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Model Details - Part 1

January 18, 2008 11:25 PM

COMMENT

As you may imagine, I have taken a lot of ballpark-related photos. Some of them have appeared in these pages, but many have not. There's no real reason for this except that editing them takes time, and most aren't really necessary to illustrate whatever point I'm trying to make.

But my intention all along has been to get back to all of these unused images and bring them out when things are quiet.

Well, things are quiet.

Don't get me wrong...this is not a bad thing. I love it that we don't have any major impediments in the way anymore. And I especially love it that there are no more greedy weasels trying to muck things up with outrageous monetary demands (can you believe that that actually happened?).

So this is the first in a series of photo sets which will be offered without too much commentary (you can add that below).

These are pictures I took back on October 30 when the final model was revealed to the Hennepin County commissioners. You'll be able to see the model for yourself at Twinsfest. In fact, that's the only reason I'm going -- to find out what, if anything, has changed.

Let's start with the plaza area. Click on any image for a very large version.

This is as close as I could get to a pedestrian-eye view of the main entrance. This is what you'll see as you enter by coming down Sixth Street.

More of a bird's-eye view of the same area.

Looking across the top of the B parking ramp. Notice that signage will block any attempts at seeing the game from up there. Also take note of the glassed in area which is part club and part office space for the Ballpark Authority.

Now from the inside looking at the same area.

And another angle looking at the overhang area of the right field pavilion. This looks to me like a great area to watch a game.

A view straight on of the Pro Shop area and ticket windows (just barely visible). The piers you see beneath the plaza are already almost completed (see final photo).

Finally, here's a current construction photo to give a little context:

From last week, you can see the piers taking shape. I believe that the front row, visible here as just forms and reinforcing rods, is the front edge of the plaza.

I learned a little something from these photos. Earlier I had complained about the possibility of freeway noise being a factor on the plaza. But what I didn't realize is that all but one lane of the freeway will be covered by the plaza, thus eliminating the possibility that noise will be too overwhelming (or maybe even noticeable).

Theoretically, all traffic on the remaining lane will also be traveling very slowly (35 mph) as they approach the exit. This also minimizes the noise. I now believe that it's a total non-issue.

Tomorrow we'll take a look at how the trains fit into the model picture.

Comments

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Awesome Rick - cool to see those so up close...

One thing I'm not sure if we discussed on here yet was the out-of-town scoreboards...(visible in some of those model shots). Do we know much about this yet?? Has DSP said anything about them? I wonder if they will be the ones like Cleveland has that shows small field drawings and updates whether men are on base or not. I'm assuming they will be electronic, but the model shows more of a classic look (although we know that is a very rough representation).

Posted on January 19, 2008 at 12:25 AM by Excited 1

Am I mistaken or is the Canadian flag taller than the US flag? Just like the Canadian dollar surpassing our very own.

Posted on January 19, 2008 at 10:30 AM by Mike 2

I like that they're using the stone as sort of a brand for the park. It's present everywhere and it has a nice tone and texture. I'm still curious how the approach to the sixth street pedestrian bridge will look and function as well as its orientation to the street. Just walking in this area now its still unclear how they're going to make this all work. This also applies to the bridge/rail station area. Great pics as always. Thanks for your efforts.

Posted on January 19, 2008 at 1:06 PM by Tim 3

i can't freakin wait to (try to) catch a justin morneau homerun in the plaza. the more i see these plans, the more i realize that something significantly special is happening.

Posted on January 19, 2008 at 1:35 PM by yeahklye 4

Does anyone have any clarifications yet as far as outfield seating and whether or not they will be the "bleacher seating" or traditional seats? From the perspective of one of the simulation videos, it appears there will be some bleacher seating in the right field area but am not 100% sure on that.

Posted on January 19, 2008 at 4:28 PM by Luke 5

Haven't had a chance to read the latest post in great detail yet, but good to see you back in action Rick.

You were MIA there for a while!

Posted on January 19, 2008 at 7:51 PM by Betaband 6

Look closely at first photo in this set of photos. Is there a cow among the trees? Looks like Babe the blue ox!

Posted on January 21, 2008 at 10:45 AM by Dain 7

Hey Rick, do you know if they plan on having the TV things on the facing of the upperdeck like they recently put in the metrodome?

Posted on June 8, 2008 at 11:50 PM by Brandon 8

huh?

Posted on May 2, 2011 at 9:27 PM by bulldog 9

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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 Williams

Explore the Site

Here 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.

WCCO-TV building

...but you can get a feel for what it will be like.

The outfield stands taking shape.

The view down Sixth Street toward the ballpark site. A pedestrian bridge will extend this street right into the main entrance of the park. The regrettable facade of Target Center is on the left. Butler Square is on the right. Click on the image to see what it looked like on this very spot about 100 years ago.

A last look on the way out.

This will be a bar/restaurant.

Here's the Northstar platform.

The Hrbek gate is directly below. It's a lively place after a game.

One of those funny little sections above the entrance stairs

More flowers, more pennants.

Workers against green

Walkway construction is progressing

I love this view of the Basilica.

Hey! An unnumbered gate!

The view from the corner of Ford Centre. (Feel free to tie up your boats here.)

Also warming things up are these planters.

Footings for the Seventh Street walkway from the A ramp.

Dedicated closed-captioning ribbon board

8:02 PM It's at peak, affecting mostly the upper deck.

Concept drawing for the fan/player appreciation wall. (Click to enlarge.)

A very busy place, as viewed from Target Center.

The media had some beautiful foliage to use as a background.

Parking ramp knothole

Photo by Jeff Ewer (Click to enlarge.)

Just some of the lumiaries who turned out for the unveiling (Terry is clearly thinking about Sidney Ponson).

Event Level

End of the line.

Because of the scale, it's sometimes hard to realize that there are actual guys down there doing the tough work! Here they are getting ready to pour a footing.