traders up and running, but I was thinking of something you could add:

Is it possible to create an area where you can post a comment as to what type of ticket(s) or other info you are looking for? (ie. I.S.O 2 tickets, May 27th, Field Box. preferably end of row) Kind of like a wanted ad on craigslist.

Just curious...Thanks!

Perfect!

Anyone else notice the time is wrong on those webcams?

It looks like they never adjusted to daylight time two weeks ago and remain one hour behind. I clicked on the 7:30pm image and it was dark as night, so it appears the 7:30pm image was actually 8:30pm.

Friday, Saturday and every friggin day after that

Section 102 row 9 seat 3. fo shizzle.

Mike: Taking a look at the 1,001 daily archive images I've collected so far from Webcam 1, the time has been off by an hour off since Mar 1, 2008.

...or maybe not. Looking at some shadows, maybe it was just an annual daylight savings time lag. But, yeah, when looking for the first pitch on Saturday, I noticed that it was on the 12:10 image.

schweady - I didn't even realize that until recently. I just always never paid much attention to it.

As for ads on the outfield walls...I just saw some video from today on KMSP Fox 9 and it appears there is a US Bank ad on the RF wall near section 138-139 and a Budweiser ad on the left field wall near section 130. The video footage was short, but it definitely appeared to be Budweiser and US Bank from what I could tell.

It will be interesting to see what else pops up before Friday. Perhaps Pepsi or Delta Airlines on the "Trap" sign?

Anybody experience taking the LRT after the game on Saturday? How was the expierence? How long did it take for you to get onto a car after the game?

It looks like there might not be any special grass patterns at all (click my name). I can't be disappointed when hearing the explanation. In no way would I like to see something like the socks for a whole season (or ever). But it would be cool to see an original pattern with a TC logo in centerfield for the first home stand. All-Star games and ballpark openings; I definitely want to see a traditional pattern in all other cases including playoffs.

I can't make out the wall ads. I'm sure Mike had a much better look live on TV.

My GOD, what a beautiful ballpark the Twins have now. I PRAY they do well this year playing outside. Baby JESUS will have another great year and only LORD knows who else will step up and help carry the team for another HEAVENLY season. But any combination of injuries to key players and this year could go to HELL in a hurry with DIVINE intervention not even helping. DAMN those non believers, because I have FAITH in our GLORIOUS Twins, who showed last season they can RESURRECT their season with GOD-LIKE efforts and win the division against all odds. Maybe I am biased, but TEMPTATION tells me not to bet against the Twins again this year. At times they just seemed BLESSED.

AMEN!!!!!!!!

Mike was right, Budweiser and US Bank. Just saw on Kare-11.

Forgot to mention in my previous post, but according to some people in the know...they are going to paint the 'TC' logo in the grass behind homeplate tomorrow or Wednesday.

Twinsfan34 me and my dad took the light rail train from the 28th Ave. station after parking our car in the lot. The train got there in usual decent time filling more and more the closer we got to the park. After the game we took a stranger's advice and walked a couple of blocks up to the Warehouse district stop and my dad was getting antsy but the train finally arrived after about 10 minutes. Even when we first got on the train was already pretty much full. So besides feeling like a sardine every went fine.

Luke, is that you standing on top of the parking garage at the MOA??? Don't jump, she's not worth it!!!!

I was looking at my Dish Network guide for the preseason games Friday and it doesn't look as if FSN will be broadcasting the exhibition games in HD. That really bums me out! I know they've committed to doing all regular season games in HD, but man, this will be the first televised games of TF and no HD??? C'mon! Maybe I'm wrong and my Dish guide wasn't showing it properly because it was too many days out.

I'm also curious about the LRT situation after games. I was surprised to see when I got tickets Sat. morning for the exhibition that they had security fence blocking you off from getting on the train from the TF side. You had to cross the tracks and enter the train from the center platform. I'm sorry, that is just dumb. The area between the gate and the train is much larger than the platform and only makes sense to get on there, instead of crossing the tracks.

well the one upside of getting on the lrt from themiddle is that, one, the security gates, people will be lined up down the promenade, which a good thing, instead of bunched up in front of that side of the stadium, and 2, with the gates u have to show your ticket before getting on, think about how many people ride for free

Got a letter from the Twins that read "Due to a computer error while processing your 2010 season tickets, your ticket package unfortunately included invalid tickets to the Exhibition game versus the St. Louis Cardinals." They sent me two (slightly better) replacement tickets to the game on Saturday. Did this happen to anybody else? According to the letter, tickets with barcodes starting with "NU27" or "3U27" are invalid. A lot of people could be sitting on some worthless tickets out there.

MOA is to the Twin Cities what the Golden Gate Bridge is to San Francisco.

Faber College Alum:

DirecTV's guide lists both exhibition games in HD.

Well when I ordered my 20 game season ticket pack in Jan. It was supposed to include the 1st exibition game. But I guess that was only for people who ordered season tickets months ago. Friday and Saturday not looking real good with rain forecast both days. If washed out I suppose no makeup or refunds? Ouch! My comcast ch 201 shows they will televise both games in HD or will we get the bars on the side and not a true HD feed?

Jeremy, thanks for that info. I've noticed in the past that some events that are several days in the future don't show up in the HD listings on Dish, but eventually are listed right before the game. I was hoping that was the case here.

Yes, DirecTV is indeed showing the games in HD. this sounds like a case of Dish Network's "part time" HD service.

How would they get away with not refunding for rain-outs of exhibition games?

If the games are rained out, you better believe the Twins will be issuing refunds because they will not be made up.

It will be in HD on Dish. Both feeds will be from FSNorth so it will be in HD.

Well I would think for the people that got them for buying season tickets for no charge won't see any do re me. Perhaps some merchandise or food vouchers in the spirit of comprosmise? LOL!

I was forced to buy exhibition game tickets - no choice as to dates or seats - just a charge added to the invoice. And I think most other STH are in the same boat in that regard.

trosy29, you are most likely right, but it is not always the case. Dish has been known to adjust limits to bandwidth by showing some channels in HD on a part time basis. Most likely they wouldn't try to pull this with a sporting event, but I surely wouldn't like seeing the info guide not showing it as being in HD.

Ben, I believe all renewing season ticket holders were required to purchase one (or both) of the games.

Twinkfan, they weren't free. ;-)

I bought 3 tickets to Friday's game, all at seperate times(because I couldn't buy 3 seats next to each other in one transaction, but I could buy them as single tickets with different transactions. Yeah). The first that I bought hasn't come in the mail yet, the 2nd one I bought showed up last Thursday, and the 3rd defaulted to Will Call.

Not saying that this happened, but how would the Twins deal with stolen tickets, if you realize they're stolen way before the game ever happens?

Working on a feature on the best ballparks. Narrowing it down to my top five and I know I'm biased, so looking for input and what better place to get it than a bunch of ballpark fans.

So excluding Target Field (too new and want to wait until actual games are played there to truly judge), what would be your top five MLB ballparks? Feel free to make a case for ones you're especially passionate about.

My list:

1. AT&T Park
2. Wrigley Field
3. Fenway Park
4. PNC Park
5. Safeco (this one was hard because Petco, Coors, Camden or Kauffman could have just as easily gone here).

Rain -- it's too early to tell. All depends on how fast or slow that dip in the jet stream gets here. If we could just get this glorious, 70s-inducing high pressure system to park over us a little longer...

Buffalo,

I think your list is pretty close. Even if you include TF, I don't think it cracks the Top 5. (Probably the Top 10 though.)

Thanks, if I went with my heart I would have put Wrigley #1 since I love the place and the city of Chicago in general. I'm a Twins fan first and foremost and love Minnesota, but Chicago is a close second. Now if they only could do something about those damn White Sox. :)

My bad, for those who bought new season tickets this year early they were including one of the exibition games in at no charge.

Did anybody else see the ad on the scoreboard for the gophers annual spring football scrimmage? I think my Dad and I will go to it. I think it is on April 24th. Does anybody know what time it starts? The ad said there would be no admission fees charged and I have not seen the new stadium yet so I am very excited to see it. That means that within a span of 30 days I finally get to end my 28 year wait to watch outdoor baseball and football.

Buffalo - while I like Safeco Field, I simply cannot put a retractable roof baseball stadium in the top 5.

1.) PNC Park
2.) Fenway Park
3.) AT&T Park
4.) Wrigley Field
5.) Petco Park

Oriole Park at Camden Yards could also be considered a top 5 in my opinion.

Common denominator in all these parks? Open-air, urban (built into surrounding neighborhoods), all have smaller capacities (approximately 42,000 or less).

Target Field has the same common denominators as my other top 5 ballparks and there is no reason to not believe Target Field can end up in the top 5 eventually.

I loved the old comisky! Went to many a game back in the 80's. Sox new ballbark was built just ahead of retro Camden yards in Baltimore. New one not much to write home about!

I'm afraid that if someone believes that TF can't crack the top 5 but Wrigley is in it, I can't agree with that particular ranking. If TF plays as well as it appears it will, it simply will be a better park than Wrigley. Now, I realize Wrigley has all that history of a century of losing baseball, but that's just time. Heck. The Metrodome had more historically great game moments than Wrigley in its entire history.

I heard Larry DiVito on MPR this morning mention that there will not be any special patterns rolled into the grass this season (he used the word "traditional", if I recall correctly). He said that the ballpark was such a spectacular place already, that (paraphrasing) anything more would be gimmicky.

Personally, I don't have a problem with Safeco's roof. In rainy Seattle the only two choices for a baseball stadium are 1) retractable roof, or 2) indoor park; I think they did about as well as they could. Safeco definitely cracks my top 5.

I also didn't mind new Comiskey (or whatever it's called these days) - not a neighborhood to mill about in after the game, but the sightlines for the game itself were decent.

I would love to see now or in the coming days as the season begins a full food review of all the different options at the ballpark. Concerning MN beer, I know summit and premium are represented, what are MN beers will be there?

accuweather.com has a more favorable forecast for Friday than weather.com

Okay, here are my three favorite stadiums:

Kaufmann
PETCO
Wrigley

and two I haven't been but generally everyone puts at the top:

PNC
AT&T

1. AT&T Park
2. Wrigley Field (too much charm)
3. Fenway Park
4. PNC Park
5. Ballpark at Arlington (a strange pick, but i find this place completely unique in it's own way)

Kauffman, Petco and Camden Yards are right there for runners up.

Worst parks in Baseball:

1. Oakland Colosseum Football Stadium
2. Tropicana Field
3. Dolphin Football Stadium
4. Washington Nationals House of Boredom
5. US Cellular Field of no Soul

Lots of others could have switched out... most people would probably like to see some roofed parks on there, but I don't mind most of the retractables. Chase Field is a bit boring, but it doesn't compare with the mistake that the Nationals made rushing to build their park or the soul-less mistake they replaced Old Comiskey with.

HebrewHammer16,

I sure hope they get the Grain Belt Nordeast!

**

As far as stadiums, I enjoy the premium seating areas of Busch III! Both the first row by dugouts and Bank Of America Suites.

As Rick indicates I think everyone has a different definition of what "best" is. Each person's perspective is often based on what they know (i.e. how many and which ballparks have you been to?).

I also don't think it is fair to compare the vintage ballparks to the ones built within the last 20 years. It is an Apples to Oranges comparison.

For the record (I believe I didn't answer HebrewHammer last week), I've been to Fenway, Shea, Old Yankee, Jacobs, Dolphin, Tropicana, Ballpark at Arlington, Old Busch, Kauffmann, Miller, Wrigley, New Comiskey, Petco, Dodger, AT&T, SafeCo, and the Metrodome along with several minor league/Cape Cod/Northwoods/Northern/American Association ballparks.

If anyone is looking for advice/help on a trip I'd be glad to help out. Visiting all the ballparks is a passion for me...

Ok everyone, we've cracked over 900 comments now on this thread. I'll bet we can get to a 1000 before Rick's next post.

Let's start some argument about how cutting patterns into the grass is an inherently atheist thing to do and let the comments roll!

I gotta say that I think Dodger Stadium is highly underrated. It has tremendous sightlines from nearly anywhere in the park and what a view of the mountains. The place has been kept in immaculate shape...

I wish I could contribute more to the best ballpark discussion.

So far I've only been to a few. Metrodome, Wrigley, US Cellular (New Commisky), Kauffman and New Yankee. I'm going to both games at TF this weekend, AT&T in two weeks and Miller Park two weeks after that. Of those that I have been to I'd put them in this order:

Wrigley
Kauffman
New Yankee
Dome
US Cell

I am sure next week my list will look like this:

TF!
AT&T
Wrigley
Kauffman
New Yankee
Miller Park (?)
Dome
US Cell

For those that were there on Saturday - how was the park scenario for Target Field as far as ramps, etc?

Just trying to plan my trip for this Friday's exhibition game. Thanks!

Delta is now the official airline of the Twins per their twitter. I wonder if they're going on the trap sign. It would be a cool throw back if they split it up, and squeezed 3 signs in there

1. Fenway
2. Wrigley
3. PNC
4. Camden Yards
5. Kauffman

AT&T is close but I can't stand the Giant glove and coke bottle above the left field seating.

HebrewHammer, I enjoyed a Schells Dark, a Summit and a Finnegans when there for the Open House. I believe that someone else saw Surly - hope so!

I really like Kauffman and Coors Field.

Courtesy of the @minnesotatwins twitter feed"...@DeltaAirlines is now the Official Airline of the Minnesota Twins!" There goes the tarp signage, I bet.

I know it's been discussed here, too, but strange to see in person: The apostrophe catastrophe with the Delta-branded Legends / Legend's Club. Which is it???

or "trap signage". Not sure who will advertise on the infield "tarp" covers.

Faber, I'm in.

The cross-hatch pattern could be construed as hundreds of crosses, which would satifsy the Christians.

Or, Larry could have done a star, which would have appeased the Satanists, who crave pentagrams.

Or, he could have just left the grass alone and done nothing, which would have consoled the resident atheist(s?) on this board.

Either way, somebody's getting torked off by TF's Rocky Mountain blades this weekend.

I will try to get in a forecast today and will update that forecast day-to-day. (won't have time till after work today)

I think the Rays stadium images I have seen are spectacular. I really think that will be a great stadium, with a great design. Is it better than TF? I can't say because gosh darn it I am just stuck in my honeymoon phase with TF, but it will be a cool stadium none the less.

Is there some new Rays ballpark design out there? The downtown St. Pete site along the water from a year or two ago was voted down. Those designs -- with the canvas retractable roof won't happen.

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think this is exactly what makes it such a great topic: Everybody has their favorites and there is no "right" answer. I already had most of it written, save for the AT&T Park portion, but still glad to see what others are thinking.

i've been to original yankee, shea, pnc, comerica, miller, busch III, kauffman, nats, fenway, metrodome, us cell, i toured safeco and the gopher game at TF. b/c i haven't seen a real game at safeco or tf i'll leave them off my rankings, though both would be top 6-7.

1. Kauffman...cheap, great views, and perfect fit for that club.
2. Comerica...the stadiums screams tigers, and has everything you could ask for
3. PNC...beautiful, but the pirates suck and nobody seems to care, they just want to talk about how great there stadium is.
4. Yankee...loved how vertical and imposing everything looked and felt
5. Nats...goofy, quirky, great plaza in right, underrated in my eyes

Fenway was cool, but far too expensive for a tiny seat looking out in the wrong direction. Shea was a blast, but falling apart. Miller and Busch III are just ok, The Cell is completely nondescript, and we all know about the metrodome.

Looking forward to this summer when i get to go to wrigley and possibly the tex stadiums.

the plaza at the nats park is in left, my bad. For the record i assume TF will be near the top if not #1, giving the AL Central my three favorite stadiums.

TTH - click my name for new marlins park renderings.

Congrats Rick on being linked today by Yahoo Sports' Kevin Keduk and The Big League Stew...

Twin(k)Fan, are you sure they included a free exhibition game? My experience is 25% discount, two games for a full season package, one for a 20-game package, don't know about 40. Very much doubt it would be free for new season ticket holders and 75% charged for older STHs. thanks

I just can't see how the Marlins signed off on that design. I don't know if there are a whole lot of terribly negative things to say about it at this point, but there don't seem to be ANY huge positives to talk about.

TTH, I'm quite sure you're right that the "sail" is dead in Tampa Bay. If I remember correctly they were denied access to the site. Too bad... would have been sweet!

Regarding Friday parking, how much downtown business parking will be gone by 3:30 on Friday? I haven't spent any time downtown on a Friday afternoon in forever. I would think by 5 it's normally a ghost-town, but am wondering about the overlap between typical day game parking and evening with the 5:10 start time.

Oops, I misread. I was thinking about the other stadium being currently built, the MARLINS new stadium.

I just checked the Rays website and there is not a page dedicated to a new stadium. Wiki says "On May 22, 2009, the team announced that they had abandoned all plans for a ballpark on the St. Petersburg waterfront, preferring a location nearer the center of Pinellas County." and "There is no publicly-released timetable for proceeding with stadium plans."

CSG Mike - I was talking about the Rays. Florida has two ballclubs now.

As far as that Marlins park -- as a piece of architecture it's pretty soul-less. They will have to do a lot in other respects to make games there palatable. It will be even more difficult, given the team has a short history. Thank God, they won to World Series so they can boast about that.

If they want to build a stadium like this in St. Pete, then it's no improvement over what the Rays now have.

Of the ballparks I've been to I would rank them as follows
1. Petco
2. Kauffman (even before the renovated it, it was good)
3. Dodger Stadium
4. Coors
5. US Cellular
6. New Busch
7. Miller Park

Novelty
1. Wrigley
2. Old Yankee Stadium

It's hard to include the old ballparks with the new ones. The old ones are only good because they're old. Otherwise they're uncomfortable and (I hate to say it) ugly sometimes. Look at Wrigley from the outside, it's not that pretty. Old Yankee Stadium was very humble as well. Don't get me wrong, I will gladly pay $40 for a bleacher seat but it's apples and oranges to me.

TTH, LOL on your post about the grass mowing !! :-)

Random question ... does anyone know which seat numbers are closest to home plate? I have tickets in section 106 and need to sell a couple. For example, if I have seats 4,5,6 and 7 is 4 closest to home plate or is 7 closest to home plate?

In 106, higher numbers are closer to home plate.

For the record: All seats in Target Field are orientated as such---

Seat 1 is on the right side of the section as you look at the field.

The new Marlin's ballpark has a real Metrodome feel to it...maybe it's the blue seats....yuck.

I thought the way seat numbers worked was related the the section numbers. For example in section 102, seat 1 is the farthest from home plate because it is next to section 101. Where as in section 124, seat 1 is closest to home plate.

Went and walked around downtown today...here a are a few things:

1. Kieran's now has a full patio set up. There are probably 30 tables sitting out there. Should be a really hopping spot

2. Champps sign is still outside, but the remodel inside is done and it is now officially Smalley's. The patio/bar that they have between their building and 508 is REALLY awesome. A bar lines onside and there are a ton of tables and chairs throughout. Definitely want to go there.

3. Hubert's sign is up and they are putting up another on the facade. I have a photo of it but don't feel like posting it.

4. There are ads all over the outfield walls. So far, there is a Best Buy ad and a Budwieser ad in left field. In right field there is a US Bank ad with a big Qwest ad to the right of it. Lame.

5. No signage has been installed on the trap yet sign yet, although they had scaffolding up.

6. Messed around with a self service ticket machine. There is more of a selection on those than they have online. Could get just about every game but OD, although I didn't try Brewers or Yankees.

7. O'Donovans is setting up a pretty cool looking patio as well.

8. Wind was blowing out to left hard today.

That's how they're numbered at TF as well. We're in seats 3&4 in section 102, and we're up against section 101.

Who's gonna be the first to go deep left field to the 3rd deck? Pujols?

I'm sitting in the Champions Club for 4/3. For those of you who went to the open house, do you know what kind of liquor is stocked at the bar? Is it top shelf?

You guys see Liriano's line today? Tearing it up.

Liriano Line Today: 6IP 3H 0R 3BB 8K 1HBP about 85 pitches. Had 9 gb outs and 0 fly outs...He will be our 5th starter for sure.

Punto once again makes a base running error. Harris better be starter at 3B.

Mears,

I've been trying to listen to the game (trying because Gordon, Morris and Hrbek won't shut up!)...Sounds like Liriano had a great day, but remember, he pitched against the Pirates.

Top 5 baseball palaces I have been to:

1. Wrigley (love the neighborhood, history, scoreboard, ivy. I've been to 30 games there, but once was behind a pole and that sucked!)
2. Target Field (call me a homer, but I love it. The views rival any park, and all the other parts add up to the best new park - I agree with Rick!))
3. PNC (loved the park and the views)
4. Kaufman (under rated, went before the renovations)
5. Fenway (not as great as I thought it would be, but still dripping in history)

I've been to the Cell, Camden, Jacobs, New Tiger,Old Tiger, Miller, County (I thought it was cool, beeter than Miller is some respects) Oh, and the Metrodome! (the former Twins stadium - love writing FORMER)

Old Tiger was neat - we sat in the upper deck above home plate and with the huge overhang, it felt like you could reach out and touch the batter!

Anybody know if Jaque Jones was sent down? I know the team told him he wouldn't make the roster on opening day, but I hadn't heard if they sent him down. Would be nice to see him get an at bat Friday or Saturday.

What are the odds that any more OD tickets get released?

PNB19 - They said that he would be making the trip to Target Field this weekend...

Jimmer-highly doubt that any more will be released. Checked those auto ticket machines today and nothing.

Jacque is still with the team, and will come north for Friday and Saturday's games. Then probably will go to Rochester--he never was on the 40 man roster so he would just be assigned. I'd bet money he will get to play this weekend. I am going to wear his jersey to the game on Friday.

Even though it is the Pirates, is the Franchise back? =)

If there were 100-150 opening day tickets that were to be released, either because of VIPs canceling or season ticket seats being turned over to single-game seats....

Do you honestly think the Twins would put them on their website for the $20-30 each? When the cheapest on Stubhub is $175 each?

Think about it.

Tom, re liquor don't know what it's going to be in the Champ's club, but on the Twins Taste of Target Field site they show a menu for the Metropolitin Club which list brands, I would assume these would be the same they would have through out the stadium. I don't know about the beers listed on the menu but maybe the same. Anybody know? Also it's been mentioned in the past but anybody who is suprised about Pepsi being the soft drink, remember up until a couple of weeks ago the Pohlads were the 2nd largest Pepsi bottler in the country if not world.

Thanks for pointing that out TTH. It had been a long time since I looked anything up on the Rays proposed park and I didn't know that.

What are the odds of sneaking down behind home plate in those nice comfy leather seats for a few ininings? Not that I would like looking through the net and all!LOL! Reminds me of the days we would sneak behind home plate at the old met after about 3 innings of sitting on the wooden bleachers along the 3rd base line. They would have a security guy there for the first couple of innings and then it would be jail break time to the box seats!LOL! Those 3rd base bleachers were full for the first few innings and pretty empty by the 5th or 6th inning! I also remember you could bring your own coolers and beers into the old met the first couple of years. Just had to make sure you brougth the church key with ya!

I get your point, Tom (Twins/MLB = corporate = greedy), but don't you think it's a little over the top to talk about the Twins putting the screws to the customer over a fictional 150 tickets just so that they can gain an extra $20,000 or so (and that's if the numbers you tossed out there were used in reality)?

Again, I see what you're getting at, but the whole Stub Hub/Twins/MLB "collusion" story is getting a little ridiculous (and rEdiculous, if you ask me) when we start concocting scenarios like that.

Anyone know exactly where they are going to put the statues? Thanks

Erik, when I was over there today they were digging in one of the planters on the plaza directly below the skyway. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the statues was going there. They have been messing around over there for a few days now.

Thanks Pat, do you know who will all have statues, i heard harmon and carew are going in soon but do you know about puck, herbek, or oliva

and have they designated a spot for number 7 yet hehe

The statues will be going on the "infield dirt" accents in the plaza. Glove and statues all on infield dirt, nice touch I think.

Twinkfan - I bet the odds of you sneaking into the Champion's Club this year are about a million to one. There's gonna be security - not to mention it's gonna be pretty much sold out for the whole season. It'll be deceiving too, because I'm betting there will be plenty of empty seats - not because they're not sold, but because the seat owners are in back scarfing down free snacks and beverages. Well, not free - the price of those tickets includes that stuff.

So your saying I got a shot of sneaking into those leather seats some guy? LOL! Boy I remembers seeing all those empty $2500 seats while watching some of the Yankee games last year. I think thye finally lowered the prices on those so it wouldn't seem like a ghost town down there LOL!!!

How many beers do you think you could drink before getting cut off in the Champions club? If I paid that much money for a seat I would get my moneys worth.

Buster Olney projects the Twins to have the top line-up in all of MLB this year, ahead of the Yanks and Phillys. (click my name for link).

Only a minor mention of "cold" early season games. BTW - did it hit 70 degrees yet today? :)

I think Punto is going to have a statue.

I thought the statues were going to be in the "neighborhood" of their prospective gates?

For instance, if you go down to the Plaza trees post, Rick has a picture of a platform for one of the statues at the corner of 2nd Ave and 7th st.

DreDogg, that will be the site for one of the statues, not sure which one (probably Carew because it is closest to the Carew gate).

JCTwins you asked about 5pm in downtown Minneapolis. I'm afraid that if you think it is going to be a ghost town at 5pm, you are thinking of the wrong downtown. Saint Paul is pretty dead by 5pm. Minneapolis can be utter gridlock at the same time and it can last easily until 6pm. It will be an interesting challenge. I highly suggest transit options.

Which statues are coming to TF and when are they being installed? I had thought that just the gold glove was a little bare if nothing else was added to it. Anyone know when the hops are being added to the topiary?