I seriously think signing Smoltz is the obvious and only choice to be the new closer. Mijares definitely proved at the end of last season he doesn't have the mental makeup, Guerrier was born to be an 8th inning set up man, Neshek needs more time to come back from injury, Rauch doesn't have anything unhittable enough to trust him as a closer, and as far as Crain, I can't think of somebody I want to have the ball LESS when the game is on the line. Signing Smoltz must happen and needs to happen. Thoughts?

I have been thinking of this for some time, but.. I have always thought the retired number banners of Puckett, Killebrew, Carew, etc. that hung in right and right center of the metrodome, would look AWESOME behind the windveil, shielding any bleed through lighting from the parking ramp. As you can see, you can still see much of the ramp behind the windveil, although it looks cool when the wind blows, I think those banners (not sure what happened to them, or if their weather proof) would look amazing against B Ramp facade, behind the windveil from the plaza. Even with the nighttime lighting display. Any thoughts?

Very nice pics Rick.

Smoltz lacks velocity to be a closer, nobody will fall for him "finesse-ing" it across the plate in close games, especially in the AL. he has only pitched for 8 games in the AL, and his stats during his time with Boston were 2-5 with a 8.33 ERA. I respect him for his great career, but no thanks...

That last pic at NBA City, where the flag pole was going to go... any concern - especially after games - about that narrow sidewalk space as a pedestrian choke point? or maybe it's just as wide as any other sidewalk...

Awesome pics once again, Rick.

Supposedly the Twins are looking at Jayson Frasor in a trade.

Sounds like the Twins may be looking at Jason Frasor from the Blue Jays. This would be a solid pick up. He is only 2.65MM and he has lots of AL East experience. That will bode well in the playoffs. I like this move if the Twins pull the trigger. Now, who do we offer up in a trade. You bet your ass they are gonna want a prospect or two. Twins don't like letting prospects go.

Click name for MLBTradeRumors link.

DVS- you read my mind...;-)

Rick,

Good post, thanks for bringing back the wind veil discussion. Turning the lights to face directly into the ramp could be a quick solution. Something should happen.

Looking at that pic makes me wonder (again) why the Twins wanted so badly to put the Met pole there. The only thing I can come up with is that putting the pole there would have allowed the pole to remain at it's full height, which was not possible in "Plan B". The other mystery is why they apparently never even considered locating it inside the park, where I think it belongs.

Ben - It is inside the park. Any closer and it would be on the field.

Dead center field is what I meant, I guess. Like it was at the Met. Now it's just a black pole. At the Met it was a FLAGPOLE.

Rick writes --"On gameday, this will be a madhouse."

Maybe it will end up fulfilling a Yogi-ism: "Nobody goes there anymore because it's too crowded." :-)

Thanks, Rick. I haven't been to that spot since the plywood barrier was taken down, and it REALLY looked narrow then.

Way back when the Twins were asking about features fans would like at the new ballpark, walking spaces was my main thing, including being able to walk all of the way around the outside of the park. While the space around by the burner is no great shakes as of yet, they did a bang-up job with that little postage stamp area.

I'm all for the history of the pole, but putting it in center would seem too gimmicky, in my opinion. Plus, it wouldn't mesh with the old logo sign that is already there. Where it is now, the countless fans coming in from the plaza can admire it close up.

Jeeuz Ben reading your posts the past couple days, could you possibly be any more of a downer?

The one good thing about the Plaza ramp, though it's small, is at least it keeps people moving AWAY from TF and the escape points that Rick mentioned. How bad will the congestion be after games back on the gates by the light rail station? You exit and you're basically on top of the trains.

Also, is signage or shade or anything else planned for the promenade? I was sweating walking back there last weekend, when it was 40°F, and I was only wearing a light sweatshirt.

seems as if a possible expansion of the plaza could be to continue it full width of the stadium footprint and over 394. I can see a grilling area and who knows what else. Not the same as the old Met but a nice expansive space would be pretty great.

Wish they had done that off the bat. No pun intended.

moda253:

It's okay to inhabit the real world from time to time - you might think about trying it out.

Says the man handing out life lessons on a freaking blog.... too damn funny.

Since the city is going to be closing off 1st Ave on game days, I think that may alleviate some of the "choke point" problems; since you won't have hundreds of people standing on the corner waiting for the light to turn green. I suppose some folks will just avoid it all-together and come around from 7th Street.

Old Met Fan, I think that will be the solution a few years down the road. I'm sure that was an initial option, but I don't know what their reasoning was to not extend the plaza all the way to TC.

I'm hoping they eventually do extend it...and create a new facade to TC on that side.

I have here that if they extended the plaza all the way, it would create a tunnel and not a bridge over 394 and that creates a whole slew of stricter regs that need to be followed.

**heard**

it's a pleasant surprise how roomy the plaza and sidewalks feel. the 7th st side is particularly wide, almost to the point of overkill. they can set up a ton of tables in front of Hrbek's. walking the plaza last weekend if had a very open feel, right in the heart of downtown. the whole plan just seems as if it will work fine because of gate set-up and points of interest on the site. sure it was void of people last weekend but it has a feel about it that is better than I anticipated.

The eventual building of the new transit platform across 5th St will alleviate the congestion there. Unfortunately, we will have to deal with at least 3 years of mayhem before they approve/build the alternative. That is one the one project I feel they fast-tracked, in order to have some sort of LRT platform for the first ever game.

Trosy,

You are correct. However, I believe the Twins built the plaza according to federal tunnel regulations in case there was ever an expansion in the future.

One interesting thing about potential choke points will be the question of whether people take the routes that the planners expect or concentrate in greater than anticipated numbers along other routes. For instance, I think the Xcel Energy Center greatly underestimated the number of people entering and exiting at 7th and Kellogg in comparison to other gates. Meanwhile Target Center ended up having to reshuffle access to its escalator bank on the 6th Street side in the name of crowd control and safety due to far more fans than anticipated choosing to exit via that route in comparison to the fire stairs on the 1st and 2nd Avenue sides. I can see access point tweaks to TF down the line after crowd establishes its traffic patterns.

Just got my tickets in the mail. For the record, the extra pre-sale exhibition tickets DID NOT come in my ST package. Wonder when they'll be here?

I've thought the same thing about your posts Ben. Good info but you are a stick in the mud. Also, we need to start calling you BENcyclopedia. You seem to have the answers for everything. Bring it down a notch big guy.

Jimmer, what package did you buy?

I got 20GM package E... Got 4 for the 2nd exhibition with the plan, and 4 for the first in the presale. Exhibition in my seats for gm 2 came, but not the ones I ordered for gm 1.

I may have read some comments on this already, but I ordered Apr 2 exhibition game tickets, and like a dork I opted to have them sent to my house. I have not received them yet. Are others in this same boat?

Yeah, same here... I'd rather have a ticket stub, especially since its the first Twins game there, exhibition or not

For those who have been to the new Pro Shop at the park, how does the overall selection compare to the mall based Pro Shops or even what can be found at a Champs Sports type store or online?

I just emailed my ticket rep, as he previously stated that the presale tickets would be sent with the ST package.

Received my tix to the Open House for the "Delta Sky360 Legend's Club."

One question: Why is it called the "Legend's Club" instead of the Legends Club? Is there just one Legend and does he/she/it own the Club?

It shows those 4 tickets with the rest of my ST on MyTwinsTickets... odd.

The Pro Shop has a good selection. It had things that I had not seen at stores or online. You are going to spend more buying at the Pro Shop. A Sweatshirt I bought for 55 at the mall was 75 at the Pro Shop.

Good point, really it should probably be Legends' Club, but that looks tacky, I think just Legends would be best.

I love knowing that I am here with others who have a discerning eye for the misuse of the apostrophe. A favorite in my collection is a guy up here who advertises: Mikes Sign's ... I really want to have him making up my displays. (display's?)

If it's to be "Legend's," my vote is for the Killer. Seems like the kind of guy who might invite me to his exclusive club.

Maybe a dumb question - I enjoy reading the comments. How do I look at the previous days comments? Thanks

Hey guys,

Those of you who got your season tickets already, did they come by Fedex or USPS Priority mail? I am hoping mine come today!

They come USPS priority with delivery confirmation so your mailman will bring them to your door...

Crazy Torri Hunter would make this comment. Not typical Torri...too bad...

Clink for story...

My postman just left them on the porch by the door. Not exactly the most secure way of me receiving them. A thief would have had a hey day.

TTH - My fiance said the same thing. They should really make you sign for them. That is a lot of money to just be sitting on the doorstep...

“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Mark Twain

Torii has a penchant for "removing all doubt"

I am fine with mine sitting in the porch--I just want them! Too bad I am going to spin class with my girlfriend tonight (insert whip sound), because I want to have ample time to open the box and properly go through it.

Another day, another day with no season tickets in my mail box. I am taking the day off to watch the state hockey tourny on Thursday. One eye on the games, the other on that damn mail truck.

I've been looking outside for the mailman every 4 minutes since 10am, I can't take the anticipation!

The problem with calling them impostors is that the statement is historically bankrupt. At a time about 500 years ago, Europeans started working in Africa to ship slaves to the new world. some of them ended up in North America. Some ended up in South America. Some ended up in the Caribbean. All of them were slaves. All of them had to go through some form of freedom process. All have had to come to grips with their slave heritage. So Torii was lucky enough to be born in the United States. That doesn't make the descendants of slavery in the Caribbean less authentic.

jpberka, well stated.

Entertaining article on Ozzie Guillen.

Another interesting thing about The Show: after a game at TF, you can hear the PA announcer say something about additional trains on the Hiawatha Light Rail at Target Field Station

Plus we are now pretty sure that all humans originated from the same tribe in Africa and migrated all over the world from there before the continents drifted apart. So in the technical sense, we who live anywhere in the North or South American continents are "African-American".

Badjuggler, your point about the original African tribe is accurate, although you are quite geologically incorrect on the whole "before the continents drifted apart" business. The human race hasn't been around nearly as long as that. While there have most likely been various super-continents throughout the 4.65 billion ears of Earth geologic history, the most recent one is scientifically known as Pangaea. It started breaking up about 175 million years ago, which predates humanity by many millions of years. But your idea is still sound. ;-)

jpberka & badjuggler: really guys? come on. please take it off-line. i am guessing the majority of folks here don't really have any desire to start debating evolution, etc. on here too.

thanks!

Jimmer - I noticed that too in the game. I also noticed they mention 2nd avenue and 5th street along with the Twins 50th season celebration so they definitely have the details hammered out in this game.

I did notice the home uniforms (and the scoreboard logo) still contained the "old" Twins script. Just look at the "s" and you will notice. They still have the inaugural season patches on the sleeves, it just appears to be the old script.

Not a big deal either way as the game has been very fun to play regardless. I can't complain because the details and graphics are amazing.

Betaband, that was in no way, shape, or form a debate on evolution. In fact, evolution had absolutely nothing to do with it, and it was a discussion that had to do with Torii Hunter. I'm sorry if you weren't following the thread, but please. Give me a break.

Mike, I see that... The Minnie & Paul sign has the new script, however... Probably done by different members of the design team?

yeah not sure how evolution got brought into the discussion. Thats just odd.

jpberka - Are you trying to say Jesus Christ can't hit a curveball?

jpberka,
Good point. I totally blew it on the time line. I feel old, but more thousands of years than millions.

But it is absolutely relevant to the discussion of Torii Hunter's ignorance. Personally I find it fascinating that we are all related by a common ancestor, which makes racism even sillier. You are just insulting your own family.

And if any of you are still denying evolution, you are right there in Hunter's igloo.

I am one of "those guys" who decided to go out and get a PS3 since I began to see images and drool over The Show. I should be getting the game itself tomorrow via Amazon (a little bit cheaper that way) but of course my itch for playing a baseball game of some sort on the new system was quite high so I had to download the free demo of MLB 2K10. I played the 3 inning game and it was allright but definitely nothing to write home about. It lacked soul for lack of a better term. Not to start a war here as I know close to nothing about gaming in general, but I feel bad for the X-Box 360 users though that have that game as the only option. :P The details that Jimmer and Mike and everyone else has brought it up sound incredible! It will be fun getting it going and a good way to have a virtual experience of the park before it actually opens up.

lol I didn't say anything the least bit religious. We were discussing Torii Hunter's views on who is authentically African American and I simply corrected a simple mistake of geologic timeline. That was IT. but if you want to talk about JC, how about JC Romero? Thought about him lately?

I played MLB 2K10 and I wasn't really all that impressed. Had to go in and finagle the roster just to get Thome and Hudson, and then it took a while to get the batting order and everything right. From there, the graphics aren't very good and the gameplay kind of sucks. I CRUSHED a 2 run shot onto the plaza by Morneau in the bottom of the first and hardly anything happens. They show some dumb graphic on the video board and that is that. It's still cool to play at TF (they missed a lot of details) but all in all it was an eh.

Dude...... it's a wuote from the movie Major League????

quote*

I doubt jesus can hit a curveball, he is more of the equipment manager,as a carpenter, he makes the bats

Lighten up on here folks...here is a Google map with the new bikepath feature turned on for all of those looking for routes to bike to and from the games. Enjoy.

Just kidding...you have to click on More and then check the Bicyling box and you're set.

lol moda, I caught the reference. I was simply trying to diffuse the situation. I like that new bike feature on google maps by the way. Very nice.

speaking of biking.....if any j-bag-critical-mass-nazi-biker types show up around the ballpark this season i just might have to run and find myself a louisville slugger in the dugout and start swinging it!

:-)

still pissed off at those s.o.b. after the crap that went down near target field last year.

Beta--

What happened last year?

It appears that the Miami Marlins' new ballpark will be the second in MLB to have a swimming pool in the outfield.

how exactly will the cedar lake trail connect to TF and the north loop?

Any other Flex 40 plan holders out there? If so did you have a hard time getting tix today? Personally I spent an hour and twenty min getting busy signals followed by an hour and 40 min on hold and finally 20 min or so getting my tickets. And several of the games I wanted to attend were already limited to "scattered single tickets", atleast in the homeplate view sections.

I am kind of wondering that as well Elston. The current trail comes out on Nicollet doesn't it? I ride the trail all of the time on roadie, but don't take it downtown ever. I have a second bike that I commute around on and will probably end up riding to a few games (I live in Uptown so it wouldn't take long at all).

I must admit to being a little disturbed by the number of similar terms used in Miami's new park to Target Field. Legends, Home Run Porch, etc... Did we just buy some sort of franchise stadium?

PNB19 - That is exactly why I did not go for the Flex 40 this year...I went thru the same experiences the last two years and its frustrating "selecting" games with such little inventory available to choose from (and that was in the Metrodome). And of course, you must call in to redeem tickets so you get stuck with a busy signal all day.

Overall, while the flexibility in games is nice, the hassles and limited availablity when redeeming vouchers was simply too much and was very frustrating for me so I opted to go with a fixed 20-game plan.

looking at the new marlins stadium makes me so happy that we are getting TF and not that "stadium"

Stupid question, maybe I missed the answer someplace - how does one enter the Majestic Twins Store on non-game days? Being open year-round, I know it's not directly through TF (i.e. you have to actually be INSIDE to access it).

Rick - I agree, the radiant heaters do look a bit, strange. The concourse would be like one huge bus stop...lol.

Thirdly, I don't know why, but I DO think Jesus could hit a curveball.

luke - there is an "exterior" entrance to the twins/majestic store from the target plaza area. there is also a seperate "interior" entrance to it from the ballpark concourse as well.

there is also a curb-cutout area right along side it on 7th which could be handy, but i am not 100% sure if people are allowed to park there or if that space is only for loading/unloading.

Video from inside the new team store at Target Field courtesy of WCCO. It basically shows the different types of merchandise that will be available there. Click my name

Jimmer

as I found out yesterday us dummy's that did not want to print from home our pre order tickets will not get them anytime soon, steve smith said that they have not even printed them due to a glitch in the new ticketing system.. no eta... that is bullshit!, I already sold mine on another site and now I will probably have to cancel them.

ohhh you never heard of Betas beef with the "bike Nazi,s"

I cant wait to re hash this one out!

Betaband - That curb cutout parking area along 7th Street is 10 minute parking.

I parked there on Saturday for a bit to check out the ballpark and plaza area. There are "no parking" signs posted, but yet, there are small "10 minute parking/drop-off" signs so it's very confusing.

Oh well, as long as I have them by April 1...

Are they going to revamp their online store? They have crap for t-shirts/jerseys at their MLB . com website.

Being that I am in CO, it would be nice to be able to buy online most of the stuff they have at their Pro Shops. Unfortunately that hasn't been the case. I think they still have Gomez stuff for sale on there.

Yeah Gomez stuff and Metrodome jerseys... I want a new Morneau authentic. I had a game used Neshek that I wore to a few games last year, but I had him sign it at TwinsFest, so it's retired...

STH's -

Are you able to do anything with your tickets listed in MyTickets. Mine have shown up again but I am unable to transfer or put them up on stubhub, I am just curious if it is just me or everyone.

I am hoping they are active soon I need to get some tickets to the 4-3 exhibition game on stubhub.

Does anybody know the answer to this: If you buy tickets off StubHub, does it pick up your name and potentially add them to your MyTickets?

Maz,

Where did you list your tickets? And are you talking about the ones that were available for the OD Pre Sale?

Quick,
you can list the tickets from the SH site without the barcodes. If they sell you can uploa the barcodes up to 7days prior to the game.

TT,
tix bought on SH don't show up on My Tickets, Ive bought some and they aren't showing there.

I am getting a bit concerned so maybe someone here can help me understand a couple things. I bought tix for OD from the Pre-Sale Opp give away they had. I went and listed them and they sold right away on SH. I have never sold or bought anything from SH. I still haven't received the tix from that order, so what happens on SH? I posted them on there thinking I would get them by the 13th.

Josh,
when you confirmed the SH order you put an in-hand date.

The order should show in your awaiting shipment tab.

When you get the tix, click fulfill order an enter the bar code.

If you tix don't arrive by the in hand date you specified, call SH and tell them to change the in hand date of your order to one week b4 the game, this is the latest in hand date you can do.

No shittin here..last year my FST's were late getting to me and did some phone tag with the Twins who said they had been sent a week ago..I was frantic..Phone rings and a lady say's.."Are you so and so and by any chance are you a Twins ticket holder? I just got back from vacation and I have a big azz box of Twins tickets at my house." They were delivered 4 miles from my house to a street no way familiar to mine...Needless to say she got a FREE game and the PO got a friggin AZZZ Chewin...No tickets yet today yet..I'm getting worried.

I haven't gotten mine yet and I am not concerned. It is 3/10. We are more than 3 weeks away from games that don't even count. We're over a month away from games that do. I won't get too worked up just yet.

I stopped home for lunch and just as I was returning to work I noticed a mail carrier with a priority package so waited and sure enough it was my tickets. They would have sat on the front steps otherwise for 5 hours as they won't fit in the mail slot.
I've thought about stubhub and want to try it but even when you have your tickets won't it get a little hairy if they haven't sold and the game date is approaching? Or would that mean I overpriced them? I guess I could just plan on withdrawing them within a few days of the game and have a plan B ready. I guess the best thing is to underprice them but not so much that someone will buy and resell them. Any experienced stubhubbers out there with advice?

I wonder what kind of financial arrangement MLB teams have with Stub?

The teams split $20 mil plus get a third of the fees from each sale. Plus the teams probably make a boatload from selling some of their own tix on stubhub.

Josh,

Stub hub, I did get the job I interviewed for and am starting monday so now I have to unload a bunch of them, selling them is not the prob there are plenty of buyers, I just feel bad that this guy thinks he has these tickets locked up (which he does) but then will panic when I change the in hand date to who knows when per the twins dude (steve smith) just called meand told me he got out of a meeting on the issue and there is no clear info on when these tickets can even be printed let alone shipped...I am worried cuz there are seats i need to sell that i cant make it too, so getting tem on 4/1 might not be the end of the world for me it defenitly stresses me the F out!

To wrap up a few loose ends: The twins already have tunnel permits and followed tunnel regulations for the plaza when it was built, so covering the whole plaza is possible(but I kind of like the opening to the interstate cuz it is unique), but we'll see how the noise is. Maybe it will be as loud as the dome with the wind veil, cars buzzing by, and 40,000 screaming fans.

At first when they announced the flag pole would be at the other end of the plaza, I was really disappointed, but maybe they were talking about the overlook end of the plaza all along, because it just don't seem right to have it way out there when we need a flag pole for the stadium anyways. It just didn't seem right to have it outside the park. I don't think they could have found a better place for it than where it was placed, and now it stands proudly "overlooking" and keeping watch over a new era of Twins baseball.

The thing that went down last year was that the bike enthusists were making a big PR mess that the Twins weren't making enough bike parking and bike friendliness around the stadium, when I think they went above and beyond most ballparks by even having a bike trail incorporated into the infrastructure. Everyone has to always bitch about something though, myself included...

I wish that there would be a matching limestone pattern on the Target Center, insyead of ads or that brown checker pattern. I think it would bring both buildings together nicely.

Twins are on MLB Network for an hour starting at 9:00 tonight. (30 Clubs In 30 Days)

I don't imagine we'll hear the freeway at all during a game. The wind veil is silent, so you won't hear that even when standing next to it. I wouldn't count on us ever being as loud as we were in the dome at Target Field, but that's OK. :-)

Tom, OG - I have to disagree with you on using the same limestone on Target Center. Yes, I agree that they need to change the exterior, but they should use materials that complement Target Field not match Target Field. Let Target Field have its own identity.

Hey robin, you can go to Home Depot and get a nice large mailbox for around 20 bucks. Why would you have a "mail slot" in this day and age? What do you think it's the 1950's?

Petters - are you you that stupid and narrow mined? Why would you even try to insult someone on something that stupid. Sorry we don't live in cookie cutterville and live in a house exactly like your neighbor that the only difference is the color of your vinyl siding. Seriously WTF. Some people...

Just curious is there would be any interest and enough people to start a MLB 10 The Show League. With Rick's permission we could call it Ballpark Magic.

Anyone interested, if so post here.

" --- but maybe they were talking about the overlook end of the plaza all along --- "

The original plan did call for the pole to be installed at the far end of the plaza where Rick points out in his picture. It was going to be, as Matt Hoy put it " --- the front entry point where we want to put the flagpole as a welcome to the new ballpark." This was the original plan, to include flying a "Twins Territory" flag from the pole. There was also talk of a "Twins Win" flag to let folks know the outcome of the most recent game. Neither Rick nor I ever got an answer on why the original plan was abandoned - I like to think it was my continuous pestering and lobbying but I doubt that really had much impact.

From what I know, the issue with the individual game ticket printing should be resolved in the next several days.

I don't know what the exact issue is and didn't ask, but I suspect this has to involve the printers/system on site, so if the info about resolution is true, I would expect to see tickets sometime the end of next week. Looking at the calendar, it looks like they have about a week before moving to panic mode. :)

Realistically, it can be (a) the hardware (new) (b) the software (new) or (c) the ticket stock, but it's not like no one involved has ever done this before so I think it's a bit early to worry about not getting tickets.

Brewers' PR hit regarding Carlos Gomez... what tremendous upside this guy has!!!

jfh,

I hope to god that you have this one pegged, but i must admit you have been wrong about many things in the last year (one being that you said that 100%, that partial sth like myself would not get OD tickets) I understand you have the "Baller" seats and package, but again I pray that you are correct.

but not to be worried??? i am worried? no not that I will not be able to go to the games i paid for but that i was told 7-10 days and waited 15 days b4 i called about it and was told that they basiclly have no idea when this will be fixed, guess what else i amd pissed about?? the fact that I paid a convenice fee per ticket and per transaction for this to happen. they are working now on getting a e mail out to people to let them know of the problem 15 DAYS LATER! the only reason nobody else is making a stink about this is per everbody i think is assuming that these pre sale tix will just come with thir season ticket package that usally dont come until about mid march... I would be worried if i were you, you and your partners in your group should be worried.

anyways, I will get my tickets and all will be good. just want oters on here to know that there is a problemo with the ticketing system and what your "insider" told you is a huge diff from what I was told tonight as of 7:30 pm buy this steve dude, so who is to say that you have the correct "scoop"

Lol TTH...I was reminded of his 'tremendous upside' watching him get thrown out because of a baserunning blunder in a spring training game the other day. :d.

I Also saw delmon misplay a ball in left field that day. But he looked skinny doing it so...

GOBBLE GOBBLE!! Be on the lookout for these. They are only selling 80/game.

It looks like someone will need to go on a turkey hunt that first game.

Has anybody heard information about how SRO tickets will be sold or distributed for opening day, or if they will even be sold for that game?

SRO may well become the best deal the Twins offer - assuming they do so. There are always unfilled seats (or always were), often in the "best" areas. At the dump there was a great deal of migration from the cheap seats to the lower club.

The city is convening to figure out TF traffic plans ahead of time. Complete with snarky weather/location comments of course!

The City has just noticed there will be traffic problems around the new stadium?? They have no idea what's about to hit them.

Apparently there has been a snag in negotiations with Mauer/Shapiro and the Twins and talks have broken off, at least for now.

Both LaVelle and Jim Souhan are reporting that talks are not going well, so stay tuned...It's going to be one big distraction once the regular season commences in just over 3 weeks.

Mike - was this on the radio?

A friend texted me saying LaVelle was on PA's show for a couple of minutes and said talks were not going good...I am going to try podcasting the show this afternoon when I have time to hear what he said exactly.

I read Souhan's column today and he also says the contract talks are not going good between the Twins and Mauer, but than again, Souhan also thinks a deal will get done, so who really knows.

It's just going to be a huge distraction once the regular starts in three weeks.

With all the talk about how the wind in Target Plaza will affect the game..I wonder if the wind pattern effect caused by the plaza will either create resistance or updraft for LNP when he dives into first base?

Interesting discussion of the Mauer situation (click link). Nothing earth shattering, but a nice concise summary of what's going on.

I could take or leave Jim Souhan and Joe Christensen, but I think their analysis in this case is pretty solid. It's a 7 minute video but worth watching... especially for the "just pay the man!" crowd who think the Twins HAVE to sign Joe Mauer.

The PR disaster that would be caused by Joe Mauer leaving, be it via a trade or free agency, would damage the Twins for a long, long time and undo a significant portion of the good will the club has going with the public and media right now. It's hard to say how they can't pay him given what's at stake, especially since the days of using the Metrodome as an excuse for not spending money are over. The fans and media will never buy the "Joe and his agent were just asking for too much" excuse, no matter how the team tries to spin it and no matter what comes back in return if there's a trade.

If this deal doesn't get done I don't blame the FA, I blame Mauer himself. They are offering over $20MM a year for 8+ and he is going to ask for more? Ef that. If it is simply an issue with the Union they would have already worked it out...met in the middle or something. This is starting to look like Mauer and his agent might be looking towards free agency. Prove me wrong Joe!

" --- especially for the "just pay the man!" crowd who think the Twins HAVE to sign Joe Mauer."

AHEM!!!!!!!

Jorge,

That link was meant for people just like you. I feel like this has been said here so many times and in so many different ways...

No one is saying that the Twins wouldn't suffer a huge blow by not signing Mauer. The question is whether or not the Twins organization suffers a bigger blow by devoting 25%+ of their payroll to one guy who plays such an injury-prone position. Period. It's a valid question. And no matter how much you talk about squandered good will, excuses, or what the Twins have to do, the fact of the matter is that you don't know. Neither do I. I'm simply brining up a valid question that cannot be answered we sign Joe and win the WS, we sign him and he blows out both knees, or we let him walk and he wins 15 WS titles with the Yankees while we become celler dwellers.

Sorry guys, I just can't stand how some people appear to be unwilling to acknowledge that the Twins actually have more to consider here than one player. We all want Mauer signed, but I'd let him walk in a heartbeat if I knew his contract would impede our ability to compete for a World Series.

Jorge et al, if you haven't seen the numbers for teams that devote 25%+ of their payroll to one player you should check it out. It ain't pretty.

And now that Joe Nathan has torn his UCL...we are hearing from a lot of people who say "we should have traded him"...It can't go both ways. When you sign players to big dollar, long-term contracts, there is always risk involved. But you can't criticize the Twins for not keeping players and not paying players than turning around and saying you should have traded that same player once he gets injured.

Kevin Garnett's whopping salary hamstrung the Timberwolves for years. So we know the risk first-hand. It worked a little better for Michael Jordan and his "supporting cast" in Chicago. But it is a real consideration with no right answer before hindsight kicks in.

Everyone needs to settle down. Mauer WILL be signed by OD, bet on it.

Until free agency was instituted, the fact that players were "property" of teams was akin to slavery. In my opinion, free agency was long overdue. Players have a right to play where they wish, just as luke has the option of working at Taco Bell or Subway, or wherever he wants.

The same rules apply to Joe Mauer. Free agency isn't just about the money. The simple fact is Joe can sign wherever he wishes to, be that the Minny Apple or the Big Apple. He shouldn't be scorned for whatever decision he makes or why he makes it. And if his decision is based purely on money -- good for him! Just as I'm sure many of you at one time switched jobs for better pay.

If Joe decides to leave, I don't think you can blame the FO either. I'm sure they've made a good-faith offer.

Margaret, Mike, Badjuggler:

Where have you guys been? Why did I have to confront the Kool-Aid drinkers all alone 'till now?

They'll be testing fireworks at TF this afternoon. (click name for link)

If they do get this deal done and it is over 25 mil a year, after a couple years, the Twins will struggle to be competitive as it will be difficult to retain other players. 25% of a teams payroll to one player never works. It will be one star a few above average players, and a bunch of cheap rookies. I want this deal done as much as the next guy, but if it is over 25 Mil a year, soon the Twins will struggle. I still say 8yrs/170 mil. That is fair to both parties, and keeps it possible to retain/acquire other stars. If it is north of 25, maybe less, trade him unless the Pohlads want to up payroll to the 110-120 Mil area.

And so the back-pedaling begins, in case it's needed.

THIS TWEET FROM THE TWINS: "Single game availability will be limited due to record season ticket sale of nearly 22,000 full season equivalents and TF capacity of 39,504"

maz - the only way I'd have inside info would be if I work for the Twins, which I don't.

I have been told multiple things "guaranteed" that turned out not to be true. Perhaps folks told me what they thought I wanted to hear, spoke without knowing the true story, officials changed plans (like for the public open house) or plans just hadn't been made. I do fault the Twins for this lack of information integrity - if you don't know or can't tell, say "I don't know" or "plans aren't final". If you promise someone something (reasonable), keep the promise even if the policy changes. (Giving credit where due - the Twins have done this for me).

As for the partial plan holders getting or not getting OD tickets, the Twins did exactly what they told me and what I reported here - it all had to do with when you bought your package.

Regarding the printing of individual game tickets - I'm not going to quote the source of the info but it came from (a) an officer of the club and (b) after the info you received. I don't know what's correct, and at this point, I really don't care, as long as I get my tickets in the next couple weeks. I have to believe the Twins will do everything they can to fix the problem before Saturday (that's still the public onsale date, right?)

Now - regarding you comment on the "convenience fees" - I agree with you 100%. What irks me is that e-tickets for the presale would have been fine for me, but that was an additional fee. Not sure what genius decided that e-tickets are more expensive than printing and mailing physical tickets or if it's just a straight revenue grab, but I *hate* clubs forcing fans to go the online route where junk fees are mandatory. Sadly, this is controlled primarily by the service providers more than the clubs (though I suspect they get a share) and not likely to change.

Lots of posturing going on right now....On both sides of the table!

Also, remember that a gargantuan deal would be insured against serious injuries (as Joe Nathan's deal is, so nobody should feel sorry for the Pohlads as they recoup a significant portion of this years salary which allows for flexibility to add a player to help the bullpen or close). In other words, if no additions are made they are, in essence, pocketing that cash as they did for years and years at the Metrodome with revenue sharing (20-30M per year). So this whole "what if" game is ridiculous...

I saw Mauer's parents tailgating before the game on Tuesday and I'm sure they'll be out there tonite. I'll swing by for a beer and ask Big Jake himself. Sure looked pretty happy with a cigarette in one hand and ice cold beer in the other. But $200 million dollars has a way of tugging on people. BTW, while I have no inside information as to the back and forth offers being exchanged, I personally believe there is no way on God's green earth that the Twins are offering Joe 8/$180M at this time as Jim Souhan alludes to in the video on Strib.com.

I am with Fred on this deal as he mentioned a few days ago. The so called "Choke Point" is well north of $30M. Don't be sheep people (or Twins Kool-Aid drinkers of which there are 1000s these days). Both sides are playing hardball right now. The Twins will spin this that it just wouldn't fit in the budget (or would hamstring them from putting out a competitive squad around Joe) and Shapiro will spin this that the Twins were lowballing him expecting Joe to take signicantly less than the market will bear in November. Not sure we'll ever know the truth, but rest assured it is in everyone's best interest that this deal gets signed. 1 player rarely wins or loses a World Championship in baseball, but their value can't strictly be tied to their on-field performance. There is millions of dollars in value that is nearly impossible to quantify in the way of ticket sales, marketing, brand management, etc. directly derived from the "connection" that Minnesotans feel so strongly with Joe Mauer. Everyone has a 12th cousins, sisters boyfriends, brothers uncle that knows Joe.

Bottomline is that this is a once in a lifetime negotiation for the Minnesota Twins. If it ultimately doesn't get done, there will be 10-15K crowds in 2011 and that has a vicious effect on payroll henceforth player acquisition. Remember catcher is arguably the most valuable and difficult position to play on the baseball field. It isn't easy to replace not only the world class offensive ability he brings to the Twins, but also his gold glove defense which shuts down opposing teams' running games.

Someone should write a thesis about this whole ordeal. It has so many layers and angles that are downright fascinating to me.

Does anyone know anything about the Event Suites? I

Well, that posted a tad too early.

My situation: In January I "reserved" an Event Suite for a game in August. I put that in quotes because I put no money down. In fact, the group rep said that I wouldn't have to put any money down until February and that he would send out info soon. I've heard nothing, and he's sent out no info and now won't return calls.

I was going to change that reservation to plain ol' group tickets, but now that tickets are severely limited, I get the feeling that something got effed up in the suite reservation(double-booked or something) and that I got hosed out of going to that specific game entirely. Argh.

One ballpark related note: I find it interesting that there has little (no?) information regarding the sale of tickets for the Budweiser Roof Deck in LF from the Twins organization. Seems strange. Wonder if they are trying to make it only Group Sales there in 2010?? Day of Game sales??

This project has been great on many levels, but one thing is for sure. The Twins failed miserably as dispensing reliable, accurate information to the public in a TIMELY fashion. Rick has done a tremendous job covering it considering all the obstacles that have been places in his way.

Max,

When I talked to the group rep in January, he said that it pretty much wouldn't be available, but I felt that he just said that because he didn't have a clue. I heard from a friend a few days ago that said that HER rep sold her Rooftop Deck tickets for a game in May when she pestered him about it.

They took the covering off of the Champion's Club s seats today, in the midst of a rain storm. Interesting.

trosy29 - interesting logic by the Twins. Nice that they hit 22K FSE, which is on the high end of all the projections I ever heard, but they can't possibly be selling enough group tickets to call single game availability "limited".

Rick - excellent post regarding Mauer/Selig.

If Mauer is turning down 8x$20M or more, then I can't blame the Twins at all and don't buy into the "any price" argument (see also: Catcher, Nathan, Neagle, Hampton, Brown, most contracts over 5 years except Mussina). The Twins have shown a willingness to spend and the Metrodome wasn't just a crutch. Insurance or not, 20-25% of your payroll committed to one player - even Mauer - is very risky.

The Rockies came under fire a couple years ago for not signing Matt Holliday (to what was a much better deal than originally reported) when they stretched the limit to keep him. They got a good return and Holliday / Boras (who needs to be included in the Selig rant) found the market wasn't anywhere near what they thought. Somehow, they snookered the Cardinals into overpaying for a long-term deal, but for a while it didn't look like there was anything better than the Rockies had offered two years prior.

Everyone loses if Mauer doesn't sign with the Twins. But I firmly believe Mauer has the most to lose (security and reputation).

The Bud Deck is completely sold out for the year, all to groups.

I just scored some Twins tix this afternoon. Row 1 of View Box upper deck 1B side. Oh, it's at Safeco Field and it's not until 8/27 but I'm still pumped.

Ha, so email works for getting in touch with reps. He just called and said that the game is effectively sold out, so our only option is to go with the event suite that we still have reserved.

Oh how I just love collecting money from people! Oy.

Baseball needs a hard salary cap, like every other sport uses to maintain a competitive balance. There are a heckuva lot more small- and medium-market teams, so I cannot understand why they cannot all band together and force a cap on the mighty few. Especially when Lord Selig comes directly from one of those small markets. You would think he would push for it if only to benefit his beloved Brewers. Or maybe he just as ineffectual as he seems...

Radom question I know, but is there any lighting design built into the Target Center green roof? It could be a pretty cool visual in regards to aerials views from a blimp etc.

Margaret Thatcher's remarks towards me were direct, and unless I'm off base, a tad aggressive too. Even if we stand on different sides of line concerning this issue, there is certainly no animosity on my part. It's just a difference of opinion.

From a salary standpoint, I get that devoting so much money to one player can have negative reprecussions. It is a definite risk. However, along with Kirby Puckett, Mauer is one of only two Twins players since the free agency era began whose value, both on and off the field, warrants taking such a risk. The fall out from his potential departure will cause too much damage. Look what happened to this team's public standing due to firing Billy Martin, losing so many top names in the 1970s when free agency dawned, and then the late 1990s/early 2000s fall out from its various misguided and unsuccessful attempts to acquire a new stadium (the monetary "gift" that was really a loan/Don Beaver and North Carolina/contraction). Fans abandoned the team for years at a time over those issues. The new stadium will cushion some of the blow if Mauer goes. However, I don't think it will be enough to prevent long term damage. My final take on the Mauer money issue is not necessarily how much the Twins would pay him, but rather what percentage of his salary would be legitimately spent on other players if not on him. This team's history suggests not much.

Another day of mail, another day without my season tickets :(

I am hoping my tickets are there when I get home today too. Each day that passes makes me less excited for them to actually show up. Weird?

"Baseball needs a hard salary cap"

Pretty much everyone agrees - except for the teams themselves. The "big" teams don't want it because they then would not be able to as easily "buy" a team. The "small" teams, ironically, don't want it either because their fans would then expect them to spend up to the cap in order to compete. Catch 22.

I just read a tweet that the twins are going to be testing fireworks soon.

Seems odd that they would test them during the day. Where's the fun in that?

I cant belive im saying this but im getting a lil sick of the mauer crap...trade him? man you see how billy f'd that up with sanatana..

if they dont sign him then they cant trade him, they would get nothing in return cuz they will know the twins are desperate just like the sanata trade, just get what we can get out of him this year then i guess... I tell you one thing if that boy leaves town his familys car dealership can just as well fold the day he leaves.

maybe joe wants to go to nyc to be a rapper?

If he doesn't/won't sign:

Don't trade him, let him walk in FA, and get the compensatory picks.

We do a better job of drafting than trading, anyway.

Ben, with a "hard salary cap" at least the smaller market teams have the option to spend closer to the cap. Also, its not up to the fans on how much an organization spends on their team. A cap will also allow more teams to compete for the bigger free agents. Also a cap will show off an organizations ability to develop talent in the minor leagues.

But then what would happen to all the hate for the Yankees and Red Sox? I do enjoy the David versus Goliath theme that the Major League has. I honestly I can't picture it any other way, its all I know. There is nothing better in my opinion then seeing the nig market teams fall to the smaller market teams. Eventhough the success rate for that hasn't been too high in previous years.

For those who got their ST packages in the mail, any photos? Is there special packaging that they came in? I remember after the '03 season the tix came in "fancy" packaging. Some kind of cool boxed set, maybe?

No season tickets yet for me either! But I did get a postcard explaining the Metropolitan Club. 

It will be open from when the gates open until an hour after the game ends. A $29/person buffet is served until the 4th inning. An ala-carte "5th to 9th Menu" after the 4th. 

$5/person table fee to sit at viewing table or drink rail during the second seating. 

Reservations may be made within 2 weeks of each game.  4 people max per reservation. 

Season ticket or ST I.D. for access.

Another day of mail with no season tickets.

However, I did receive a card about the Metropolitan Club.

Hours of operation-- Upon gates open until 1 hour following conclusion of the game

Buffet style themed cooking stations $29/person + tax
Buffet available until the 4th inning

reservations required. book them anytime within 2 weeks of each game.
First come first served basis for reservations.

Access to the club by showing season ticket holder game tickets or STH ID

Max of 4 guests per reservation

Two seatings each game, pregame and during the game.

$5 table fee which will be applied to each order for watching the game at a viewing table or drink rail location during the second seating.

The STs came in a 12 x 9 x 1.5 box with all the usual pictures and propaganda (including a StubHub insert). Also included is the coupons for the yearbook, etc.

Here is a photo of the fireworks test from TF today. The last big ad on the scoreboard is FS North.

Minn55441,
JINX! You owe me a Coke!

click my name for a picture of the fireworks

hot off the press i guess

Jorge,

I don't actually think my comments were all that aggressive. There's no animostiy, and my post wasn't directed to you and you alone.

With regard to the Puckett reference... Compare what the Twins experienced after signing him with what has gone on in Baltimore since they "opened up the wallet" to get one of the best players in the game (Albert Belle).

I'm not saying the Twins were mistaken in signing Puck, but if we're going to talk about the Twins' team history let's talk about it. There are a lot of reasons why in this situation it's not as easy as pulling the trigger on a blockbuster deal. But man, I hope it gets done!

Regarding twinlvs photo of the fireworks, Is it really worth the money the Twins get to have those ugly Best Buy, US Bank and Treasure Island signs dominate both sides of the main scoreboard? They are pretty distracting if you ask me.

So they basically threw an FS North ad up there because nobody else wanted to be the 4th major partner?

that's what I was thinking MB! I don't know, maybe they should have put a big Rochester Mayo ad up there. Mayo has been featured in several of the ribbon board tests - and we've mentioned here that they must be some sort of new sponsor. DVS' photo of the fireworks shows the FSN ad - and compared to the other three, it looks bland and totally out of place.

Rick, did you get the email I sent you earlier today about TC Traders? I sent it to the trade (at) ballparkmaigic one - I wasn't sure if I should have sent it to the rick (at) ballparkmagic one.

Bob,

I disagree with you. If you look around at other sporting venues I think our ad space is subtle. I like that it is symmetrical in size on each side of the board. Take a hard look at new Yankee Stadium, I think we've done a good job.

My only hope is that the don't go overboard on the outfield wall, or at least keep the ads white.

The Twins were going to have a pretty nice team in '96 before Puckett had to retire.

I don't think the lack of talent in subsequent years was because he was taking up most of the payroll. It had more to do with the overall cheapness of the Pohlads during those times...and the poor scouting.

Kirby could have been making 1/4th of that contract and they still would have refused to sign big name players.

The 4 ad space boards are okay by me. If only they will keep it at that. No way I want to see baggie-sized Dodge truck pics or Stanley logos or giant milk jugs dominating the TF landscape.

Yes, I think Bud Deck is sold out but there may be day of game or individual ticket sales on Thursdays and Saturdays.

I ordered a couple of Budweiser Roof Deck tickets from some guys that Tweeted (@twinsmeetup) about them a month ago. They bought the group package (250 people max) for Labor day Monday (9/6). They are selling them for $35/ticket (not sure if the $5 extra is their fee or the Twins'). I think he is more worried about getting his $7000 back than he needs to be. I want to go to get as many different TF experiences as I can this first year. Click name for their Facebook info page.

You're right, Dre, the comparisons only go so far... it's also true that organizational mindset had a lot to do with how the Twins played things post-Puckett. But still, the similarities are interesting.

I just think it's worthwhile considering whether/how the Puckett deal (and what followed) may impact the Twins mindset in approaching other mammoth deals.

1995 and 1996 were the post strike years and nearly all the teams were having a hard time putting people in the seats. Remember the strike really struck a hard blow to MLB until the home run derby (steroid era) of '98.
Throwing Kirby in the mix for not bringing fans to the game was a bit short sighted.

maybe when mauer plays a game at target field that will put him over the edge into signing this deal, and by the way, to the guys who posted the fireworks pics, great pics! if you clikc on full view you really get a awesome picture of everything, great job guys!

Rick, I too once made $4.25 an hour. Lol. Let's not tell the kids here what year it probably was.

Target Center Exterior Renovation...

That would be nice as it's a pretty dated look already.

Met Center was much nicer looking imho.

At least unifying the look between the two sports venues, both with Target name branding...Would be nice since Target appears to be very image conscious.

Really OldMetFan? The Met Center was, IMHO, aesthetically unappealing. See also: Metrodome and Saint Paul Civic Center. The exterior was nothing to look at. Bland, concrete walls. No windows.

Quite honestly, if you weren't well-versed in Twin Cities lore or the NHL, an untrained eye would have mistaken the Met Center for a Montgomery Wards warehouse or a 15,000 seat bomb shelter.

Inside was a different story. The Met was one of the best arenas in the NHL. That was until of course, evil man Corporate took over and reupholstered the seats to a very dismal maroon (replacing the specialty multi-coloured seats which matched the North Stars colours for 24 years). Then, it just looked like any old hockey arena.

I think the Met Center exterior was very good. Tasteful, well-proportioned, and gracefully understated. If you want to see a hideous arena exterior, take a look at photos of the old Spectrum in Philadelphia. THAT'S an ugly building.

By the way, Luke, are you Canadian, by chance?

I was a North Stars STH too. Loved the Met.

Channel 9 was just live at Target Field (10pm Thursday) and there is already one fan camped out for single game tickets to go on sale Saturday morning...

Also, there will be more exhibition game tickets on sale on Saturday as there were extras returned by the construction workers.

Sid got a tour of Target Field on Thursday and says, "You have to sing the praises of everyone, including Jerry Bell, St. Peter and Mortenson Construction because I don't believe there is a better stadium anywhere."

DSP also mentions that its very possible all games (home games) could be sold out before the season begins. At least the Twins acknowledged in their press release today that phone lines will be jammed on Saturday and that tickets will be very limited this year and that transactions will take longer than in the past due to more questions and such.

All I can say is its finally baseball season boys! Home Opener just ONE MONTH away!

Winona - Nope, I'm a cold-blooded American. Born and raised.
I also agree with you about the Spectrum. That wasn't a pretty building either.

Just received my season tickets today and gotta say I am not too impressed by the packaging this year. I have been a season ticket holder for 6 years and they typically have a season ticket guide and misc. literature along with the tickets. It was pretty bare bones this year - just the tickets, stubhub insert, and the twins publication coupons. Usually full season ticket holders get to see a batting practice on the field, but I didn't see any info on that this year either. I listed some tickets on Stubhub from the Twins website and it was pretty simple. Looking forward to listing some tickets on TC Traders now that the tickets are "live".

anyone else notice they fixed the target field sign on the puckett gate? finally....

I am also sick of the Mauer saga...$200 million for 8 years is just rediculus, but it's the world we live in now. Just think, that is hlmost half of the cost of Target Field, which will take 30 years for the county to pay off (and also took over 10 years to come to an agreement). So, there is a total of 40 years invested into what Mauer could be pocketing in just 8 years, while hindering the competitiveness of the franchise. I think the Twins should play their hand and I guarantee Mauer don't have the balls to walk away from what is still a legit salary for his beloved home town team, especially what it would do to his reputation and family-not having them there for all of his home games, etc...But, I know that isn't the way it works. Why dont we just have the legislature vote to tax the county and give it all to Joe Mauer(sarcasm).

Mauer has the option to work for less as well, just as Rick could have stayed at his job for less money. If the Players Association has all of the power, why aren't the Twins just negotiating with them instead of Mauer and his agent?

The Twins could recover if he left, as long as they win a WS or two, but Joe's reputation woundn't EVER recover from looking like a gold digger...Sorry for the rant...

correction b4 the trolls call me out on it:
So, there is a total of 20 years(40/2) invested by the county into what Mauer could be pocketing in just 8 years, while hindering the competitiveness of the franchise.

I already acknowledge that players are paid what they are worth to their teams and owners, and their value is measured in how well their performances improve the team on the field and at the gate.
That being said, in a day and age when we're looking at an unemployment rate hovering around 10%, people losing their homes left and right, and painfully slow, if any, recovery, wondering whether Joe Mauer or any other big leaguer will sign for a couple hundred million dollars to play a game seems surreal to me.
The money in sports, both professional and college, is almost too much for me to accept anymore. The Redskins and Falcons, both playing in state-of-the-art stadiums less than twenty years old, are already entertaining pitches from those interested in building them newer stadiums. The Chiefs, as it has been said on this site, will be looking for a new stadium in fifteen years even after Jackson County has put $350M more into Arrowhead. The Yankees, already the highest revenue team in baseball, now play in an obscenely expensive and oppulent stadium where they charge rediculous prices for tickets and concessions.
When does all this even slow down? At what point do we see sports reach their maximum earnings because people have said enough is enough?
I enjoy following the Twins as much as the next person, but if they fail to sign Mauer, it won't be the end of the world, and it won't keep me from going to a game now and again. If they do sign him for some incredible amount of cash, it just might be my personal tipping point.
Maybe I'm just some old, grumpy guy complaining about the modern world, and my views on this subject easily dismissed. But perhaps the time is drawing near for me to put away the pursuits of the young and the young-at-heart, and accept that sports, and to a larger degree, modern, popular culture, have passed this old geezer by.

But then again, maybe Mauer signs for a reasonable (relatively speaking) amount of money and the Twins have a terrific season with actual playoff advancement.

Go Twins!

Got my season tickets today, noticed on the corner of the inside flap it says "All games on KSTP AM 1500 and Treasure Island Baseball Network." Is that new? I don't think I've heard that before. I sent scans of the box to Rick if anybody is interested.

Yes...Treasure Island is the sponsor of the Twins Radio Network. You'll notice both names on occasion, but when you listen to the Twins this year, you are supposed to have a subliminal craving for blackjack in southeastern Minnesota (and certainly not in Shakopee, Mille Lacs, or Hinkley).

Luke, the reason Winona asked if you were Canadian was the way you spelled color. You spelled it the British (Canadian) way, "colour".

jeez, you guys. the word is Ridiculous, not Rediculous. The root word is Ridicule, you're not "diculousing" something again.

Gotcha. But so does England. And Australia.
I think it looks cooler...lol.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

I bring to you the first VIDEO (that i am aware of) of the Celebration Sign and plaza IN ACTION!!!!

WOOOO!!! WIN TWINS!!

CLICKY CLICK my name!

That is freaking awesome!!

THAT IS SWEET!! I really hope they play the old school version of "We're Gonna Win Twins" for each homerun. A hell of a lot better then the Star Wars theme that they played at the dome...

I couldn't be any more impressed with how that sign worked out. That is one of the coolest things I've ever seen!

that's pretty much exactly how I wanted the sign to look! Man with that music and the lights on the plaza lighting up, it gives you a feeling like you're watching an old school mary poppins movie

that was indeed a beautiful sight to see.
is anybody going to hop online tomorrow to try to get tickets for the rest of the year, or are we just gonna wait til TC Traders gets up and running?

Now seeing the lights in action on the plaza, I can see why you guys are pushing for some kind of change to the ramp lights.

They need to do SOMETHING there...what that is, I don't know.

I will be online tomorrow to try and score tickets. If I am unsuccessful there, I will signing up for TC Traders to try and score them. (June 12 & 13 Vs ATL)

I never was one in favor of trading Mauer, but if he truly wants $25 million a year and is going to spurn the Twins' sizable offer AND we can get a deal approaching the one Souhan was pitching on AM1500 this morning (and I still remain skeptical of that), then you would have to trade him. There is a case to be made for trading him.

My wife will be online or on the phone to try to get tickets (I have an MBA presentation, otherwise I would be doing it). Otherwise I will check out TC Traders for anything on the weekends.

I'm definitely going to sign up for TC Traders when the time comes. i have a feeling that the better, quality seats will be there as opposed to the Twins site (and of course, minus those ridiculous fees and convenience charges and stuff).

Rick, what are your prices going to be again? If I remember correctly, you were going to have a yearly and a lifetime price?

excuse me while I change my shorts...

THE SIGN IS AWESOME!!!

Dre, i believe the annual fee is $19, with a $10 one-time membership fee. the 'lifetime' one is $81 - membership fee waived.
It sounds as though, May 1, the prices may go up. I'm hoping to get in before May...lol.

My bad on the spelling mistakes (rediculous). It was in the wee hours and well past my bedtime. I usually make an attempt at proof-reading, but that one got by me.

Word has it that contract complications between Mauer and the Twins are at a standstill. The reason...Mauer doesn't want to be responsible for stealing signs while standing on second anymore. Instead, he wants Twins brass to rewire Minnie & Paul: one handshake = fastball; two handshakes = off-speed; they cover their eyes when Punto slides into first.

lol N.D.

Information regarding hours for the new team store and about other retail options at Target Field. Are there really going to be 5 other retail stores? That seems a little much to me. Click my name for the entire press release.

"Preliminary hours are Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Those hours might be adjusted closer to Opening Day. The store will be open on game days and evenings."

"Additional Target Field Retail
In addition to the Twins Majestic Clubhouse Store, Target Field will feature a number of other retail options for fans during games. Five other stores, including the New Era Cap store on the main concourse in left field, are conveniently located on different levels of Target Field. Nine portable carts offer retail items throughout the concourses of Target Field."

and yes, that video, as AWESOME as it was, perfectly illustrates what I have saying about the lights from the parking ramp. I really hope they address it somehow, because the wind veil could be so much cooler.

The sign and lighting effects are well done and seem to fit this team and ballpark. I dig the "original" version of Win Twins song they selected. Very, very cool!

It seems to me there would still be that orange/yellow glow in the ramp even if the lighting was recessed and directed from the outside of the ramp inward. I didn't notice the startling bright bulbs shining out from the ramp in that video, such as what is seen in the ramp in the distance beyond the celebration sign. Because of that, it looks better than expected, at least in my opinion. The celebration sign itself is amazing!

What about some kind of black canvas or burlap behind the wind veil? Air could pass through, but it would block the light. Seems like the wind veil won't reach its full potential without some fix.

Not sure a mesh material will let enough air through but baffles might do the trick. They are set at an angle so you can only see in them from a certain angle.

Just reading up on air-flow and in parking ramps (my glamorous life!), there has to be a certain amount of ventilation to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide. It's easier and cheaper to build "open air" ramps than it is to install machines that pump out the pollutants.

Unless the city is willing to invest in something that will allow them to cover up those gaps, it's probably not likely. Nothing wrong with a little wishful thinking, though.

The Sign looks sweet, and the fireworks will be a nice touch. I stopped worrying about the whole Mauer thing, at this point I'm just saying what happens happens!

Lots of bustle on the plaza today getting ready for the grand opening tomorrow. Big Target balloons (kinda tacky if you ask me) and new bushes and grasses. The coolest thing is they are almost done planting the hops vines in the giant "bats". Those suckers are starting out about ten feet tall. I was thinking they would be much smaller when planted. Very nice looking.

was gonna look at the web cam, but camera 1 is just all fog!

the "banner 47" brand merchandise in the new twins majestic proshop is pretty cool stuff. i have a really sweet minnesota golden gophers hat with the old school gopher mascot/logo from "banner 47" which i bought at mall of america.

they are known for using old school images and team/school logos and making some really nice t-shirts, hats, etc.

highly recommend their stuff.

I guess I don't see what all the hand-wringing over the lights in the parking ramp is about. I just don't notice any problems. Me thinks some people on this site are just a bit too anal when it comes to the stadium.

yeah buffalo i agree, i mean it's just one small thing compared to the million other little quirks and details this ballpark offers but that's my opinion. I'm just happy to finally have outdoor baseball in Minnesota. I didn't see an outdoor game until last June when i went to Milwaukee, since i was born after the dome was built and had only seen baseball in that toilet bowl.

sorry for the double post but i meant to say "it's just one small thing compared to the million other awesome little quirks and details this ballpark offers"

Nice video of the wind veil in action. Click my name to check it out.

Jared - thanks for posting the video! The wind veil looks even cooler than I thought when the wind blows and it's lit up! Celebration sign is unbelievable!

Beta - great call on the Banner '47 stuff. I have 2 hats and a sweatshirt that I bought and they are cool looking - old school.

Anyone have the details on the Target grand opening event tomorrow? Hours? etc.

I thought there was a press release somewhere, but couldn't find it on the site.

Found it.

The Target Plaza grand opening and dedication celebration will take place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 13. A media event will occur at 11 a.m. to officially commemorate the opening of Target Plaza, and will include remarks by Target leadership, Twins executives, the Minnesota Ballpark Authority and community officials. The opening of the Plaza coincides with the first day fans will be able to purchase single game tickets for the inaugural season at Target Field.

Went for my first walk on Target Plaza during my lunch hour today. All I have to say is Wow. Wow.

As Badjuggler noted, lots of activity going on there today. People planting shrubs, people setting up things for the opening tomorrow, and LOTS of people gawking and taking pictures. Everyone I saw there had the same sense of wonderment about them. Lots of dropped jaws. It was like a time machine that turned everyone into a kid. The best part: We weren't even IN the ballpark yet!!!

There has been no shortage of verbage written about how "intimate" the park will be. Being up close, I couldn't help but notice how "big" everything looked. The plaza. The topiaries. The Met Club. The Pro Shop. The "TC" logos on the gates. The seating bowl. Everything seemed larger than life (in a very good way).

What I think we will notice the most about this park vs. the dome is movement. At the dome, you were either in the game or you were in the concourse. At TF with the open concourses and other open spaces, there will be people moving constantly, enjoying the game from so many different angles and aspects.

I can't wait for the exhibition opener to get inside!!!

High School Baseball Championships to be played at TG (from Strib):

"This season's high school state baseball championship games will be at Target Field.

The Twins and the Minnesota State High School League said the games will be played on June 19. The Class A game will be at noon, followed by Class AA at 3 p.m. and Class AAA at 6 p.m.

Admission for the entire day will be $10 for adults and $7 for students, with tickets available only on June 19 at the Target Field ticket office."

Since TCTraders isn't up yet I was hoping I could just post this here. I have two seats to the Saturday exhibition game that I can't use, they are my season tickets and are great seats (Section 121 Row 4). If anyone is interested just e-mail me an offer, I want more then face but not like $200 a seat like I see on Stubhub.

ajndsu - I don't know if it was someone here that mentioned it or if I read it someplace, but Twins brass is thinking they'll need to add some security to be crowd-movers those first couple games, just to keep the crowd moving. The fear was that folks used to the Dump for 28 years are going to walk in and clump together cause they're all used to entering into a 22-foot-wide concourse instead of an open-wide one.

Luke,
hopefully they are Irish cops and they walk around twirling their batons saying things like "all roit folks, move along. nuttin to see hare!"

No season tickets in the mail no matter what OCD I do.

I received my ST today but my gf did not.

Me too :(

Have not received our tickets either. I am wondering if our full and 40-game seats will arrive together?

Looks nothing compared to Miller Park, the best ballpark in the world (in the best state of the world), but it definately beats Metrodump.

u a dork luke!

Thank the God of Baseball that Target Field doesn't look like Miller Park!

Went downt to the plaza today and the hops that they put in the topiaries are fake. They just want to give you an idea of what it will look like when they are planted for real.

"Sid got a tour and said 'you have to sing the praises of everyone, including Dave St. Peter...'etc."
After lucking into a tour recently I must agree and go him one better. I think when we experience it our bickering and quarrels and complaints will evaporate (temporarily) and we will join together and sing "Great is Zeus, for He hath given us the sun, the stars, the moon and all that is beneath...were I a nightingale i should sing as a nightingale, were I a swan I should do as a swan does, were I a stallion I should tread the mare, but now I am a reasoning being (and baseball fan) and can do naught else but sing His praises, and I invite you to join me in that song."

To hell with that rolo, someone said it, and if I can find it, I'll post it...lol.

rolo - here you go: from the Twin Cities Business piece : " Twins President Dave St. Peter figures he will need extra security people inside the gate behind home plate just to keep the crowd moving. He expects that when fans walk a few paces through the gate—and find themselves not in a narrow concession tunnel, as they would upon entering the Metrodome, but on the stadium’s 360-degree open concourse, looking down at the diamond and straight back up Sixth Street as it seems to spill downtown Minneapolis smack dab into right field—their jaws will drop. Their eyeballs will spin. They will stop in their tracks and stare in delighted awe."

You want to continue to doubt, or have I made my point?

Luke, I don't think he was calling you a liar. Just a dork. ;-)

Since my tour in October and sat in my 109 seats I have not been the same man....

I am now 100% completely convinced, even with a few tours I have had of the park early on, all of the information that we have shared with each other here and amongst friends, we are STILL going to be completely AWED when we all experience our first game at Target Field. I just may get a little misty eyed. (lame, I know)

I can't imagine what the casual fan who hasn't followed the construction of the ballpark like we have are going to think of the place. DSP might just be right with his comments. People will be completely and utterly awe struck!

For those wondering about partial plans, my 20 game plan tickets arrived today.

By the way, it looks like the 20% STH discount at the Pro shops is NOT good at Target Field, only Apple Valley, Minnetonka and Roseville.

A significant devaluation of the season ticket holder benefit, if you ask me. Also, the STH id card / Metropolitan Club card is somewhat comical - fill in the blank with your account number.

Also a bit surprised that there was no season ticket info guide as in past years - maybe it's not ready (?) and that's what they are giving out a Target Field guide during the opening series.

From the season ticket box:

OUR TIME IN THE SUN.

The First Pitch.
The First Hit.
The First Hot Dog.

IT'S FINALLY HERE.

Don't forget your shades,
Baseball like it was meant to be.

"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It's been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game, is part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that once was good, and that could be again. Oh, people will come, Ray. People will most definitely come."

Love that quote...

They will see this great game how it is meant to be played...

Sorry, for all the lame posts. For some reason I am just feeling very excited today about

...the park and baseball around the corner...

jfh,

Did it come when the mail came or was it dropped off later?

This may have already been discussed, but I was wondering if anyone who ordered tickets to OD have received their tickets yet. I ordered two of them and was told 7 - 10 days and they still aren't here. I remember reading something about problems with printing, but I'm getting a little anxious. I won't believe I'll actually be at OD until I am holding my tickets.

Josh - came in the mail. Didn't even know they were here until I checked the box.

If anyone buys tickets at the Box Office tomorrow, would be interested to know if you get physical tickets.

jfh,

What you reported is not a devaluation of STH benefits with one minor exception that I will mention in a minute. The STH benefits of past years did NOT include buying gear at the Metrodome, but only at the satellite pro shop locations. Also, the STH card was exactly the same type of card you just described in past years. I am guessing this is your first year as a STH. I appreciate that you had certain expectations, but nothing has really been devalued as this is exactly as it was. With one exception.

The discount previously was 25%. That has reduced to 20%. Such is life.

Luke, Did you go down to the pro shop and get yourself a Twins down cardigan yet?? :D

jpberka - no, this is not my first year as an STH, but I did forget the STH id card was the same "fill in the blank" - I must have been thinking about the Rockies STH card, which is a laminated card with name and account number on it. I realize that the STH discount didn't apply at the Dome, but for some reason I thought that it would apply at TF.

For anyone interested - the Legends Club tickets are the same size as regular season tickets (except Opening Day), but oriented horizontally, rather than vertically.

On the LC tickets, the images are random from one of the following pictures/very nice drawings, all with the inaugural season logo superimposed on the upper left and a large "Legend's Club" in italics on the lower right. I have a total of 6 different pictures:
- Gate 34
- Centerfield view
- Back of main scoreboard with logo
- View from first base side to Bud deck/left field corner
- Close up of wood backed seats
- Whole field view from Club level at home plate

On the regular seats, I also saw a very cool shot of the Minnie/Paul sign.

I do not understand "Legend's Club" - it should be "Legends Club", right? Especially since on the lower left of every ticket is says "Delta SKY360 Legends Club" Can an english/grammar expert chime in here?

Jax - a down cardigan?
What is this? Mr. F*c**n' Rogers Neighborhood?

I dunno why, but all the grammar talk compels me to quote Chris Farley as Matt Foley - Motivational Speaker:

"Well la-de-freakin'-dah! We got ourselves a writer here! Hey, Dad, I can't see too good. Is that Bill Shakespeare over there?"

wow... people are sitting out in the rain already for tickets....holy crap.

anyone going down tomorrow for the plaza opening? The weather is making me want to just stay home and watch the Twins first televised game.

I wonder if the TF store will have a higher markup than the other 3 proshops. If that's the case, maybe it's almost a hidden benefit that the STH discount doesn't apply there.

lol all your worries about the weather make me picture you as a chilly old lady - thus the cardigan. :)

No more complaining about the weather from me. I promised Beta that three weeks ago.

Webcam 1 sure looks bright right now. Wow.

I'm crossing my fingers that I can score some tickets online. I have a feeling it is going to be difficult.

Anyone have any advice for trying to get them online? Other than multiple windows...

jfh, did you notice (on the centerfield view, I think) that perfectly balanced contrast between sun and shade, on 3rd and 1st base sides, respectively?

Jax, I'm not saying you're not telling the truth about people being lined up already for tickets at Target Field, but how the heck are you seeing them through the fog on the webcam? Good grief it is murky out.

Fox 9 news at 9 pm :)

actually, they showed a guy out there LAST night. lol

Kare 11 is about to do a story on it too after the commercial

Darn it, now the clouds have completely descended over the webcam. Nothing to be seen now!

Derps? Wow the bits of Rube Chat are making their way on to this site.

robin - that picture (actually drawing) struck me as strange, but I couldn't figure out why until your comment - you're right - divided almost exactly at home plate. Wonder what time of day/year that is supposed to depict.

Does anyone know if the Twins Tradition wall panels have been installed yet?

Isn't it the Champions Club open house tonight or this weekend? Did or is anyone going? Pictures would be appreciated!!

I'm standing in line for tickets, boys. It's surreal!! Seemed like today would never come...

Margeret--

How many people are there? I'm up WAYYYYY too early.

I don't know if it was mentioned yet, but the promotional schedule is out as you look at single game tickets on twinsbaseball.com

Isn't this just the luck? For the first time in a few weeks we can see real activity down on Target Plaza from the webcam, but the darn cam is cloaked in cloud cover. I guess that is the price you pay when you put your cam on the 40th floor.

Chad,

Not too many!! Come on down, boys, its a beautiful day! I got here at 6 and there were only about 75 people in line... not more than 150 now. I love this.

Not to rain on any parades, but take that times 1000 and that is probably how many people are waiting online. ;-)

Nothing could rain on my parade today.

Margaret, you get a serious thumbs up from me! Being out there today, I haven't done that since they made the playoffs in '02 when I waited all night for the first playoffs since '91. Good times! If I didn't already have tix to 22 games this year, I'd have considered it.

Is there a benefit to waiting out there for tickets? There's only one set of tickets I want, my dad's birthday on September 4th.

My Mom's birthday is only 2 days later (the 6th). I already got her seats!

Got my tickets!

June 29th, Tigers, Section S, Row 10

The Twins flipped the "on" switch for internet orders early. I got on at about 8:55 and ordered a bunch of games. I had put through my credit card and received my confirmation number by the time the clock actually ticked to 9:00. I'm very happy with what I got in terms of seat selection, especially for getting the two games I wanted the most, July 4 and my birthday.

Does anyone have 2 tickets for next Sunday's Open House. I have two for Saturday that I may need to trade.

The one benefit is not seeing "We're sorry, we were unable to pricess your request due to high transaction volume" over and over ...

got on at 8:45. People are going to be mad. The twins have reported 9:00 all week. Did they start selling at TF at 8:45 or 9?

Is there some trick I'm missing? I'm stuck in the infinite waiting room loop...

Last night when I clicked around on the Twins site I noticed that it said games would go on sale at 8:45. At 8:40 I was in the "waiting room" and by 8:45 I was making my selections.

I got 8 seats together in home plate box 115, row 24 for 4/2 AND 4/3!! The Twins must have been holding back so many tickets.

This is maddening!

We're sorry, we were unable to process your request due to high
transaction volumes. Please try to submit your request again.

What the hell's the point of a waiting room if they let more people in than the servers can handle?!?

Chad, I don't know. I was looping in the waiting room until 8:45 hit and then I was at the ticket selection page. I'm not sure if your actually waiting or if you should close the window and try again. I'd hate for you to lose whatever spot you may have.

Tom,

The twins said that there was going to be tickets for the Cards games. They said that construction workers gave back what they were not going to use. I also think that sold what they were holding for new STH.

I logged on about 8:35 and just for the heck of it thought i would try for yankee tickets. The window wasn't open yet. Came back and was able to get in a little before 8:45 and right away they had 2 tickets for me lower level behind home plate row 23! I freaked a bit because i didnt realize the window would open so early and that there were actually tickets there. Of all the stupid things I did, I CLOSED THE WINDOW! It wasn't the game I was going for and since the window was open, I figured i would try for the ones I had planned for. Got them by 8:46 and the Yanks ones were gone. Lol. I am an idiot.

This is complete bullshit!

I can never get through the word verification page...just sends me back with the high transaction error....lame!

Jared - don't feel bad. I once gave up World Series tickets because the were obstructed view. My wife has never let me forget that one.

8 games in the bag, in addition to the opener. Get to see a bunch of different sections. Well worth setting the alarm on a Saturday!

I got in for Memorial Weekend Saturday but spent too much time trying to figure out if the seats were obstructed, and they timed out. Back in the waiting room I go.

Really good point - if you can get past the waiting room, you should be able to order. I finally got through, got seats, but then released them and tried for better seats. Now I get the same error message ...

Well,this lowly peon is about to give up. Anyone have extra tickets?

I've got THREE windows open, past the waiting room with tickets selected but I cannot get past the high transaction volume error.

Ha! Now I just got kicked back to the waiting room instead of getting a high transaction volume error.

Nice job, Twins. Way to go.

This is really starting to piss me off. I've been dealing with this word verification page for f'ing 45 minutes!

I finally got through and got tix for 3 games.

I probably should have stayed in bed. Right before my alarm went off, I was dreaming that seats at some random stadium were a free for all, and I was just about to start running to get to the best one.

LOL, looks like thing are running smoothly.

Please Note: Tickets for the following games are not available at this time:
4/17, 5/21, 5/23, 5/25, 5/26, 5/27, 7/17

(Waiting room page update)

Finally!

4 tix @ DET 6/29 skyline view.

Now to try for the trap...

7 games sold out already?

Twins site is down. It will auto-refresh to MLB.com.
What the hell?

This from the ticket virtual waiting room:

Please Note: Tickets for the following games are not available at this time:
4/17, 5/21, 5/23, 5/25, 5/26, 5/27, 7/17

My advice to folks - if you get in and get seats you want for a particular game, DON'T try and go for another game - just checkout and come back in later. The time limits to complete each screen are reduced, so if you get a timeout error in the process, it would be very easy to lose seats you have in your cart.

Oh man, I hope dear ol' dad likes the rooftop deck!

whew - back up to speed.
trying again.

looks like TCTraders is getting more valuable all the time!

jfh is right. The time limits are insane. You could also get kicked out due to server overload.

If you get to the point of actually entering credit card info, just get 'em and get out.

I just kept clicking a different stadium section until it let me through to the CC info without error. Turns out it was the Rooftop Deck that let me finally purchase.

Best no is is laughing now at the guy standing out in Target Plaza for the last two nights waiting to buy tickets ... hope he got what he was after!

Got skyline tickets for 5/7 vs. O's. Stupid that they charge you to print tickets at home, of all things.

10 games sold out - those 7 plus the opening series. I suspect July 2nd fireworks isn't too far behind.

Rick - Any ETA on TC Traders?

The Twins just signed Span to a 5 year deal.

With all of the problems associated with online ticketing process, are you more likely or less likely to renew your Season Ticket plan in 2011?

If did not already have my tickets, I would be really disappointed with the ticketing process. As each of these ticketing opportunities has come and gone, I am more convinced that going the season ticket holder route is by far the best option. I know there has been discussion about how many of the current season ticket holders will renew for 2011, but I can't imagine trying to come up with even 20 games through the single game purchase option.

I think we will see a much higher retention rate 2011, just because of the hassles that everyone has run into today. Of course, you can throw out this whole argument if Joe is wearing Pinstripes at this time next year.

Heh. My latest words to type in:

differences peon

How appropriate.

i'm about ready to say fuck it, i can always talk to scalpers at tf before games

Renewal rate is going to be very high. Every season-ticket holder could make a mint on his/her season tickets this year. I've already sold about 8-10 extra games on Stubhub for almost a 80% profit margin (not all prime games either)

More games sold out - Opening Series +
Please Note: Tickets for the following games are not available at this time:
4/16, 4/17, 4/18, 5/8, 5/21, 5/23, 5/25, 5/26, 5/27, 6/12, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/31, 8/21

amen my fellow 55441'er. I actually feel momentary flashes of panic, then realize I am already attending all of the games. lol

I have to give credit to the bf Natron for having 3 years worth of foresight. We had flex 40 for the sole purpose of getting priority at Target Field and it paid off.

I hope we can afford to keep it up beyond this year. lol

Matt,

Where'd you hear about a Span deal?

hey minn55441, dude calm down, remember this is a new stadium and ever one and there mama wants tickets, of course stuff like this is going to happen, why the hell wouldnt u renew your seas tix just cause of that, dont be a douche

OK. I give up. I finally got tickets and got the the credit card screen, but couldn't purchase them because the system said the game was already in my cart !!

Rusty, it was reported by Joe Christensen via Twitter about 20 minutes ago.

Ok, 4 tix @ TEX 5/30 Grandstand

Well, got what I wanted at least. Headed down to the plaza to check out the hubub. If you stop down and see me (a 6-6 skinny guy, red jacket/backpack and camera) tap me on the shoulder and say hi.

...Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune

Rolo, your lack of understanding of the post does not make the poster a - what jr high name was it? - oh yeah, 'douche'. lol nice.

actually it does jax, actually it does

Rolo,

I didn't say I wouldn't renew. I said you could throw out the argument for a high retention rate if Mauer walks away from the Twins.

I'm in Ben's camp. If Joe won't sign for $22 million or less, we are better off trading him. Perhaps you missed the part of my post that read "I am more convinced that going the season ticket holder route is by far the best option."

I am going to every game this year and will be doing so for years to come. My only concern is if I get to move up in seating priority for 2011. The more fans that jump off the bandwagon, the better seats I get next year.

Sellout list growing - Opening Series plus

4/16, 4/17, 4/18, 5/8, 5/21, 5/23, 5/25, 5/26, 5/27, 6/12, 7/16, 7/17, 7/18, 7/31, 8/21

Got 4 in batters eye 8/14 vs Oak

Ok, can't waste any more time. Time to start the day.

OK, no change in sellout list - sorry about that ...

They just haven't updated it on the waiting page in a while, if you look at the schedule there are a few more you can't get tickets that aren't listed yet. I counted 16, plus the the opening series.

Ugh, I was sitting here for over an hour trying to find tickets for six to the July 2 game, finally got through and the best available were the farthest field view section.

Now I'm trying for July 30th in Skyline view...

My day is set - Twins game on TV, watching the sold-out list grow online.

Natron says the Craig's List list of Twin's tickets is growing exponentially this morning. God Bless America.

Rick, once TC Traders is up and running, is there any way to sample the goods before paying the yearly fee?

I don't want to signup if no one has tickets available for the 2 games I am trying to go to.

I am driving from Denver and will only be able to attend 6/12 & 6/13 games. It is either those dates or nothing. Thanks in advance!

Dam...another day and no 10,000 bucks of tickets at my door....Hopefully Monday...

It's looking like whatever doesn't sell out today is going to have very limited availability such as skyline.

The Star Tribune just reported that the Twins locked up Denard Span to a new 5 year deal.

What a pain. I wish the site would tell me how are available in a certain section, and not when I select 8, only to spit me through the process and say "Oops! No, we don't have 8. Perhaps you would like these more expensive tickets instead"?

Any pictures or video from the plaza?

I drove under there about 20 minutes ago and I could see bouncy castles.

It's interesting to see that there ARE some days that the Rooftop is available.

Does anyone know how to buy Rooftop Deck Standing Room Tickets ($10-$15) for Thursday and Saturday games? I saw the Rooftop Deck Reserved Seats ($30-35) for certain Thursday and Saturday games, but I didn't see an option for purchasing the standing Rooftop Deck seats that were described in the newspaper ad yesterday.

I put a Saturday game against the White Trash on Stubhub, because I am going to be at a family reunion. 20 face and I had them listed for 50. Needless to say, demand must be REALLY high because they sold this morning at 10. This stuffs crazy.

All right, I lied.

Seems to be somewhat easier to get in now.

4 tix @ CLE 4/20 HPV

Spent too much today. I am done.

Kevin, I think you call the Twins and ask to speak to someone about Bud roof deck. Could be wrong, but I think it's handled different. Ask for group sales. good luck.

I am looking to get MLB TV, ideally in HDTV. It seems like DirecTV is the only game in town but it's quite expensive.

Crapcast has standard-def MLB network in the Digital Premier package.

What's everyone's opinion on the way to go?

My wife and I tried a two pronged approach. I was online, which was ridiculous, and she was on the phone for 45 minutes. She got through, and got the tickets we wanted (3 tickets each for June 13, July 18, Aug 22) Family section was the only place we could get a group of 3, but that is just fine with us. Those sec 310 seats look to be a pretty good spot up along the first base line, more or less home plate view.

That sucks David. Denver comcast carries Hi-def MLB Network. It's fantastic! Of course we don't have hi-def Discovery channel like MPLS. BOOOOOO!

DirecTv hands down - totally worth it. MLB Network and they also have MLB Extra Innings where you can watch virtually every game being played. Interactive feature with a real-time scoreboard on sports channels is standard.

This year we traded in Extra Innings (which costs Extra Money) for MLB.TV on the MLB website. We'll still watch the Twins on FSN but out of market games will be live on my iphone - love it.

I watch MLB Network constantly - I fall asleep to it all year round. The only time I turn it over at night is when the Twins lose. lol

Michael-

Just got back from my hour and a half trip to the plaza today. Have a bunch of great pictures, including some new (recently finished) features of the park. I am going to sift through them and post some of the good ones here in a bit.

The number of tickets available on Craig's and StubHub is stunning. Anyone care to hazard a guess as to what % of capacity is ultimately still available - 10%, 20%??? Scalpers must be having a good year. I wonder if the IRS is watching.

Drove by the Dome/Huberts after I left the Plaza thing this morning and there was Nick Punto's banner still hanging from the light post. The only Twins one surrounded by Vikings ones. That thing has probably been there for months.

Punto haters rejoice, Punto is staying at the Dome.

August 1, against Los Marineros. Sec 314 Row 5.

Now, I'll just wait for TC Traders. I think.

who would hate Puntolio??

the plaza doesn't look too crowded actually. maybe they shouldn't have planned the opening during the first televised Twins game. lol

Check that. Section 310 Row 5. Not 314.

Just got back from Target Field... had a great experience. They opened up the ticket windows for us at 8:35, I was at a ticket window by 8:50, got every game I wanted to go to, and then walked the plaza/proshop/promenade extensively while eating free free food and drinking free coffee/hot chocolate. The Twins did a great job with this one!

I was a little concerned about how things would go, but after today I really have nothing but good things to say about the ticket-buying process for those of us who elected not to buy season ticket packages!!

Could it have been done better? Yes. They could have opened Hrbek's and had the beer flowing at 8 AM.

Other than the Weekend series/Bosox series/NYY series, there is TONs of availability! The 3 games against DET 5/3-5/5 have plenty of 8-packs in the Home Plate Box and Diamond Box, even both exhibition games still have 8-packs in Home plate Box and other areas.

Heck, even 7/3, Saturday afternoon vs TB has 8 packs in Home Plate Box and Diamond boxes, all over the place

I've got four Yankee tix for 5/25 in the Damond Box (Sec 123 row 10, $48 each), nice seats but I don't want to sit in the same section as my coworkers. Anyone have 4 other seats to that game to trade?

mplsgreg, I have 4 for 5/25 in 228, row 2 that I got during the ST presale. I would trade those if you wanted.

David-
Click my name and e-mail me before ordering Directv. We will both get $10/month off for 10 months if I give you a referral #.

No tickets in mail again. Plaza opening was great!

It's nice watching the Twins on TV right now, but I want to see pictures of the Grand Opening event at the plaza! (hint, hint).

Looks likes ticket orders go right through now ...

Be interesting to see if Craigslists calms down - BOO HISS to those that just bought tickets today to turn around and instantly scalp them.

wtf?