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Picture of the Day
BallparkMagic presents a little bit of Target Field each day. (Click to enlarge.)  Hello, February! (14 months out...)February 2, 2009 1:46 AM As promised, here's the continuation of yesterday's warm-weather photo tour.
Still more new pix coming tomorrow. Take a Seat In conjunction with TwinsFest, the team revealed the variety of seating types which will be found in the ballpark.
This came as a bit of a surprise, given that all earlier indications were that everything would be green, green, green. It looked so green, that you'll probably remember my lobbying for some variation in the color scheme just to avoid the plague of sameness. I mean, any color looks great on opening day after 25 years of Yucky Blue, but without variety, any single color will eventually go out of fashion. Well, my earlier protests now seem a bit naive. Color variation would have been great, but what we got is even better. I mean, wooden seat backs? How cool is that? And it certainly wasn't on my radar. Unfortunately, my previous commitment meant that I did not get to TwinsFest, nor the press conference in which the seats were revealed (if I was invited, that is). I still have hope of getting some pictures of the sample seats, wherever they live now. Here are a couple of links to media reports about the seating:
And be sure to check out the official seating page on the team web site. There are a couple of caveats, of course. Apparently, 82% of us will be sitting in seats which are being advertised as 19 to 22 inches wide. That's all well and good, and certainly accurate, but there's a big difference between a 19-inch seat and a 22-inch seat. In fact, early documents revealed that some of the outfield seating, at 19 inches, will actually be smaller than the equivalent seats in the Metrodome. Also, I'm not exactly sure just how the width of these seats is measured. The chair I'm sitting in now (a fairly standard Steelcase office chair) has a seating area of 20 inches wide by 19 inches deep. If I measure the width from the outside edges of the arm rests, it's 24 inches wide.
I point this out because this chair, which suits me very well in my work life, is substantially larger than almost every ballpark seat I've ever sat in. It's certainly much more spacious than anything at the Metrodome. In fact, when I think about the Dome seats, I'm remembering that a chief contributor to their claustrophobic nature is the lack of arm rest space. My elbows always seem to be bumping into the person next to me unless I hug them tight to my body. The team is trying to balance comfort with capacity, and I have no reason to think they are misleading us. But there are some key dimensions missing. Likewise, the amount of leg room, said to be increasing by two inches (all over the park?) is probably measured from the front edge of one seat to the back of the seat in front of it. In order to know how this actually compares to the Metrodome, we will need the seat depths as well as widths. Finally, as was pointed out in an earlier comment, the bleacher seating is not getting cup holders. Now, I've expressed great affection for bleacher seating, especially for families, but without cup holders it could be a royal pain in the ass. I've been to plenty of ballparks without cup holders, and my camera bag always comes back soaked in somebody else's beverage. If they are available, the team should reconsider this decision. Odds and Ends Yesterday I tried to link to this great site which is following the Shea Stadium demolition. The site was down, but now it's back up. For some, I'm sure this is a sad sight. But I'm having a hard time generating any emotion for the loss of this pit. I say, good riddance. Thankfully, I saw it in person and have some pictures (yet to be published). But I think you really had to visit the place to understand how lousy it was. I immediately changed my lowest-ranked ballpark experience from the Metrodome to Shea, and it wasn't even close. -- I'm sure you heard about the new ballpark partner. I have no further info on this yet, but I did notice a while back that U. S. Bank has a home plate in their corporate logo. How weird is that? -- This isn't Twins-related, but the closing of Macy's at Brookdale does represent a serious opportunity for the Vikings. That site, under-utilized but perfectly situated, would make a great spot for a football stadium. There were early discussions about considering it for the Twins park because Brooklyn Center wanted in on the whole thing, but they ultimately proposed the land on which the Shingle Creek Target now sits. Do I think the Vikings will get a new stadium? Yes. In Los Angeles. (As I've said many times before: When relocation is just a negotiating tactic, you hear about it all the time. When it's the actual plan, you won't hear a word until it happens.) -- As I mentioned in a caption above, one lane of Sixth Street is now blocked off to facilitate construction of the plaza extension to First Avenue. Up at the corner of First and Sixth is where the old Met Stadium flag pole will be placed. I'll meet you all there on opening day before the game! Book It As mentioned previously, I'm hoping to turn all of the info and photos I've collected here into a Target Field commemorative book to be published in time for Christmas 2010. But I've had a request from a publisher to do a Met Stadium book first. I'm considering this, and starting to do some research into photos. So, I'm wondering if YOU have any old photos of the Met, or if you know of someone who does. Drop me a line (rick at, you know the drill). I'd appreciate it. Touring I'll have more tomorrow. But for now, here's a video tour much like the one I took with Dan last fall. It was produced by MinnPost.com (there's a part two available by following the related videos link). CommentsTo utilized enhanced comment features, please enable cookies in your browser. Very cool update rick, thanks for the info ... Vikings at the Brookdale sight, that could work. Brooklyn Center needs some serious help and the a Vikings stadium could help that city big time ...
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 06:32 AM by Derek
Since Ziggy bought up a bunch of properties surrounding the Metrodome, he isn't going to want to go to Brooklyn Center. He profits when the neighborhood around the Metrodome is redeveloped after a new stadium is built.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 07:32 AM by David_Mpls
Zygi didn't buy anything downtown. He backed out of it.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 09:35 AM by moda253
Ironic that while discussing the potential for a Los Angeles Vikings reality, your youtube video has a highlight of the Los Angeles Rams - against the St. Louis Cardinals whose current version played against the Steelers, featured in the clip prior. And I met Irv Cross on numerous occasions while interning at Fox 9 a few years back. Cool video.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 10:25 AM by johnk
Thanks for the heavy doses of updates Rick!
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 11:12 AM by OG Jeff
rick, it sure would've been nice to have you do a stadium blog for us, but alas we are minnesotan no more.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 11:42 AM by 2013 LA Vikings
am i missing something? the canopy now looks like it's just covering a ring of traditional ballpark lights. i thought the canopy itself was supposed to illuminate the field?
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 11:45 AM by yeahklye
No, the lights you see are to aid with construction. The lights for the field are going to be built into the roof when they add that in 2012. Until then all of the fans attending night games will be given flashlights to shine down.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 12:37 PM by Karl
This Los Angelino would love to have the NFL back, but I think it will be the Chargers, not the Vikes.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 1:25 PM by Lafferty
#15 horizonal canopy support beam is up! I WIN!!
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 1:26 PM by Locker
I'd love to see the NFL in LA again too Lafferty. I don't care which team it is. I just hate the location....Inland Empire - YUCK! I wish they would just rebuild the Coliseum. The Chargers have a great fan base but I really wonder how many of those fans drive to SD from LA/OC. I'd rather see the Chargers stay in SD and have either Jacksonville or New Orleans move to LA. Nobody lives in New Orleans anymore and North Florida cares much more about college football than the NFL.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 1:38 PM by kevin in az
Yeah, I'm not a big fan of the City of Industry location either, although I'm not sure if there are currently any better spots. Maybe Carson? Having been to Coliseum recently, I'd actually prefer if they would leave it for USC only. Adding all of the luxury suites and other 21st century gimmicks to attract the Super Bowl every few years would not only cost a lot, but it would take away most of the charm. The Chargers do have a good fan base, but as you know, it's all about replacing the Murph. I think Jacksonville and New Orleans are also on the short list. Buffalo has also been mentioned, but they will likely try to move to Toronto. Heck, maybe the Rams will move back to LA. Who knows?
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 1:54 PM by Lafferty
Congrats, Locker! Today was a true test of your horizontal beam spotting ability, as the canopy has made it tougher to differentiate between the boring old beams and the exciting new beams. Excellent work.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 2:11 PM by kumbaya
No one mentions the possible work stoppage in the NFL in 2011 (uncapped year in 2010) meaning the Vikings COULD only have two more seasons left in the Metrodome. Between the bad economy and a possible work stoppage, this could get ugly even though the economy will eventually rebound. I just hope there is some solution out there. We need to think outside the box and start being creative in ways to get a new venue built for the Vikings. How about implementing a new scratch off lottery ticket for the Vikings with prizes including jerseys, autographed memorabilia, tickets to games, suites, party packages, road trip packages, etc. How about the state loan the Vikings some money with low interest rate and have the Vikings pay back the loan when their new venue is built and the new revenues are coming in. How about the state build in some clause that means the state gets a certain % of the revenue if the team is ever sold? Build a big complex in the north or south suburbs with a state-run hotel/casino and the stadium next door. That will eventually pay for itself. Another option would be to have the state purchase 51% (or more) of the team and sell bonds or something along those lines. The best solution would be for the NFL and Vikings ownership to ultimately pay for a majority of this project, even though that is unlikely. Bottom line is, there are solutions out there which will work, its just that Minnesota always waits until the last minute and makes things a lot tougher than they should be. It's just ironic the Vikings started this whole stadium mess by wanting out of Met Stadium and now they are getting a taste of their own medicine by being stuck in the Metrodome with no new stadium deal in sight. Even though the Metrodome was terribly planned and was built cheap, it is paid for and it has more than served its purpose over the last 25+ years. The RCA Dome in Indianapolis was built AFTER the Metrodome and is now demolished. Minnesota just needs to be creative and think outside the box to resolve this stadium issue.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 2:37 PM by Mike Brumley
As a south metro guy, I totally agree with Brumley. Mystic Lake is raking in money hand over fist. If the state would build a casino of their own, the state would be swimming in loot.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 2:49 PM by Steeks
Why doesn't the state open a casino in the mall of america phase II that the people at MOA are trying to get built
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 3:20 PM by two birst one stone
my name was suppose to be
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 3:24 PM by two birds one stone
Here's a crazy idea. Owners should pay for the entire thing.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 3:54 PM by Lafferty
I just read in the MBA January meeting minutes that the enhanced plaza design will be unveiled in mid February. Also, the design for the skyway between parking ramp A and Target field is complete.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 4:21 PM by Jeff
Minnesota should kill two birds with one stone by thinking outside of the box and raking money hand over fist at the same time.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 4:22 PM by Cliche Guy
Taking money from gambleholics and old people for a Vikings stadium isn't something the state would do. The NFL and the Zygi should pay for the whole thing. But they know they don't have to. So they'll keep asking for money and go wherever they get it.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 4:28 PM by Abe Frohman
Abe so Pohlad should have too then. And every other business in MN that has gotten a handout. You don't think only sports teams get help on financing their buildings do you?
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 5:04 PM by moda253
as always, very nice updates Rick
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 9:10 PM by luke
Minnesota has already lost 4 teams, the Saints, Eskimos, Lakers and North Starts. The Saints became the White Sox, the Stars went to Dallas, Lakers to LA and Eskimos to contraction. Do we want to lose yet another professional sports team? Several things to keep in mind: 1. All the pro teams we have lost were replaced by expansion teams or relocated teams. Why not just keep the team we already have? We won't spend the $$$ to keep the teams we have, but we can spend money to attract an expansion team? 2. Why do we keep underfunding stadium projects and building sub par facilities like the Metrodump....err Metrodome? Why not build a quality stadium? Either spend the money to build a quality facility that will last 30+ years, or don't spend a dime. Spending tax dollars to build a sub standard facility is a waste of money. They spent over a decade debating the cost of a Twins stadium, and when they finally coughed up the money they tried to build on a budget. As for the Vikings stadium, Wilf needs to lower expectations. The state will never approve a billion dollar facility, and we all know he won't spend enough of his own money to pay for it. If we wait for the state or ownership to poney up the money, we will be waiting a decade like the Twins, and by then the building cost will be 2 billion not 1 thanks to inflation. How do we get a new Vikings stadium then? 1. Tell the feds to stop printing money like crazy it just causes inflation and raises the price tag of building a new stadium. Every new dollar you print makes every other dollar worth less. 2. Do what the legislature won't do, bring in private corporations and individuals who have the money to loan out. 3M, General Mills, Land O' Lakes, Best Buy, Target, etc. They each contribute x number of dollars towards the cost, and in exchange they get some basic marketing/ advertising deal AND the Vikings repay the loan. You simply sign a 30 year no escape lease like the Twins did, and divide whatever corporation y pays by 30, and thats how much you give them in return each year, along with an undetermined amount of free advertising. It would take multiple corporate sponsors (which Minnesota has), but they would get some free advertising and the Vikings would get some loans to help pay for the stadium. Yes paying off loans might lower their payroll a bit, but they will much better off in a new stdium then the piece of garbage metrodump.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 9:28 PM by Alex D.
"...and [we lost the] Eskimos to contraction" Debatable. Many of us would rather recognize the method of tracing the franchise that leads from the days of the Eskimos playing at Ordean Field (demolished in 2001) to their current identity as the Washington Redskins.
Posted on February 2, 2009 at 10:05 PM by born up north
Nice write up Alex D. I just hope they get a stadium done somehow. I really wish they would do what the Twins did and save money with no roof.
Posted on February 3, 2009 at 01:48 AM by Matt
I wish the sports-hating liberals would shut the @$*& up about new sports stadiums. What would it be like if we had to watch the Los Angeles Vikings play on Sundays?
Posted on February 4, 2009 at 10:10 PM by Twinsfanguy
Twinsfanguy, If the Vikings were playing in Los Angeles and it saved us for paying for the majority of a billion dollar stadium, it would be an improvement. The Gophers are more interesting anyway.
Posted on February 5, 2009 at 1:46 PM by David
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"You talk about the magic, the aura, but what really makes a stadium is the fans. Concrete doesn't talk back to you. Chairs don't talk back to you. It's the people who are there, day in, day out, that makes the place magic."– Bernie WilliamsExplore the SiteHere are 50 images chosen randomly from the 3004 found on this site. Click the image to be taken to the original post. A new list is created every 10 minutes.
  Photo by Jared Wieseler    This is where chain link is being replaced with fencing which matches the plaza   Daylight (pre-game)   Some people will go to work here every day.   From the Downtown Council's 2025 Plan, a Metrodome "Revelopment" and a strong indication of where they think a new Vikings stadium should go.   End of the line.  Ahh. Lunch in the admin building...  Sure would be nice to cover that metal grid with more wooden louvers, eh?  The main ticketing area beneath the restaurant.   Life in the shadows  Typical standing room crowd which started early and lasted the entire game.    If you arrive by bus, your first glimpse of the park will be the scoreboard's profile. (Viewed from the bus station in the B ramp.)   Rod Carew will greet you, but he's sorely in need of a home plate for reference. (Killebrew is too.)  Photo by Jeff Ewer  Plaza extension reaches toward First Avenue    The view through a construction "knothole".     The proposed wooden screen covering the circulation ramp on Fifth Street (at left is the equivalent screen on Seventh Street).  Pile driving in progress  For those who have never seen it up close, that's what it looks like when steam comes out of the HERC plant.  Approach in the A ramp to the skywalk over Seventh   More of a bird's-eye view of the same area.  Roped off for the LRT crowd    Most of the main concourse is filled with construction materials...   Not much facade left to be finished at this point.   That's part of the wind veil, waiting in the B ramp for installation  The Hrbek gate is directly below. It's a lively place after a game.  This is the trapezoid (for lack of a better name) in right center. Be sure to notice section of seats just below the pavilion and above the fence (which I hadn't noticed before). For those who are interested, what looks like an old-style scoreboard is in fact a high-def video board which will look, at times, like an old-fashioned scoreboard.  An arch under construction.  The Ceremony (VIP in the crowd) Welcome Visitors From Two Men On (Accessiblity) Glossary BPM - Ballpark Magic BRT - Bus Rapid Transit DSP - Dave St. Peter FSE - Full Season Equivalent FYS - Fake Yankee Stadium (see also: NYS) HERC - Hennepin Energy Resource Company (aka the Garbage Burner) HPB - Home Plate Box HRP - Home Run Porch LC - Legends Club LRT - Light Rail Transit MBA - Minnesota Ballpark Authority (will own Target Field) MOA - Mall of America MSFC - Minnesota Sports Facilities Commission (owns the Metrodome) NYS - New Yankee Stadium SRO - Standing Room Only STH - Season Ticket Holder TCFBS - TCF Bank Stadium TF - Target Field Selected Bibliography - Analysis
Selected Bibliography - Surveys
Selected Bibliography - Nostalgia
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