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BallparkMagic presents a little bit of Target Field each day. (Click to enlarge.)  A Ninja TourMarch 30, 2009 4:03 PM Our very own OG Jeff (aka The Ballpark Ninja) got a chance to tour Target Field last week and was kind enough to provide his own detailed report -- with photos! -- for exclusive publication here. He laments the fact that his camera didn't last as long as the tour, but what he got is lots of fun. (I added the photo captions.) Thanks, Jeff! OG Jeff Tours Target Field On Wednesday I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak inside Target Field. What I saw confirmed what many of us have suspected: Target Field will be a gem. It also raised a lot of questions regarding construction process, interior finishes and how much the Twins have yet to decide.
My tour was given by an HOK architect who is on-site every day, and his involvement with every step of the process has been heavy, which meant he answered some debated questions and revealed changes that have quietly taken place behind the scenes. He was kind enough to walk me to every level of the park as well as around the entire complex - including center field and the Twins future administration building.
Q. How did HOK get the project? Was it because you've built so many other stadiums? A. Yes, but there were two other architects that were offered the opportunity to design for the site. The other two architects came back saying that the site was simply too small and a ballpark could not be built there. HOK, having experience with small footprints like SF, was up to the task.
Q. Throughout the design process, what were the main influences? The warehouse district, retro feel, or the modern urban feel of the Walker and Mpls Library? A. HOK was really excited to do something different with this park and the Twins had a similar vision. The "retro" feel has been passed by for the "modern", and it's really starting to become apparent inside the concourse and places like the Metro Club. For example, the ceiling of the concourse is not the bottom-side of exposed stadia above. Instead, the ceilings are fully finished with a very modern and clean look. I was skeptical, but after seeing the finished ceiling, it really fits the look and design of the park. (Note: The same approach was taken in Washington, a recent HOK project my guide worked on. Although the Nationals Park is on a large footprint, the finishes are modern and clean)
Q. What's the deal with the overhang in right field? Is it still there? A. Yes, it is. However, HOK originally wanted the overhang to be 8 feet out over the playing field. But, to put it nicely, the Twins were hesitant to take big risks or be too "leading edge" and so they have asked that the overhang be reduced. It will now be 2 feet at one end and near 5 feet at the end closest to center field.
Q. Why put the foul poles in this early in the process? A. The contractor for all of the steel in the stadia is the same one that makes the foul poles. Since steel has such a long lead-time, it's ordered early (in case there's mistakes and a reorder is needed) Why they put them up so early was a little perplexing to the architects, but Mortensen is 100% in charge of the construction schedule.
Q. You did not connect the concourse directly to the ramps. Was this because you didn't want to create a tunnel and go through the regulation process of a tunnel? A. Exactly. But after it was underway being constructed, the city forced the project to go through the whole process anyway! The lighting, exhaust fans, safety measures are all built to the specifications of a full tunnel.
Q. Is that a ribbon board in center field!?! A. Yes - there is already a scoreboard on the lower level in center field. Why Mortensen would install them this early in the process is peculiar, but they've begun putting them in.
Q. Are there other unique retail places planned other than the main Pro Shop? A. Yes. There will be small custom stores planted throughout the park. One of the most unique "secondary retail locations" will be on the main level of what will become the Twins admin building. It's being called the "glass box retail", and it will be constructed to stand alone with glass walls.
Q. Will the stadium have a large animatronic neon sign in center field? A. I was brought to the "split" deck in centerfield, where a concession stand will be as well as two large pillars that will hold up a "main logo piece". The discussion of the MN/STP logo on a large sign is still being discussed, and has not been decided yet. Several concepts are being "floated around".
Q. What's the giant wood wall mural in the spacious club lounge? A. A wood stained wall mural of Rod Carew is being put up at the South end of one of the two club level lounges. This piece of art is FANTASTIC looking! It was only partially installed, but will look amazing once completed. (My camera had stopped working at this point - I was ready to cry not being able to shoot this) Q. How in holy hell did HOK and Mortensen get the right center field bleachers to fit? A. The bleachers in center are truly a modern marvel of architectural engineering. HOK is still a little unsure about sightlines, meaning that home run fence below will be un-viewable from those bleachers, but they will definitely be a unique feature of Target Field. The process and construction to "fit" them there was a feat - especially since they stand about a foot away from Ramp B. As you walk through the concourse in centerfield, Ramp B's brick is exposed to the fan, which became much cooler once I was standing next to it.
Q. How will the right field upper deck seats be? They seem really close to the field... (this one was for you, mazaratirick) A. The experience in right field will be unique because the upper deck is so close to the playing field. The front of the deck in both right and center is parallel with the playing field below. HOK would rather have it back a few more feet, so you could see the home run fence and warning track below, but space was tight. Instead, fans will be closer but won't see the fence below them. Q. What's the story behind the Metropolitan Club? A. Originally, the Metropolitan Club was designed to be a huge cantilever, similar to the Guthrie's cantilever, but even more grandiose. Due to the size of the unsupported section, a monumental effort was put into engineering. However, as the process continued, the Twins realized they needed a set of concessions, bathrooms, ticket offices, etc in the area, and there was no other place to put them except under the cantilevered area. As a result, the stunning visual has been diminished. After standing in the Metropolitan Club, I can attest that it is AWESOME. The intimate views contrasted with the expansive feel inside is a great dynamic.
Q. What's the big hole in the right field lower deck all about? Will there be seating there? A. Yes, there will eventually be seating there, but it will be placed on hydraulic lifts. This entrance is to meet code so a fire truck can access the playing field if needed. This is the only entrance for a vehicle of that size to enter the park.
Q. Why a split upper deck? A. When getting concessions, fans will still be able to see the game, around the entire upper bowl. It also allowed the seats to be closer and utilizes the space on the small footprint better. After standing at the concession stand area, I can attest that this is a great idea. The upper concourse is big, but not huge. Therefore, even when fans are at the back of it, they can still see the scoreboard and part of the field. If something happens, fans are 4 steps away from seeing the entire field.
Q. What's the long, tight tunnel behind the Twins dugout (now covered by stadia)? A. It's a sprint-track, for players to get warm running during the game.
Q. Why is there paint in some of the suites already? A. It's true - there is paint in some of the suites. It's a surprising move by Mortensen, but they are under extremely rigid timelines and will complete some things early to try to save time.
Other fun notes: The 573 Club, which is at the southwest corner of the park, looks a lot like a smaller version of the Metro Club. Construction is coming along behind some of the other lounges and Club areas, as the roof has just been completed. It's spacious, but the space will feel quite different since there are no downtown views or ability to watch the field. The underside of the canopy is a metal product that will look similar to "the underside of a whale". The scaffolding that is currently in right field will crawl along behind the canopy construction installing the soffits and underside of the structure . Since the sub-contractors for the steel stadia supports and the pre-cast concrete are different groups, the concrete team has been trying to time the installation to stay a couple days behind the steelworkers. That is why, in part, different sections of the outfield and infield seem sporadic in their installation.
- Jeff Bull CommentsTo utilized enhanced comment features, please enable cookies in your browser. Great reporting OG Jeff! Too bad your camera died though. The more pictures I see of Target Field the more I can envision going to a game there. It's funny that 2 construction firms flat out said "you can't build that there".
Posted on March 30, 2009 at 9:14 PM by billymayshere
awosome! i love this website,I check it everyday! Nice pics ninja!
Posted on March 30, 2009 at 9:32 PM by trent
Thanks to Rick for letting me post my adventure on his site! The ninja has struck!
Posted on March 30, 2009 at 9:51 PM by OG Jeff
Really great! Too bad they had to fill in under the met club. That would've been a really great feature. Everything really appears to be coming together. Can't wait!
Posted on March 30, 2009 at 10:25 PM by DuluthTim
Go Ninja! Let us know next time...we will take up a collection for spare batteries...
Posted on March 30, 2009 at 10:35 PM by David_Mpls
Glad I was wrong about ya OG ninja, well done!!
Posted on March 30, 2009 at 10:48 PM by Matt
Hello, I am a huge Twins fan and cannot wait until 2010!! I also am a huge video game fan. There is a game called MLB The Show 09, and they are looking for info regarding Target Field. This would be things such as outfield wall colors, scoreboard layout including scoreboard ribbons, the out of town scoreboard, sun study info, dugout positioning, homerun celebration items, and more. Any insight into this would be great so I can pass it to the developers.
Posted on March 30, 2009 at 10:54 PM by Josh
Simply awesome Mr. Bull....Thank you!!
Posted on March 30, 2009 at 11:13 PM by kevin in az
Also, can someone provide more information on the decision for the Flag Pole from the Met to be at aor around First Ave? I missed that being decided and was wondering if anyone has some insight to that
Posted on March 30, 2009 at 11:20 PM by Josh
Wow, just wow. This definitely made my week. Thanks A TON OG Jeff!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 12:12 AM by Oaks
Great shots OG. The inside of the pro shop looks awesome.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 12:15 AM by Lafferty
don't know what I think about the finished roof in the concourse... btw... 4-1 they installed that ribbon board so that on opening night they can light it up with "365 days to target field" or somesuch...
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 02:42 AM by CJ
Instead of having the "Shaking Hands" neon logo in centerfield, how about a huge neon "TC" logo, the same logo they have on the hats. This would look awesome at night!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 06:27 AM by Vikeologist
Wow, I've really been dying for some interior shots, and you came through!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 07:39 AM by Steeks
O.G. Jeff, you are an Original but yet still gangsta!!!!! I belive i have a tear running dowm my right cheek. Thank you! cant wait fotr the bbq in your green space!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 08:17 AM by Mazaratirick
two fun things: 1. I was in Indiana over the weekend and met a White Sox fan that seemed just as excited about Target Field as we are. I told him I had pictures on my iPhone of the last time I was down by the park and he begged me to show him. He agrees that it will be one of the best parks in the majors. 2. Downstairs in my building is the model of Target Field with the newly added Target Plaza. I took a bunch of pictures and I'll try to put them up on flickr tonight. The model is absolutely amazing (this is my first time seeing it in person)
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 08:48 AM by annoying customer
Nice, AC! The HOK rep told me they had just sent the model to their workshop for a couple weeks to do updates. I guess it's back...and you have pics?!!?
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 09:02 AM by OG Jeff
Great pics Ninja. Looks like the limestone on the admin building in the outfield and the vip entrance is actually the fake limestone. Is that correct? Its hard to tell from the photos, but it doesn't have the natural feel of the exterior. I hope they don't use that for the rest of the interior. (It'd look pretty bad on TV if it wasn't the real deal behind home plate.)
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 09:07 AM by Dale
hey kev,
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 09:09 AM by Locker
Dale - It's real limestone, but it does have a different finish. I noticed some other pieces of it throughout the park. Guys, I cannot state enough my surprise at how cool the club lounges are looking. We also got the chance to walk from the top of the circulation ramps down to where the clubhouse is being built out. Those circulation ramps take some time to get down!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 09:48 AM by OG Jeff
Is the concourse ceiling textured? I think It will be great as long as it is kept somewhat clean.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 10:23 AM by DuluthTim
DuluthTim - It almost looks like a "stucco" finish. I think that kind of finish will work well in an outdoor environment
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 10:26 AM by OG Jeff
Agreed. Very classy!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 10:32 AM by DuluthTim
Great interview, Bullio! Can't wait for April 2010!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 10:47 AM by Jared
The outfield concourses look like a pretty good place to watch a game as well. I wonder how many standing room only tickets they will make available for sold out games and playoff games. With all of the seats and concourses so close to the field I'd bet a sold out play off game would be pretty loud and intimidating for opposing players, especially with standing room people lining the concourses cheering.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 10:52 AM by Eric in TX
I watched some video of Citi Field on one of the NY networks yesterday. The outfield grandstand feels huge compared to T.F., and not in a good way. Can't wait to make a trip back to Minneapolis in 2010.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 11:17 AM by Lafferty
yes jeff, i have a bunch of pictures. i can honestly say the partial bullseyes look pretty cool on the plaza
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 11:42 AM by annoying customer
Rick, why the 4 day difference between your countdown timer versus the Twins Target Field page? Is the team indicating an early opening for maybe a Spring Training or exhibition game in 2010?
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 12:47 PM by Jesse
Jesse, My countdown was set up to match the countdown clock sent out by the team. It still matches that (I just checked), but perhaps now the team knows more than they did when they sent that other one out. I'll look into it further... Posted on March 31, 2009 at 12:52 PM by Rick 29 Annoying Customer, Is this one of the pics you took?
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 12:55 PM by Lafferty
Just found this on the main ballpark page: "There are approximately 366 days until Target Field opens in 2010" I suppose they won't know for sure until the 2010 schedule is released later this year. Right now it's still just a hunch. Posted on March 31, 2009 at 12:56 PM by Rick 31 lafferty,
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 1:02 PM by annoying customer
Lafferty - that is definitely a picture taken from the model that is at Target HQ this week. I work at Target and examined the model a few times yesterday. I was going to bring my camera to work today to take some photos of it. If annoying customer doesn't post anything today I will bring my camera tomorrow and take some snapshots (assuming the security guard camping out by the model doesn't mind).
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 1:03 PM by IowaWigman
Thank you, Ballpark Ninja! What an interesting interview.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 1:19 PM by Dave T
wow, that picture of the plaza is great! I originally didn't like the renderings for the new plaza, thought it looked too metallic/grey and not green/natural enough, but that model makes it look more how I would want it to be.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 1:42 PM by billymayshere
Target employees, Is the model accessible to the general public, or do you have to get by security to take a peek? (There are probably many of us here who would like to get a look, but do not work for Target -- yet.) Posted on March 31, 2009 at 1:49 PM by Rick 36 Great work, OG! This place is going to be phenomenal. 2010 can't come soon enough! You mentioned a little bit of concern/skepticism about the sightlines in some areas...Did you get a chance to walk around those sections? And if so, is there any reason to be concerned? Thanks again, Ninja!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 2:25 PM by kumbaya
It's really frustrating that they built under the Metropolitan Club. That would have been a cool cantilever. Also, that seems like a giant wast of money just for some bathrooms.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 2:28 PM by Andrew
Rick - you would need to get by security in order to see the model. I suppose if you were a guest of an employee here you would be able to get access to it.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 2:29 PM by IowaWigman
It's not accessible to the General Public. It's within the confines of our building, and you won't get past security.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 2:29 PM by Steeks
One of the things I love about this park is the lack of "wrap-around" seating in the outfield corner(s). If you look at Citi Field, Busch Stadium II, Coors Field (pretty much all of the "retro" parks), at least one corner has all levels wrap-around the foul pole. These are seats that are terrible for game viewing and IMO, take away some of the distinctiveness in the outfield seating. With the plaza and admin offces, TF has avoided this.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 3:11 PM by AJ
Am I the only one that's terrified that the "main logo piece" in center field is going to be a Target or "Target Field" logo rather than the MPLS/STP handshake guys or a standard Twins logo?
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 3:19 PM by AJ
Anyone have any thoughts on the news the St. Paul Saints are looking to build a new field of their own? I personally cannot stand Saints games. Talk about foolery. Plus, it's not even true Minor League baseball (Major League affiliate).
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 3:22 PM by Steeks
In my opinion, the "smooth" limestone that is being used on the Twins Admin building is probably for safety. I can see if a ball hits that area, the "smoother" limestone might give the ball a more favorable bounce for awaiting fans. I'm willing to bet they will use the same limestone on the right field overhang area for that reason. Just a thought. Well done OG Jeff, its greatly appreciated!!!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 3:54 PM by Jeff
My guess is that the logo will be some combination of the bulls eye and a twins logo, like the cartoon guys shaking hands in front of the bulls eye. They have actually done an OK job of not getting too carried away in the plaza, so I'm somewhat hopeful.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 3:57 PM by DuluthTim
(that it won't be that)
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 3:57 PM by DuluthTim
great pics Jeff. I love the third from the top. I'm assuming that's the last row in the lower level? Even from there, that's really close to Home Plate.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 3:59 PM by luke
DSP, you are fired. OG Jeff, you're hired.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 3:59 PM by mplsgreg
A question for you OG Jeff. For the question below, were you talking about the left upper deck seats? Q. How will the right field upper deck seats be? They seem really close to the field... (this one was for you, mazaratirick) So for both the left upper deck seats, and the right field trapezoid seating, it will be hard to see the outfield fence?
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 4:00 PM by Jeff
Jeff - You're right, if you sit in those upper deck outfield sections, you won't see the home run fence right in front below you. I did stand in the center and left field (upper deck) bleachers to confirm this. It's also pretty well represented if you use the 3D seat selection tool on the Twins site. While this is a little pesky for outfield upper deck fans, the seats are REALLY close to the field. Imagine sitting in the dome's left field upper deck, then being 40-50 feet closer to the field. Those White Sox outfielders are gonna hear it from us - we'll be right on top of them!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 5:27 PM by OG Jeff
i promised pictures and now i come through. enjoy. these were taken with my phone so if they aren't high enough quality, i apologize. if anyone has a request of a shot, let me know and i (or steeks or iowawigman) can try to take it.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 6:09 PM by annoying customer
Cool, now we know where the Budweiser logo is going. Thanks A.C.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 6:15 PM by Lafferty
Can anyone provide any new insight on what is planned for the roof of the admin building? I think what they decided to do with this area will be one of, if not the coolest, parts of the stadium.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 6:24 PM by Matt
it looked like a picnic area on the model but i'm not 100% sure
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 6:26 PM by annoying customer
I see the model still have the canopy over the stairs along Ramp B. Is the windscreen on Ramp B going to be in sections like the model, or over the whole Ramp?
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 6:31 PM by David_Mpls
David- Looks like they still have not added the windscreen to the model. Those are the banners from the old design. According the the renderings the windscreen will cover the entire side of the ramp.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 6:50 PM by DuluthTim
It appears they are naming the pro shop "Twins City."
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 7:23 PM by Lafferty
According to the Twins camp, the top of the admin building is going to be a rooftop party deck. I remember hearing that from a tour or an interview. If I remember correctly, they said it would be something similar to Brits or Stellas. This was awhile back so things might have changed.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 7:30 PM by Jeff
Nice pics, AC. I like the neon Budweiser sign!
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 7:36 PM by OG Jeff
The also has an Target Field update at Twinsbaseball.com. Click my name.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 7:31 PM by Jeff
#24(?) CHS
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 9:27 PM by BB
25(?)
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 9:36 PM by BB
or 25 (?)
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 9:42 PM by BB
On OG Jeff's pic, just below the "hole in the lower deck" question, does it look like that ad space above the bullpen will obstruct a small number of seats along the back of the lower deck? For a closer look I've attached a link to a pic from Steve's album.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 9:47 PM by Oaks
geeze all the pics, the actual construction and the model, are awesome. thanks for taking these. This park is shaping up to be so original, thanks to its tight site. It makes new yankee and citi look like cookie-cutter by comparison. the only thing is that i can hear the local media whining about any seats where a fan cannot see the entire field of play. but i agree with the previous poster in that i'd sacrifice that for having an upper-deck seat so close to the field.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 10:09 PM by tim
All the great ballparks had some obstructed view seats - some more than others. At least we won't have pillars in front of us like old comiskey and tiger stadium did.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 11:06 PM by kevin in az
Oaks, I don't think there is going to be any obstruction. The depth perception in the picture I took is a little deceiving. If you look at the last picture in OG Jeff's tour you can get a better view of that area. One interesting thing in the updated model is limestone on the roof of the dugout's.
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 11:36 PM by Steve
Think how bad balt, chi, clev and seattle feel right now.. once its built you have to wait in line 25 years....its one thing to have wrigly and onother thing to have progressive if u know what i am saying
Posted on March 31, 2009 at 11:46 PM by Mazaratirick
I love the Budweiser sign, it looks like they should put a little angle on it to have it face more of the seats
Posted on April 1, 2009 at 12:00 AM by twinlves
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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.
 The entrance at Gate 3.    Click to enlarge. (Photo by Jared Wieseler)   Complicated pedestrian crossing   Viewed from an A ramp elevator lobby.  This is as close as I could get to a pedestrian-eye view of Seventh Street (looking west away from downtown). It's inviting, not imposing, and remarkably dignified.  All that's left is to add wood! (Seventh Street circulation ramp.)   Plaza extension reaches toward First Avenue  A great view from the balcony outside the Metropolitan Club   This isn't a very good picture, but it is the current view of the inside of a suite.   Ballpark elevation diagram, viewed from Fifth Street. (Click to enlarge.)  Mussina's first pitch. (Playing 3rd: Not A-Rod)  Lots of self-portraits were taken here after the final out.      This is where chain link is being replaced with fencing which matches the plaza    For those not wishing to suffer through my media rant, please enjoy this picture of my lilacs in full bloom.   A recent view of the Bud deck in progress  The right field overhang is in place, and the first base stands are starting to go in.  I never think of Ron Jackson at all.  Twins president Dave St. Peter presents his list of fan suggestions to the Ballpark Authority  Home Plate Box, Section 111, Row 8 or 9-ish (Click to enlarge greatly.)  Opening day, 2010   The Carew gate ticket windows have grown a small awning.    A final glimpse from the street of stadia installation along the left field line  The big glove will go on that circle. Note the gap between the plaza and the ramp. That's 394 you can see through there.    Dan Kenney, my tour guide  Looking through the Oliva gate, you can see the outfield stands.  Typical SRO view upstairs.  Denard Span ready, in a swoop of sunlight.   Viewed from a different angle, it seems fair to wonder is some of those seats will have slightly obscured views. Yet, if they're cheap, that's not a problem.  Work in progress to improve the streetscape on Second Avenue  Section 125, Row 1 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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