I like the wind veil idea. As it moves in the wind, with lights/images projected on it, it should create a much better view than a huge parking garage.

to see the brilliant autumn leaves and water in minneapolis, where do you have to go? theo wirth, the chain of lakes, mississippi river. each time i walk up to target field and see those god-awful hops hangers i will lament what could've been in its place: sugar maple trees and some kind of water element. featuring minnesota maple trees (and their golden budding green springtime colors to their blaze orange autumn colors) and a fountain could've made the plaza a destination.

that being said, i applaud the decision to install the wind veil. it's just that it could've been so much better. it's like getting a $20 gift card to kinkaid's: it's a nice gesture, but doesn't really allow you to get the prime rib.

I think there is a smugness about this and i love how you worded it "jackpot",

it seems like 70% of the things they are doing with our ballpark are for the rich/corporate folks that sometimes dont even care abotu our team its just a fancy biz lunch.

I am a season ticket holder but doubt i will ever in my lifetime get to step into that club level resturant/bar.

oh well what do ya do?

17

P.S. Tarkenton sucks!

I think Rick mentioned in an earlier post that the planters were too shallow for trees due to the fact that its over an interstate. I'll miss the trees too, but it seems like it was a choice made of necessity, not preference.

I agree with Rick's comment about the plaza being on the verge of snooty, but not all the way there. Still, I think I like the plaza overall. I guess I'm on the verge of snooty too.

As for the smugness, once the novelty of the new stadium wears off in a few years, there will be less smugness. The success of the Twins and the success of this stadium will certainly attract the non-fans for a while. But, that's not all bad. I think some new, reenergized fans will come out of that. The novelty seekers will be gone in a year or two.

I think this is a baseball town, and now we'll have the venue to prove it.

Number 17 support is up I believe! I love everyone on this site! Everything is great!

Bizarro, You win! Great Job spotting the 17th CHS!

What??? No one ever gives me any respect.

i guess i dont understand why the media gets annoyed with perceived smugness. the media made the twins out to be pathetic losers after so many years of getting no traction at the legislature. the idea of a new baseball stadium was seen as a hopeless case. it's obvious the twins would have had zero chance of getting a new ballpark approved if not for the better economic conditions back in '06. that isn't their fault and they shouldn't have to apologize. and the plaza is being financed by two for profit entities.

every sports team preparing to open a shiny new facility has this air of excitement and anticipation surrounding everything they do in the run-up the facility's opening. the nationals made a big deal about the first flushing of toilets at their park last year. the twins are crowing because they're excited, and yes some of that is knowing all the money they will rake in. but i also think it is genuine excitement to be on the verge of providing their fans with a world class ballpark after so many years toiling at the dome.

and everyone will be able to walk through all areas of the ballpark because the twins will no doubt have a weekend open house showcasing the new yard next spring.

I think a lot of people forget just what the heck is under the plaza.... It isn't Dirt. It's a freeway. WOuld it have been nice to have trees? Maple ones? Yeah but trees need a root system. They need space. Even dwarfed maples. A lot more space than shrubbery.

A water element could have been cool but like the bats there are a whole lot of months out of the year that it would haven't been in use as well. And a water element like that takes a lot more money and energy to maintain that some hops and plants growing.

Ya know we have concept designs to look at but we really have no idea how it is all going to turn out.

We are getting a ballpark. A nice one. If it comes with a goofy looking glove and a bit of a snotty attitude for a while so be it. At least we are still getting what will be one of the best parks in the country. And if I sound smug about that then that's the way I am.

There isn't one damn person that works for Star tribune that should be commenting on attitude. I love the strib but that paper is a ollection of opinion pieces more than anything else.

not to mention the blog feel now that people can comment on almost anything...

Well put, moda.

It seems to me that at times we who care so much get a little too caught up in the minutia of the new ballpark. We grouse about the color of the pavement, lament the use of shrubs where we wish there were trees, and in general view everything with a highly critical eye before we have actually seen it.

Don't get me wrong, I think that's one of the rights of being a Twins fan (well-earned after so many years of domed punishment), and it's one of the beauties of this site (thank you Rick!). But I think that at a certain point the heated criticism of each detail that emerges verges on ridiculous.

I know that we all care a lot, and in no way am I saying that we shouldn't scrutinize/invest ourselves in every little detail, but come on! In a little more than a year we're going to open a new outdoor ballpark that is receiving rave reviews. Not only that, but to go with our amazing park we will still have some of the cheapest tickets in all of Major League Baseball - we're talking, what, $15 for an upper deck ticket with view of the Minneapolis skyline at night?! That seems to take care of the common man (aka me) pretty well if you ask me.

Sure, the windscreen might make a little noise (would you rather look at a parking garage?), you might have to turn your head a little to look directly at home plate if you're sitting down the lines (gasp!), and we'll probably have to deal with some Target bullseyes plastered all over.

But if you ask me the balance of the smuggness isn't coming from the Twins. It's coming from a lot of us, for whom nothing is good enough. What would the plaza look like if we had no corporate sponsor? My guess is that it would look more like a concrete bunker than Theo Wirth.

Don't think that I'm calling anyone out. I'm not, because that would be hypocritical. I love disecting every single detail of our ballpark. And I bet I blow an hour or more each day at work checking the TF web cams. I guess all I'm saying is...WHAT A GREAT TIME TO BE A TWINS FAN!!!!

There, that's my rant. And for the record, I think Bob Lee spotted #17 first :)

Name a ballpark built in the last 20 years that was built for the common man. None. The new ballparks are all built to generate more revenue through expanded seating options, club levels, bars, shopping, etc.

Nice job, Rick. I'm glad you're being invited to these events. Your blog is one of the only sources where true ballpark fans can read up on things.

As for the smugness, I think it's fair to say it "comes with the territory". If you've ever had to manage a big project, or operate in the public eye, you know that people constantly question you and scrutinize every decision. After a while, a sort of "I don't give a f*ck what you think" attitude can start to manifest. That's not the right attitude, but when every little thing you do is railed against by uninformed morons ("what about the roof!?"-KSTP), it's easy to become hardened. Believe me, if I had to deal with the toolsheds over at the Strib, I'd be one cocky bastard.

As for the belief that this park is for the rich, I don't buy that. Mazarati, season ticket holders like you and me get access to the metropolitan room. I don't consider myself rich, but that will be a nice treat for the investment into season tickets. Corporate suites/etc are needed to fund a pro sports team, so some of the "rich" stuff comes with the territory. Besides, we need that extra cash to NOT SPEND on players!

You're right, common. Good point. I feel like the Twins are at least trying to help us out. Seats at NYS with worse sight lines, farther away from the action, and with a much less pleasent view cost 40% more!

Common man - They've been built...in the USSR.

Sorry OG Jeff, the USSR was dissolved in 1991. :)

I agree with kumbaya, us common folk are gaining a lot from the new stadium, but I don't think we should kid ourselves that the common man is thought of first when building this stadium. The Twins are thinking first and foremost of how they will generate new revenues. These new revenues don't come from more seats for the common man (we're losing in overall seat count) but from the rich folk.

Do we know what single game tickets will cost? In Chicago, you can't get a ticket for under 20 dollars. In Denver, on the other hand (a beautiful stadium in its own right) you can get rockpile seats for THREE BUCKS. That's cheap! We NEED affordable seats at the new stadium. We helped pay for it, I just hope we will be able to afford to get in the door.

sorry, I meant to say ballpark.

Tim,

Based on the tentative ticket prices, the cheapest seats will be $10 in the Terrace Level. (click link)

For those that don't have to take a large family to the game, there are some great deals closer to the field.

Dugout Box - $69
Home Plate Box - $50
Diamond Box - $38

While I agree that they built this mainly for corporations and wealthier season ticket holders, there's no doubt that tickets will be one of the best values in the Majors.

excuse me? you don't think the plaza could hold trees? if you intended to plant trees and keep them there for 75 years, i agree. however the initial intent was to have planter boxes. those trees could be replaced yearly if needed. believe me, if it was important, it could've been done.

apparently i'm alone here. hok missed its first opportunity to build something very minnesotan (birch trees) behind the centerfield fence. now target had a chance to showcase minnesota's fall colors on the plaza and it plans for friggin hops instead. missed design opportunity number 2.

A TARGET PLAZA LIMERICK

There once was an old fan named Harry
who drank all the beer he could carry
then winked to his date,
"Dear, it's getting quite late,
and you must see my new topiary."

Birch in the batter's eye? First off, they have white trunks - not exactly what you're looking for in a batter's eye. Secondly, for 2+ months out of the year they would be nothing but a bunch of sticks, which would inevitably be broken off and strewn around the field any time the wind exceeded 10 mph.

I agree that we have to make up for the fielding advantage we lose by leaving the dome, but I don't think tripping opposing centerfielders with birch twigs is the way to go.

And I'm afraid that your dream of sugar maples in the plaza was ill-fated from the outset. Sugar maples have very deep root systems and with the freeway beneath the plaza there is no way those planter boxes could be deep enough. Other varieties of maple may be able to survive, but...replacing them every year?? I think that's about as realistic as us signing a decent third baseman :)

Bob Lee, My Bad! You are the winner for #17 CHS. Just don't hate on Frank Tarkenton again!

Yeah, seriously. Hate on me instead.

Tavaris Suck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think part of the reason we are getting Hops Bats is because they will be tall and skinny - maximizing the view of the stadium as one approaches up the 6th St. plaza walkway. Why plant trees with broad canopies that would obstruct the stadium view? The idea is brilliant.

It's Tarvaris, if you're going to constantly post vikings quarterback names, at least spell them right.

I heard a rumor, someplace, and forgive me if it's already been mentioned here: but I heard that the pressbox at TF will be named for Herb Carneal?

I love how people say they "heard a rumor someplace." If your not starting the rumor than why can't you say where that "someplace" is?

holy christmas, you can't get anybody excited and curious around here.

from Sid Hartman's column in the Trib, and I quote:
" ... The Twins have sold 1,500 new season tickets for 2009 at the Metrodome and expect to renew 90 percent of the 2008 season ticketholders. ... The new Target Field pressbox will be named in honor of the late broadcaster Herb Carneal. ... Former star Twins pitcher Jack Morris will remain with the team as a broadcaster and work in public relations."

click my name for the link and go to page 3.

I really like the look of Target Plaza. I like how the shape of the shade canopies mimic Target Field's canopy. The curved planting beds soften the look of the plaza. The topiaries add great height and visual interest to the plaza without taking up much ground space. The wind veil is such a great design idea, far more captivating then any banner could be. Especially when it will be back lit with LEDs. Overall, I love that it steps outside the box and is imaginitive and has its distinguishes itself from any other ballpark.

A couple things I don't quite understand is bronze glove statue. I know they stated it will be an area where kids can play and climb, but I would love to see something more here. Also, it feels they have left out the Twins pro shop area. Its kind of the ugly step sister to Target Plaza. I really hope they incoporate more of the design ideas from Target Plaza to that area. I am also hoping they plan on using something more the concrete for the bench areas under the canopies. I know we don't know what type of materials they will be using. It would be nice to have a tan stain on the concrete floor so that it would fit in nicely with the limestone exterior like in earlier renderings.

"It would be nice to have a tan stain on the concrete floor so that it would fit in nicely with the limestone exterior like in earlier renderings."

This is a good idea!

oh thanks margaret for the correction. i was about to suggest that the centerfield fence and trees be dusted with powdered sugar.

gimme a break.

Nice to see cement in the club level. I hope the new ballpark serves the same dome dogs with a differen't name. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Calories.

RE: KUMBAYA

What i meant to say was, KUMBAYA, you are right on!! Totally agree!

do you mean the Dome Dogs Gus?
they are mighty good. however, they are a Metrodome thing. TF's best bet, don't carry over anything from the Dome.

one other question I have - does anyone know when they plan to begin the scoreboard installation?

They'd have to have a ceremony where they take the Homeplate out of the dome and move it to TF, like the Nationals did with RFK to Nationals Park.

The scoreboard will go in this summer. Actually according to the new time line I got from the Twins earlier this week, it looks like only the sound system and lighting won't be done by fall. With the Front Office moving in this fall/winter.

I could totally see TC Bear dong the ceremony.

nice. the "ballpark poet" is back! it has been a while since you last visited us. welcome back.

Beta

They could have a ceremony, but they are going to use the plate that the ballpark bill was signed on for Target Field...But the Home Plate where 2 WS were won should be in the museum at TF. (but I'm guessing that the Home Plate has been changed since '87 and '91)...

way too long without a post here... but i figured i'd chime in.

reporters generally are a cynical lot... reporters in this town, in this economic environment moreso. bell appears to be reacting in a snotty manner to a snotty question. bad form i suppose, but watching what was going on it seemed like he felt the reporter was trying sour something exciting. still... jerry's a professional... probably shouldn't have risen to the bait as it will jaundice coverage going forward.

That said, the Stribune is a confusing paper, and it's editorial motives are not always clear. if you haven't read Sen. Klobuchar's book "Uncovering the Dome" (which she wrote as a senior at Harvard) I encourage it.

The strib was gangbusters for the dome on its current siting largely because of their ownership of tracts of land in the lower downtown area. some of this came to light in the late 90's when they were going big for the Gold Medal Park site (which would have been near their holdings as well)

while the paper was in favor of the rapid park site that is being built upon... they weren't terribly enthusiastic... whether this has to do with their lack of a financial stake is hard to say... keep in mind, i don't mean to overemphasize this potential motive... only to raise it as a point.

as for the plaza... the hops are interesting... but i have a sneaking suspicion that that feature and this glitter wall will not age terribly well. personally, i'd prefer banners over the glitter wall... then you can change them each season.

this particular feature set seems a bit too... novel for a park that is aiming to be an instant classic. hell, i'd even be okay with lining planters at the base of the parking ramp and let the ivy or hops even cover the whole damn side...

as for the economics of it... this is where it gets tricky in minnesota.

we are... well let's face it... cheap people.

while we love the twins... we don't tend to part with our money... the grousing about ticket prices will be an ongoing gripe. if you guys remember back in the beginning of all this the team had almost no outfield seating... fans complained, and we got left field... in all it's beauty.

the character of the park is going to change when the twins come back to earth and realize that... as nice as the new park and trying to cater to wealthy patrons is... most minnesotans are just damned cheap (they should realize this... given they were owned by Carl Pohlad the consummate skinflint)

i'm actually very interested in seeing which sections are the first to not sell out in the new park (my hunch is the corners in the lower deck)

just ramblings at 4 am... be gentle with the flaming.

-cj

I remember reading Klobuchar's book when I was a kid.

Please forgive me for asking a non-Target Field question, but I am curious -

Kauffman Stadium in KC is undergoing massive renovations this year, and will be fully complete by next year. Are they keeping the outfield waterfalls? It doesnt look like it from some of the webcams and renderings I've seen.

luke - the Kauffman renovations were mainly last year and are scheduled to be completed soon for Opening Day 2009.

I think they are keeping the waterfalls in the outfield, however, they may have changed them slightly since they have added some outfield seating as well as an outfield plaza type of thing.

what's cool is we are going to have all these little ceremonies to prepare for the park's opening. the homeplate transfer, the concessions showcase for the media, the install of that beautiful green grass, the scoreboard testing and yes....the first massive toilet flush!

Luke,

I am going to Kaufman in late june, they will keep the waterfull but are going to make the outfield plaza so you can walk all the way around insted of having to stop and turn around in the corners which really sucked, has anybody been to the new bush in STL? we are going b4 KC in June and would liek to know the ins and outs...

Tim - Who gets to take the crap that goes down the toilet for the first flush?

I nominate a Strib employee! "Years of crap, down the toilet!"

How many games/years until Target Field does NOT sell out? I am excited for the new ballpark, but am curious when others think the novelty/honeymoon wears off?

My guess 1.5 years.

Two more new sections are being built...one of the main grandstand and the upper level...it seems like there is a new section being built everyday....its so much fun to watch this thing grow and look more and more like a ballpark as each day passes!

I give it a couple years, just because it is baseball and tickets are always going to be available when you have 81 home games, especially with the unbalanced schedule. Tickets for the Royals, Tigers, White Sox, and Indians games will be easy to come by since we play them 8-9 times at home each year. There will also be a few more day games added to the schedule(primarily in April-May), which could come into play.

Fortunately for the Twins, it will be a smaller ballpark with approximately 40,000 capacity, which will create a better demand for tickets.

After the inaugural season in 2010, it will ultimately come down to the product on the field. As long as the Twins remain competitive, they should have no problem filling the place beyond 2010 and 2011.

Max,

If the Twins offseasons in the new park are as uneventful as the past 2, the ballpark will be half empty in 2 years tops.

They are busily hanging limestone on the train track side. Looking good...

thanks kevin, you big wet blanket.

#18 CHS should happen any minute now! I hope you all are monitoring the webcam by minimizing this site and going back and forth regularily. It is a great way to spend a Friday afternoon if I do say so myself.

I also have another contest idea! Here it is. Once the season starts, I'd like to keep track if that day's home game in the dumpty dome would have been a cancellation due to inclement weather if the 2009 season had actually been played at TARGET FIELD. I'll get the new contest going on April 6 at 7:10 pm. I'll keep track of a running total. I'm so thankful TF will not have a roof! Doubleheaders in 2010 baby!!

I meant postponed

I also remember the newspaper advocating for the current Metrodome site. Their financial interest in the surrounding land was well known. That's not why the Metrodome site was chosen however. A central location, surrounded by freeways, within walking distance to the 'U', on cheap land. It was pretty much a no-brainer. The joke was on them though. The land they owned never did increase in value, and they still own it.

Locker- that's a good idea. If we're taking bets I'm going to put a prediction in for five theoretical home games being cancelled in 2009... Maybe the winner could get an umbrella or something.

thanks for the info on Kauffman.

Mike - you're true on the "product on the field" stuff. especially those early-and late-season games, when it has a chance of being cold and wet. people wont want to sit out in that for two or three hours, if the team is bad or has no promise.

back in 1997, the Twins had it made. they designed a 50,000 seat, retractable roof ballpark, on the riverfront (where the Guthrie and Gold Medal Park are now)...I wonder if we had built that, how many of those 50,000 seats would be full today.

I look at Baltimore, Texas, Colorado...all decent sized parks, that are usually half-full, if even that. so i think we're better off with the park we ended up with.

Locker, you only get to go to the remainder of the postponed game, though dont ya? unless you get tickets or had tickets for the next game.

Double, When I was in Denver (Rox vs. Nats) last summer, the night game was rained out. It was awesome sitting in the rain with about 20 folks in my section talking baseball and the Twins for about an hour before they called the game. It was amazing how many folks in Colorado like the Twins. Anyway, the ticket could be used for any game the remainder of the season for equal of less value, or you could trade it in for a better ticket and pay the difference. My son and I were lucky enough that they decided to play two the next day. The tickets we had were good for both games. It was the most fun I've had at baseball games ever. All day and night OUTSIDE watching two pretty bad teams the next day eating, catching sun, and... Back to waiting for the #18 CHS! Peace.

Luke, it's called moving on.. Now, get over it! It should be 10 times better than that poor excuse for a Ballpark in Milwaukee.

No CTM, it wont be 10 times better than "that poor excuse for a Ballpark in Milwaukee," it'll be more like 30 or 40 times better. Milwaukee's park is...not great. i dont even know if they use the retractable roof anymore cause it makes so much flaming noise.
They should have just renovated County Stadium.

Hey everyone, went down to take some pictures this morning. Click my name for them. Was it any of you here with a Black Hyundai atop the B garage?

Great pics Camden - it means a lot to all of us displaced Minnesotans.

Thanks for the pics Camden!

I am surprised they are working on a Saturday. Are they behind schedule or do some crews normally work on Saturdays?

The upper deck seating seems steeper than normal and really high. Or just perception. Nice pics Camden.

i think it seems high because they can't really "build out" because of the limited land area; so they have to "build up", which I have heard HOK Sport is really good at. that approach has gotten praise and criticism...
it does seem steep up there, Kudos on the pics Camden, especially the seats known as the USBank Home Run Porch out in left. those seats look really steep.

PS - I've heard different "projected dimensions" at Target Field. I've heard as short as 402 to center (ballparks.com), and as far as 411 to center (some Twins promo material). I think the website says 404 to center. i've also heard the distance down the left field line at 339 feet and i've heard it at 328. these are pretty big differences, have they come up with exact numbers, or won't we know until the place is finished?

I was down there today prob about 2 hours ago, we were in the ramp looking out at the field but no black car

It was actually fairly early in the morning. Probably around 10am or so when I was there.

As for steepness, the upper deck in foul territory doesn't seem too terrible to me. The worst part about it is that its a fair distance away from the field. Though I can't really complain for sitting in the Cheap Seats for season tickets the last few years.

Right now I'm debating between the outfield seats in upper right field. (My pictures pov), and upper deck behind homeplate. For some reason on my questionnaire I didn't put left field bleachers. I know I'm an idiot on that one.

But the right field seats did seem very steep from the B ramp. But I was very impressed with the view. Seemed very intimate, like you would be right on top of the infield almost. With the steepness, it looks like minimal obstructions below.

great article in the minneapolis tribune by jim souhan about bill smith and the short comings of the twins front office this off-season. good read.

takes some well written and well deserved shots at dr. no (a.k.a. bill smith).

click on my name for link to the story.

LF Bleecher bum 4 life!!!!!!!!!! Camden you better call your sales rep and get in on this! the bleechers is where we will grow as community!...

LF Bleecher bum 4 life!!!!!!!!!! Camden you better call your sales rep and get in on this! the bleechers is where we will grow as community!...

Well I'll see what I can do, I doubt they can change anything. Hopefully bobby pascally can change me from the $12 seats to that. I'm thinking I might be a little intoxicated though.

number 18 is being lifted into place right now!

Beta - that was a good article. Looks like not everyone at the Strib has a brain made of oatmeal.

Walking by the site this morning, the Left field bleacher level concourse looks nearly all poured...looking awesome!! Mazarati will be out there scoring a brat before you know it.

Do I get credit for #18 even if there may or may not still be something connected to it? Or does it have to be free-standing? It's hard to tell from the current webcam shot. Locker, can we have a ruling?

I have yet to see a good article by Jim Souhan, including that one. By the way, it looks like Crede might finally be lowering his price (see The Sunday morning Crede report, on LENIII's blog), now that Bill Smith had the GOOD SENSE to hold off on signing him.

In the past, the first one to spot the next CONNECTED CHS wins. However, since it was technically connected by a rope/wire of some sort, I'll give the victory for #18 to my loyal competitor kumbaya. Nice Job Kum! Not Coomer I hope!

I also went to TCF bank stadium on sat b4 TF that place has to be about 98% done on the outside.. they are installing the scoreboard its huge.. I cant wait for our scoreboard to start being installed @ TF...even though I will never see it from the LF bleachers I still cant wait

At TwinsFest a few weeks ago, I talked with a ballpark rep. I noticed on the drawings, that the upper deck and outfield seats looked steep. I asked him about it, and he told me that it does look steep, but it will not be nearly as steep as the Metrodome upper deck.

I posted some more pictures i took today

Plaza action is heating up. They filled in a bunch of the planter holes. The stairs to the skyway are progressing. They have a couple of pieces of stone down - either as a test or they are actually starting to lay it. The right lane of 6th Street has been torn up as start of walkway connection.

The small scoreboard (east end) at TCF Bank Stadium is up and running!

I checked out the webcam and it was displaying some different colors, so they must have just installed it today and were testing some of the connections.

any idea what the left field crane has on webcam 2?

I like baseball.

From SportsBusiness Journal -

"The Minnesota Twins have settled on building 54 conventional suites at Target Field instead of the 60 they had initially planned.

To fill the void at the ballpark, set to open in 2010, the Twins are developing a 110-person supersuite down the left-field line in a large space providing a great view of downtown Minneapolis, said Steve Smith, the team’s vice president of ticket sales and service. It could also be split into two smaller units depending on demand.

Until now the Twins did not offer a supersuite product at Target Field, but after seeing what other clubs have done with group spaces in their new ballparks, including new Yankee Stadium, they decided to develop their own, Twins President Dave St. Peter said."

Very interesting Luke. I just did a little math in my head and it seems like this is a financial windfall for the club. Depending upon the cost of those 6 suites they are replacing, the supersuite could yield up to 8 times as much revenue. Somebody saw the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow....

Speaking of Yankee Stadium, click for updated pics today.

I still can't make up my mind on whether or not this stadium is a "great" park. It has all the amenities, great sitelines, etc...but there's something about it that seems to lack charm. Maybe seeing it in person would be better.

OG Jeff,

The sightlines of NYS are not that great in center field. The closer you are to the batters eye, the more obstructed your view. I'm not a fan of the seating bowl as it moved the fans farther from the field than OYS. Of the 2 new parks in NY, CitiField will be major improvement over Shea. I'm not sure of the same in regards to NYS vs OYS.

LF upperdeck stadia and Scoreboard work!!

Yankee Stadium is... cold. but in terms of facilities it looks like it's tip top. i'm not sure that it meets PNC/Oriole Park/SBC "instant classic" guidelines... but then again, there's no way it ends up as a miller park/minute maid/nationals style disappointment either.

if you go back to ricks critiques of the design from months ago... i think the relaxed incline in the upper deck and the lack of middle-class, baseball crazy fans (priced out by NYS's insane ticket prices) will be what makes it "not a classic". the fawning over it will be intense in the first few weeks (i've never heard a bad review of a new facility going back to 89, that INCLUDES new comiskey, which was a debacle, but the sox have made it home)

Does anyone know what exactly they might be doing to the scoreboard today?

They might be beginning installation today, or at least prepping for it. Looking at the press release, they were to install some components in April pending site conditions, with full installation be completed in August. My guess with Daktronics in town to install the scoreboards at TCF Bank Stadium, that they decided to get some work done at Target Field as well.

i thought it was interesting too Max. But it seems like lots of teams are combining individual suites. The Timberwolves took out like seven suites to make Club Cambria - I dont know who was responsible, but they did that at the Dome too, hence the Ticket Exchange Touchdown Club and the party suite over in Left Field...so, I do think the Twins are making a good move on that.

The one thing I particularly like at Citi field is the giant neon Pepsi sign. A few other ballparks have some standout neon signs as well.

Though others may disagree, I'd like to see Target field get a giant neon sign. Maybe that could be the signage that goes above the seats in front of the parking ramp.

Dale, I agree with you. A big neon sign would be cool. Click my name for the article that Rick wrote mentioning the inclusion of a large neon animatronic sign at Target Field...I really hope they build it!

we're getting our animated "twins" sign with the guys shaking hands across the river after every morneau bomb onto the plaza...you promised DSP, don't let us rubes down.

It looks like the work being done on the scoreboard was the addition of the framework for add space on the left side of the scoreboard.

i like a gigantic "grain belt premium" or "summit brewing co." neon that lights up like the citgo sign, outside the stadium

Yes, a large "Summit Brewing Co." neon sign would be awesome. Might be a good investment for Summit too if they want to spread out their market area.

Looks like the "towers" behind the right field upper deck seats were painted black and supports were installed for glass to go on the sides. But I could be wrong

does anyone know what the actual capacity is going to be?

40,000

Wonder how many of that will be available for single game ticket sales??

Somebody get a hold of St. Peter and tell him to get his ass in gear. Surely he could be updating his Ballpark Blog more than once every 4-6 weeks. Real weak sauce...

Max,

I talked to Patrick Forslund of the Twins (Manager, Call Center & New Ballpark Migration) while at Twinsfest and he said the Twins ultimate goal for 2010 is to have 20,000 season tickets. That would be approximately 50% of the total capacity being occupied by season ticket holders. As of January, season tickets were sitting around 13,000 for 2009.

Now, I am not sure how that 20,000 is calculated amongst the 20 and 40 game plans, but tickets are definitely going to be much more scarce next year. It really makes me wonder where the Twins will end up with season ticket sales next year in relation to their 20,000 goal, considering the economy and many other things going on.

I noticed in the seat relocation guide that there are a few different seating areas that are N/A for season ticket sales, so I am sure they are saving those areas exclusively for single game ticket sales. Those areas include the Pavilion, RF overlook, RF bleachers, and Batter's Eye.

I thought it was 43,000.

Is anyone else finding it interesting/encouraging to see how steep the different levels of seating are? Some of the renderings made the main bowl appear almost flat while the steepness of the upper deck didn't look particularly distinctive. But webcam 2 gives us a great idea of how steep the bowl/upper deck will actually be, and I'm loving it!

Hey Rick,

Do you have a counterpart that is as interested in TCF Bank stadium as you are with TF? Pretty pathetic how frequently the Gophs update their stadium information. Anyone know where I can get more stadium/construction updates?

Max, just thought I would share this. I copied and pasted a paragraph from one of Mr. St. Peter's entries in October where he stated that his intent will be to share an insiders view of ALL ASPECTS of the development of Target Field. How about a little follow through with that intent.

Note: Apologies to fans across Twins Territory for my delinquency in updating this blog. The work on Target Field is fast and furious - as is the pace across the Minnesota Twins organization. With the World Series heading toward conclusion my intent and hope is to continue to share an "insiders" view of all aspects of the development of Target Field. Thanks for your support. - Dave St. Peter

I love the fact that the canopy actually covers most, if not all, of the upper deck seats.
In most ballparks the canopies are pointless, because they only shelter like 5 rows of seats...

Maybe St. Peter has been busy with his Speech Therapy classes. OUCH

Ha Bust Out Laughing +1 Steeks...

Thanks for that Jeff. I am just real disappointed. It isn't rocket science to keep the masses satisfied. You know he'll find time to be in Fort Myers in the next few weeks. Also how long could it possibly take him to write a 500 word synopsis. I used to be able to crank out 5 page papers in college in 30-45 minutes....

I was looking at the MBA board meeting agenda for tomorrow and noticed that they are having a special session for the Ballpark District Enhancements. Here is a list of projects that they will be discussing.

1. Background on previous planning efforts, recommendations, and goals

2. Progress since the MBA’s 2008 Work session

a. Plaza Enhancements and extension to 1st Avenue North

b. Elevated Walkway from Ramp A to the ballpark

c. City of Minneapolis commitment of $2 million for costs associated with the Transportation Management Plan and general pedestrian improvements

3. Potential priorities for sidewalk/streetscape improvements

a. 3rd Avenue - 5th Street to Washington (City 2009 reconstruction project)

b. 3rd Avenue - 7th Street to 12th Street (pedestrian and bike improvements)

c. 7th Street - From promenade/home plate entrance along the HERC property

d. 7th Street - From 2nd Avenue to Hennepin

e. 5th Street – From 3rd Avenue to 1st Avenue

f. Other

It'll be interesting to see what issues they currently see and what ideas they have to remedy the problems with their current budget.

Although I haven't seen any actual construction details,I find it difficult to believe some sort of planter for overstory trees couldn't be incorporated into the plaza design. A planter approximately 8 ft. square and 4 ft deep ,insulated, with possibly an electric heat cable to prevent freezing out,would be adequate for many species of trees,such as honeylocust, Armstrong maple,Parkway norway maple,etc. Some allowance would have to be made for the additional weight,and some mortality would have to be anticipated,but I would have to think it would be worth the risk involved.

Looks like the Mets are trying to shy away from that terrible Domino-- er, Citi Field patch someone designed. Clique please.

Elevated Walkway from Ramp A to the ballpark?

I know we've discussed this before, but where exactly will this enter the ballpark?

OG Jeff, according to a thread on baseball-fever.com, that logo will only appear on hats. The domino remains the main logo for everything else. Same too, that new logo looks so much better.

baseball-fever.com is disappointing, they do not post enough on target field over there.

I agree with you J2K, it seems that our canopy is distinctive and I love it.

From my walk by today:

- The canopy (maybe not the final material) seems to be corrugated.
- The interior of the intermodal station looks to be really coming along. They have installed light fixtures and everything.
- The frame for the stairway from the plaza to the skyway has been poured.
- They have already filled in the planter holes for the planters that will not exist with the new plaza design.
- The progress on the limestone installation on the 3rd base side is incredible. I wouldn't be surprised if that entire side is completed next week.
- How do you think they will get the limestone to the exterior of left center? I don't think they have a large enough crane to lift a piece over the scoreboard. I guess they would have to be loaded off the truck by a mobile crane right one the 5th street bridge.

That is all.

I don't think any of the outfield exterior is going to have limestone on it

I can't wait until they start the install of interior limestone (down the 3rd base line, behind home plate, etc.). It's going to look amazing!

Awesome Souhan article this morning on Morneau and how much he wants to Finnish his career in Minnesota. We really have a stand up team of which we can all be extremely proud.

clicky clicky

I don't know if this would work, but what about some limestone behind the fir trees out in center field. I think the little hint of limestone peaking through the trees might look nice and be reminiscent of the Minnesota river valley. Who cares if it takes away from the batter picking up the ball a little easier.

Jeff, I like the idea, but I think the batters eye needs to be pretty much one color. The only ballpark I can think of with different colors in the batters eye is the Angels park, but the rocks might be a little left center.

and dont forget limestone in my lil nook (lf bleechers) on the inside of the admin blgd....looks like my area will be almost done anyday now ready for bleechers!!!!

i agree that interior limestone will look great against the green field and seats, although i know not everyone here is a fan of the green seats.

the park is made for morneau. that plaza will be a place for kids to stand with gloves waiting for one of his blasts while he's at bat. everything about the baseball experience will be an upgrade in only one year.

Just scored seats for the Twins trip to Wrigley in June. Gonna be a zoo!!!!

Me too - it was a biotch getting tix. I still want Sunday tix but zero luck.

The Ballpark Authority has updated the construction gallery for February.

Yea Steeks I was in the Virtual Waiting Room for 2+ hours...and I think that was quick. My laptop has been in the VWR since 9:30am. Where are your seats?

They aren't great, Section 208, Row 17. I've never been to Wrigley so I'm happy just to be in the building. I'm thinking I'll Stub Hub for the Sunday game - and pay the markup.

I was going to do the wrigley trip this yea but decided to do the St Louis-Kansas city insted.. back to back...

KC is a must every year for me so a 2 city tour would be great

The only outdoor professional games I've been to were at Hammond Stadium and City of Palms Park. I'm a Metrodome Generation Minnesotan.

Steeks,
Me too, im a metrodome baby, hammond is nice i been there once.. i wonder how much i will go on road trips when we open out new park... i go on 2 a year kc and milwakee for like the last 6 years...

when did the Twins leave Tinker Field in Orlando for Hammond in Fort Meyers? Was that in the 1991 season? I can't remember. All i know is it's been a long time since Twins spring training was in Orlando.

1990 was the last year in Orlando as Hammond Stadium opened in 1991.

The Twins deal in Fort Myers runs through 2011.

Looks like we're about to sign Crede. Let's hope he gives us one healthy year until Danny Valencia is ready for the majors.

Thanks Mike. I wonder if the Twins will maybe think Arizona after the Hammond deal is up? Or will they renew in Fort Meyers?

here is a link to the crede story that lafferty is referring to from SI.com

click on my name for the article

here is a link to the story that lafferty is referring to. from SI.com

click on my name

I'm so mad I couldn't get Wrigley tix. I didn't get in the waiting room until 2:30, and two hours later they were sold out. Chepest ticket on the resale sites is 70 bux.

Looks like I'll be doing the STL - KC trip instead. How many home runs will Crede have by then? Probably 40....

Sausage King Of Chicago:

Nut up and get yourself some Bleacher seats. You'll thank me later....

Yes Luke, they will try like mad to stay in Ft Myers after 2011, they love the close proximity to Naples (which is Minneapolis south during March)...If not, AZ is very aggressive in getting ballparks built. We have a Tourism/Sports Authority tax that pays for all of the ballparks and their upkeep - GEE WHAT A CONCEPT, we make the tourists pay for it!!! Something the dolts at the MN legislature can never grasp is the rental car tax.

Anyhow, if the Twins can't get what they want from south Florida, look for them in Phoenix in 2012 - even more Minnesotans live here than Florida. AZ has become such an attractive place for spring training because all of the teams play in one metropolitan area - easy travel. In FL, they're traveling all over the state to play teams. Tucson is gradually losing their spring teams to Phoenix. White Sox have moved up to Glendale and the D-Backs and Rockies aren't far behind. The Indians and Dodgers moved to AZ this year and the Reds will be joining the Indians at their complex in Goodyear next spring. Dodgers are sharing their complex with the White Sox at Camelback Ranch in Glendale (1/4 mile from my house).

Florida needs to get with it or they'll only have the far east coast teams training in their state. I know there's been a big push down here to lure the St. Louis Cardinals and Detroit Tigers.

interesting. thanks kev.

Thank god its finally official! Click name.

Crede, thank god.

BTW, this stadium is going to be off the chain!

wow, this weekend has been fantastic!

could there be more than 81 games left in the dome?

Kev, the other thing that Arizona has over Florida is weather. It rarely rains in the afternoons in Arizona, and, while not like summers where you can set your watch by the afternoon rains in FLA, Arizona is still drier...

Moose

How about a Texas league.....Just a thought

i lived in florida and the afternoon rains are a summer thing. March is beautiful in florida. i don't see the twins moving for the reason stated earlier in the thread. southwest florida is populated by thousands of minnesotans, snowbirds and others. arizona is more a chicago destination. not saying they wouldn't move for purely financial reasons, like if an arizona city came to them with shovels of money, but the twins have become a winter institution in the ft myers/naples area.

In the end, it comes down to money. AZ has a lot of people centralized in one area, with money to spend. That's why teams have moved to AZ. Another overlooked fact is that a high majority of MLB players live in the Phoenix area.

Dave St. Peter updated his blog.
A couple interesting points in my opinion are:
1. Bronzed Twins statues - there are still working on a creative design, the location, and the designated players for the statues.

2. He stated "currently" the old Met flag pole will stand on the extended entrance (6th street and 1st Ave.) for Target Plaza. To me it still sounds like the location of the flag pole is not set in stone yet.

3. Another major sponsor will be announced in the next week or so.

4. The Twins will have reps at both openings for Citi Field and Yankee Stadium.

Jeff, thanks for the update.

The flagpole should be the main one used for the Stars and Stripes. Why relegate this piece of Minnesota baseball history to a narrow platform out of sight of the ballpark itself?

Any takers on who the statues should represent? An incomplete list of people to consider:

Walter Johnson
Tony O.
Goose Goslin
Sam Rice
Carew
Puckett (pumping fist shot from game 6)
Jim Perry
Killer
Bob Allison
Bert - With Telestrator (just kidding!)

There are so many!

other statues

Hrbek - glove held out fist pumping (at the conclusion of the famous 3-2-3 double play.

the Allison statue should be laid out diving for a fly ball.

TK?

how many statues are there gonna be? I vote for Puckett, Killabrew, Carew, Olivia, and Johnson at least

How about a statue of Ron Davis?

I think that the flag pole should be above CF, like it was at the Met. That would make CF better.

Davis? I guess the birds need something to aim at.

Ron Davis can be the designated gum post.

Ha yeah the number of statues is a bit ridiculous. There should probably be 2-3 tops. Wonder if the Twins Front Office has (pardon the pun) buried the hatchet with Kirby in death. Things were mighty ICY at 34 Kirby Puckett Place between the team and Kirby after they took away/he declined his 500K/year VP gig. You'd hope there aren't any long term grudges being held especially for the most popular Twin in their history.

I think 3 is the right number. Puckett, Killebrew, and Carew.

BTW: Nice of St. Peter to get off his ass and update the blog. That had to take an entire 15-20 minutes to compile.

the washington players will not be part of statues; as we've discussed before all baseball history from washington was left in washington and the nationals claimed it. notice how the twins don't show any of the the retired senators numbers? (ie johnson?)

I know that the canopy will have the main lighting incorporated into it, but will there be any lights in the outfield? I was looking back at the model pictures and at first glance, didn't see any. Wont shadows be an issue if its just from the infield side of play?

Eric - the latest renderings have a huge section of lights above the scoreboard. There will be plenty of light. The "halo" lighting effect works pretty well, since the lights are dispersed so evenly around the field.

On another note, I've been really impressed to see how Citi Field has come together. My expectations weren't to high for this park, but it's got a pretty cool look to it. I'm much more excited to see a game there than at NYS.

Max, I agree on Pucket, Killebrew and Carew. But you cannot, I will say again, cannot omit Tony Oliva. Those are the four.

Eric - first off, OG Jeff is correct, there will be a bank of lights on top of the scoreboard. Second, Wrigley has lights only on the roof (and none in the outfield), ad that's worked for 20 years, so I'm sure it's not an issue...

Moose

I think the interior of Citi is much more welcoming than NYS. It seems like a much better place to see a game. I looks very pleasnat. NYS as a whole feels like a bank to me...very cold.

On the other hand, I think the exterior of Citi is pretty mediocre. It kind of reminds me of Block E or some other fake old time mall. I know its supposed to be Ebbets II, but it just wasn't done with that kind of quality and attention to detail.

OG, I definitely agree with your comment on Citi field. I was thinking that would humble in comparison to NYS, but the seating bowl of NYS is not very imaginative, and looks like the views to the outside of the stadium are absent. The concourses looks like a cross between a museum and a fancy shopping mall. In my opinion, Citi has got a lot more 'character' and given a choice, I'd rather visit Citi.

Funny, the Yanks are having a mighty hard time moving their $350 dollar seats in Sections 115-125 (1B to 3B). It seems they priced themselves out of the marketplace on these. No problem selling the real high end to Wall Street at $2500/seat and no problem selling the low end (under a $100/seat) to the carpet layer in Jersey, but in between is proving to be a real struggle.

Could be lots of empty seats on ESPN/YES Network this season. How embarrassing.

Where's everyone that was shining and complaining and using all the derogatory names they could come up with for Twins management for not signing Crede? Wooops.

It's ok I got a nice recipe for crow. It's a dish best served cold.

It's really ridiculous how expensive the seats at NYS are. I know the cost of living is higher, but those seats are 7x more expensive than at Target Field, absolutely ridiculous. And the lower deck left field is going for $75 compared to what a bout $20 at Target Field. I won't feel bad for them at all if they fail to sell out at that price. It's their own fault for mis-figuring value and actually looking at other stadiums pricing across the country. How much were those seats at OYS?

Cisco field is dead (click name).

Thanks David. who made the comment on that article that the Twins' new ballpark is going to be "300 million"? last I heard we're building it for 522 million. I wonder if the A's will now reconsider moving elsewhere.

Anybody read the articles in today's Trib and Press about the Vikings continued ploy for a new stadium? 30 games left, and the Dome might be totally empty...

i caught a glimpse in a Web video - the Twins will have a dark blue, oval patch with Carl's signature right below the Metrodome - 1982-2009 sleeve patch.
wish i could find a decent pic to leave a link...

Here's an image of that sleeve luke.

Cisco Field was a dumb idea. Fremont is so far from Oakland and isn't served by major mass transit. The Oakland Coliseum is a short walk from a BART station. The only idea almost as dumb as Cisco Field is a football stadium in the Inland Empire. I remember after original talks with Oakland fell through they mentioned San Jose or Sacramento - would probably need a roof for AC, it's hot there during summer months. It seems all other cities would require a roof due to climate, which of course adds to the cost. Maybe the owner should go see why everyone is talking about Oklahoma City, although it would seem OKC would be about as miserable as Arlington, TX in August so they would need a roof for AC and daily tornado warnings. Vegas is always mentioned but they have major budget problems right now and hardly any tourists with the bad economy, plus it's nearly as hot as Phoenix = roof. Portland is too close to Seattle and it rains a lot = roof. Maybe they can move the A's to Salt Lake City and make all the players wear magic underwear.

still dont know why they don't put the A's Stadium at the Alameda Naval Base (now abandoned) you could get the land for damn near nothing, it's near transit, has great views of everything... a great place.

19

always-always-always-always-always love that one

You've gotta be kidding me!

Sorry, I couldn't resist. I miss the Radio Romeo...

Nice Job Rosey! Now pleace don't accept the trade to Minnesota! The last thing we need is to waste another draft pick on a back-up QB like you. We'll sign 50 year old Jeff Garcia and roll the dice. GO CREDE!!
Who is gonna spot #20 CHS??

Is it me, or does it seem like they've been dicking around with the exterior of the Metropolitain Club for months now? What the heck are they doing? Washing the windows?

Are they past Home Plate yet? I don't check out the webcams on a regular basis.

DSP was on KFAN this morning and said park construction is 4 hours ahead of schedule. 4 hours? guess they've got this thing clocked to the second over there!

LaVelle's reporting that Bonser has a torn rotator cuff and labrum. Looks like there's now an opening in the pen for Humber.

They are starting plaza construction. Looks like its taking up a lot of space on the right side

They installed the glass on the end of the Metropolitan Club, then they took it off and have been doing more work. I assume there was a mistake made, because the glass was nearly finished.

That was my main concern for the plaza design(aside from the huge ugly bat things) was how much space is being taken up for no reason. It's gonna be very crowded there

Red sox Twins on MLB Network today at 6

crazy question - but Ronnie Newman, the infamous Metrodome organist, is he still alive? I was wondering if he'd make the move over to TF, or whether the Twins will opt for the pre-recorded music for games - but I can't remember if he's still alive...

They are testing various colors on the TCF Bank Stadium ribbon boards right now... looks pretty cool

I don't think he does games anymore...I remember an older lady doing it.

Yes I hope they have a real organ at TF. And not some chintzy circus organ like they have at UScell.

There's no way a major league team will move to OKC. I lived there for five years (hating every minute of it) and they already have the Redhawks, the Rangers AAA club. About ten years ago they dumped A TON of money kicking off a huge development called Bricktown. It's a pretty neat area and the ballpark is a great venue right in the middle of it all. I guess it holds about 13,000 people but I never saw it sold out. BTW, it's frickin' hot as all get out between June and August. Though one good promotion they run is one section has $20-all-you-can-eat seats. Wonder what it would take for TF to do that.

They tried all you can eat seats last season at the dome (though one can only really eat so many dome dogs and nachos). Not sure how it worked out or weather or not they will have it at TF.

Ronnie Newman died a few years back. Sue Nelson had been the organist for quite some time. I just hope the organ at the new ballpark doesn't sound anything like the pathetic one at the Dome. I love the one they had at the Met. Listen to the 1965 WS audio on MLB.com and you'll hear what I mean.

Looks like the stadia in centerfield started going up yesterday. Anyone know why they're starting there and not next to the admin portion?

I couldn't agree more Kevin, I don't know if its the organ at the dome or the terrible acoustics in the dome or a combination of things, but it doesn't sound like a traditional baseball organ and it sounds pathetic.

I cannot wait until next year to be able to sit outside on a sunny afternoon/evening and sip a cold beer and BS with the friends/fellow fans while listening to some great classical baseball pre-game organ music while they drag and hose down the dirt infield.

Quality and classic organ music will also be essential when it comes to rain delays.

I'm a little birdy today. Target is forming a "focus group" and is soliciting their employees to become part of this group. They will meet monthly to discuss all things Target Field. They are asking team members to give reasons as to why they are worthy of joining this 10-12 person group. What big ideas would you all like to see? I am trying to get on this group!!

Steeks - I would have to agree with the past 10 or so posts and say ORGAN!

I think the question was asked during the clubhouse tour at Twinsfest and the tour guide said that the organ at the Metrodome is the same organ used at Met Stadium. Acoustics and a bad sound system at the dome are probably the reasons the organ sounds so terrible in there.

More organ - less "Thank God I'm a Country Boy!" at Target Field!

They couldn't pick a worse view of the skyline. This park is going to be sweet, but the view of the skyline is just horrendous. Minneapolis skyline is beautiful but from this location we got the skylines ass.

beggars can't be choosers, ruffle

Beats the Dome's skyline view.

Even I can't find anything to complain about when it comes to the Target Field skyline. Cheer up, Ruffle!

I agree with Ruffle. They should knock it down and build it somewhere else.

hey steeks,
i filled out the same questions earlier today...

If there was a game today, it would totally be snowed out.

Wow, that's a great idea DuluthTim! That should also solve the garbage dump problem!

Ruffle - it depends...if you're sitting on the third base side, I think you'll have a great view of the skyline. sure it wont be so great sitting out in center field and looking at the smoke coming out of HERC...
thanks Kev and others about the info about Newman and the organ. i know, trivial knowledge at best...but i was just curious. it's probably the sound system in the dome, maybe even the aluminum of the retractable seats and the sheer size of the place that makes the organ sound so bad...

I was going to go to one of those All you can eat Twins games last season...i opted out when the news showed the incredible line at the concession stand. i wonder if maybe they'll institute Stored Value tickets at TF...like some clubs are doing now.

I know I can't get the Twins to do this in the new park for a whole host of reasons... which is sad... but I would love to see the end of the damn commercials and minor league crap between innings... give me the organ playing instead.

It's why I like spring games. no stupid crap... no "and now for the fan picks what's behind curtain number 5" or "kiss cam" stupidity.

I would settle for the Twins just doing one or two "purist" games where they don't do the stupid shlock between innings or video board commercials... hell... even a "learn to keep score" game would be more interesting.

Right on CJ. That is the difference between the Amateur Hour in MSP and the serious baseball markets of the Northeast. The Twins wanna play Grab Ass and "entertain" between innings with endless annoying music/drivel. You'd never in a million years see that in Boston or New York. Let's face it Minnesotans are knowledgeable enough or satisfied with the "baseball product" on the field alone. The Twins clearly believe that the off the field shenanigans are the only way to draw the kids and the casual fans. And this is all coming from a lifelong Twins fan who has seen many games all over the country....

**are NOT** knowledgeable enough...

Pretty sure Boston plays "Sweet Caroline". I really wouldn't call that serious baseball. In fact, I'd call it the worst thing ever. Besides, kiss cam is hilarious. If you really want to see commercialism, go to a baseball game in Mexico. They run ads between at-bats. And ya know what? The game still seems pretty pure. Viva beisbol.

At least at TF they will not be able to drive a stupid Dodge onto the field and throw a ball at it from the upper deck.

lol Brian. say, what ever did happen to those good ol airplane tosses anyway?
you reminded me of a story I remember Bert Blyleven talked about in an interview in Twins Magazine (this was several years ago). It was in Anaheim, and they were doing this Dodge Truck thing like at the seventh inning stretch.
well two of the Twins got the keys to Berts Dodge...and they drove HIS truck onto the field.
Bert did a double take and said "Hey, that's my truck!"

C.J.,

Love the idea of a few "purist" games. I understand why they have marketing campaigns to appease the casual fan, but it's about time they do some more for the old school hardcore fan.

I'd also like to see the Twins show more advanced stats on the huge video board at T.F. Instead of just showing R, AVG, HR, RBI etc. they could show K/9, OPS, BABIP, GB%, LD%, WHIP, wOBA, ISO and teach fans what these stats mean.

at least we're not like soccer, we could have a big Verizon Wireless logo on the uniforms instead of the Twins logo

I believe New York was also the first to do that stupid "everybody clap your hands" thing.

The Yankees let me dance in the control booth every game. The fans dance along. Very pure baseball. I hope they keep doing my schtick in NYS. It's SO old-school, with a techno beat.

Eat your heart out, Target Field!

Cotton, that is worse that ANYTHING I've seen at the dome! It may be one of the dumbest things I've ever seen. Makes me appreciate that stupid bear encouraging us to "Fire it up!"

Rumberto,

You do realize that they don't play baseball in February outside the states of AZ and FL. I guess we're gonna hear this weather bullshit from now until next April.

luckylager,

I can't believe that's the same organ as the Met. The pitch is totally different. Was your tour guide old enough to remember the Met? The one at the dome screetches as the one at the Met was much lower pitched. The only ballpark I've been to that has an organ close to sounding like the one at the Met is Kansas City.

Okay, for those that have MLB audio on MLB.com, click on my name. It's game 2 of the '65 World Series. FF to 26:35. That is NOT the same organ as the Dome.

By the way, the Twins ended their purist era by introducing us to Twinkie the Loon. And the children of MN had many many nightmares because of that hideous crow. The only thing that gave me more nightmares was Ron Davis being wheeled from the bullpen to the mound.

I agree Kevin,

I am afraid we are going to hear this weather BS for a long time...

"Well, if this was next year, we wouldn't be playing tonight..."

"We wouldn't have had this issue if we had a retractable roof..."

"This game would have been played if we still had the Dome..."

For the few games that will be affected by weather each season, there is nothing worse than walking into the DOME on a beautiful spring/summer/fall day and watching INDOOR baseball.

I don't know how many times I have walked out of that Metrodome on a summer night looking at that Minneapolis skyline lit up, only to think what it would have been like sitting outside that night watching the Twins play under clear skies, light breeze, temps in the 60's and low 70's.

All I can say is welcome to FIREWORKS NIGHT presented by Dairy Queen/Waste Management/Pepsi/WCCO or whomever...

Um, I think Rumberto was making fun of the weather BS. I laughed. It was funny.

I agree Kevin, it doesn't sound anything like the organ at the Met, but even a vintage Les Paul would sound terrible if played through a crappy amp. I'm just hoping that whatever they do at Target Field, they find a way to recreate that old Met organ sound.

Max, CJ, I don't give a rat's A** what the elitists on the east coast think.. IMO, I saw a yankee game against the Twins on TV, and when a Yankee hit a homerun, they played the most stupid a** sh** through the loud speaker. The kind of sh** at a kid's resturaunt when Sh**ty The Clown would come out and scare away the Birthday boy/Girl. I remember this from 2001, when the Twins had the game won at the bottom of the 11th inning by 3 runs, and we just HAD to get Trombley back because no one else rightfully wanted him, and he gave up a walk-off grand slam, where such stupid sh** came out of the Loud speaker. So DON'T tell me that elitist teams on the east coast don't do stupid A** crap at their ballgames.

It is really exciting to see the upper deck starting to make progress down the 3rd base line now...must suck to work through all that snow now though!

I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't the same organ. A tour guide at the dome once told me that all their music was prerecorded and there wasn't an organ there. I laughed and told him that I had seen it while it was being played in the football pressbox.

CTM,

Isn't a little early to be drinking?

Just playin.

CTM - i was at that twins/yankees game in 2001 at the old yankee stadium. dirty mustache man jason giambi hit the walk off grand slam off mike trombley. up until that at bat giambi was the most hated man on the yankee squad as he hadn't done jack sh*t and everyone thought he was just an overpaid tool. well, they were right about that part afterall.

anyways, just wanted to let you know i was there. sat at field level on the 1st base sife. right as he hit the grand slam it started to rain. was like something out of the movie "the natural" with robert redford.

CTM,

I hear you buddy. I agree, in part because I've seen that obnoxious stuff happen everywhere; kiss cams, video races, ect... All the teams just copy each other. I also agree with you because you terrify me.

Rick,

I think you're right about it drawing attention to how annoying it is the rest of the time... but i think on father's day they should do a "learn to keep score" promotion. I think it would be a great promotion.

As for other stadia... i was at a phils game in 06... i know it's just as bad out east... for my money, i'd rather have it be like spring training games. best part between innings is just enjoying the florida sunshine and talking baseball with the people around you.

my real gripe is how much twins games tend to resemble saints games. it's not as bad as it was in the rotten years... but damn it's close. i haven't set foot inside midway since 95, but i lived 1/4 mile away for 3 years... i heard every bush-league promotion... ugh.

my point would be that the twins have had almost a decade of sustained success. it's time to realize that they have a large core of sophisticated fans, and it's time to further develop that level of fan. people are hooked on the team, and the team will now have stability in target field... time to cater to those premium fans.

Back in my day we didn't have any goooooey kiss cams, and auto-mobeeeeel baseball throwin' contests, and fancy shmancy rap muuuuusic introduction songs. We didn't have ad-vert-is-ments flashing in our faces giving us seizures. We had a piano that mable played and we had peanuts and that was it. If our team was losing or we got bored we stared at the sun until our eyes burned out and we liked it we loved it. Yeah. Fancy eeeeeelectronic scoreboards. Phoooooey.

All you young whippersnappers with your teck-no-lo-geee need to straighten up I tells ya! Buckle down see! Can't have ya distracted by all them bells 'n whistles now.

CJ, I don't understand how such a big fan of the game could be so angered by what happens BETWEEN innings. The Twins have been exceptionally successful in marketing the game and the team. Don't you think all those stupid promotions that you loath are part of the reason why we still have a team at all?? Not to mention an increasingly dedicated fan base.

It all sounds like another person looking to establish their Twins Fan bona fides by saying, "Oooh! ooooh! Look at me! I'm a better/smarter/more hardcore fan than you because I don't like all of the promotions - they take away from the game (insert self-issued pat-on-the-back). Give me a break and get off your hoity-toity soapbox.

And btw, the Vikings should sign me asap because Sage Rosenfels isn't all he's cracked up to be. Sorry Sage, you're a good guy, and a helluva CHS player, but I'm better at football.

I don't know about that Mike Vick, you really wernt that good before you went to jail. All you could do was scramble. Your passing ability was actually as pathetic as your current reputation. And with all that said, you would kill our chances of getting a Vikings stadium built.

CJ,
Saints.games.are.amazing!

As far as the learing how to keep score. I have been to many ballparks that play a video during the pre-game batting practice that teaches people how to keep score before every game. Perhaps the Twins could incorporate this into their pre-game bullshit for those of you who cannot read instructions on a scorecard.

Ruffle,

How could Vick kill something that is already dead? DOA!

kevin - maybe they could replace one of the 3 "first pitches"?

I'll say this... if someone thinks i'm a crotchety old grump because i like baseball... and not the jibber-jabber that goes on around the game... that's fine. i'm not trying to impress anyone, i'm making the case for the game on the field, which I think the Twins could spend more time emphasizing instead of trying to "out saints the saints" (esp. since the saints don't draw krep)

as to why i would get irritated by what goes on between innings... it's a complete game experience as rick has written about many times. the reason the metrodome is so unacceptable isn't the play between the lines (home of 2 world series and a great decade of division winners) but the full-on assault that the stadium wages on the experience of watching the game. The teflon roof, fake grass and overall "plastic" appearance are truly disgraceful to the game. this is compounded by what i, as a fan, believe to be mickey mouse promotions and gimmicks designed to cater to brutally short attention spans.

Yep, I realize it makes me an elitist, cranky curmudgeon. I'm that guy in the stands who refuses to do "the wave" because i think it's bush league. i've popped more than my share of beach balls too, much to the consternation of the section i was in. i don't apologize for it, i'm there to watch the game.

So basically we agree...you're an elitist who won't recognize the role promotions have played in building the Twins fan base. But why do you give other people so much power over your life? Why does one man's beach ball ruin your day? Why does the wave cast a pall over a baseball game? If the dome is so "unacceptable" and "disgraceful" WHY DO YOU GO AND THEN COMPLAIN ABOUT IT?!?!?!? Unbelievable.

Ruffle, I hear your concerns about my arm, but I spent the last year throwing 40 pound medicine balls 65 yards in the prison yard to get ready for the Vikes. Just think of it: Vick and the Vikes...wow. Plus, I've been doing some reading and I have to agree with Kevin - the stadium is probably DOA with or without me. So sign me! ...please?? I need a job!

oh michael, now you've touched a nerve of mine....THE WAVE???? How old are you? 12? The wave belongs at football games, not baseball. Oh and a fan base is not built by promotions, it's built by winning baseball games and having exposure - say on a huge radio station which can be heard all the way down to Albu...oops, they screwed that one up too. The Twins were the king of promotions in the 90s and couldn't draw flies. The only games that had a large ticket sale were bobbleheads and when fans got theirs, they turned around and went back to their cars, forgetting the game.

You got me, Kevin. The wave sucks! But why must it anger CJ, so??? However, I didn't make the case that those promotions BUILT the Twins' fan base, only that they played a role in building it. I was at a couple of those bobblehead games and I must admit it was a little funny to run out of the 20,000 bobbleheads but only see 12,000 in the stands...still, I don't think the Twins wouldn't be dumping money into promotions if they weren't getting something out of it.

Hey Micheal Veck, you are a nauseating little %$#*&. I know your just a kid though, so I'll leave it at that.

#20 is up

Michael Vick, I know you need a job, but hiring a 12 year old might break some labor laws.

Did anyone catch the Target Field renderings YES threw up during the Yanks-Twins Spring Training game on MLB Network? They showed a number of drawings with the retractable roof, and then a a CG video of what seemed like an in-between rendering. It looked open air, but there was still the old, first edition trapezoid and scoreboard out in right. I'd never seen that. In any case, they were totally off. But that's what we get for living in fly-over country...

sabatoge...lol. they're trying to confuse us.
they probably just haven't gotten many updates.

Kare 11 news will have a tour of TF with shots 'from every vantage point' in their 'Extra' segment tomorrow night (Sunday) at 10 p.m. (Link)

hey look times have changed, the promos are here and people love them, there is only one thing that makes me happier than a twins win, that is seeing the shit hole dome full! and if giving away a fuckin hand clapper or a twins fishing hook does it then so be it...

the wave is gay, some think (my homeboy Kev, much respect) tailgating is for football, my view is just whatever gets baseball fans in the door and haveing a good time is what i like, i hate seeing the dorks behind homeplate on the cell phones waving and being hams, but if im not willing to cough up the 80 bucks or 125.00 a ticket i guess i cant complain to much right?

this is not the day of the babe, joe or teddy baseball... one day we will have Ford logo's on the mlb unis

as long as they play good ball im a fan 4 life

Eric in TX wins the #20 Canopy Horizontal Support (CHS) sighting. NICE JOB!
Beating out the ex-Vikes QBs and wannabe future Vikes QBs has been difficult lately, but you pulled it off!
I'm guessing we have about 13-14 more CHS's to spot. Keep up the good work on this all too exciting contest to spot the next CHS!
Hey Maz,
Do you have anymore autographed pics of you standing in front of your childhood residence (close to TF no less) to give to these winners? Meet him by the flagpole with Rick on opening day 2010 to claim your prizes.

the last update was 2 1/2 weeks ago, I'm getting restless....

Even I can see that CHS #20 is not up yet. Locker blew an inadvertent whistle, though, so the play is not reviewable.

there are 12 to 16 inches of snow in the forecast for new york city and boston from tonight/tomorrow. man, they should really consider putting a roof or retractable roof on both stadiums. i mean what are they thinking?!?

yeah, that is how dumb some of you "pro-roof" folks sound. get over it already!

that is all.

:-)

After further review, #20 is still not up. The play has been reversed and Eric in TX will be not be charged with a TO.

"one day we will have Ford logo's on the mlb unis"

Asusuming there still is a Ford in the future

maybe I was just late on 19, sorry

I will print some off Locker!

The STH pre sale starts in 28 mins... how long do you think the last game of the year will be avalible... im buying 4 seats for that game.. has to sell out soon

The Channel 11 report is linked here. Nothing much new. A little whining about the budget. Twins do a nice job of stressing how many people they are employing. And they don't have the new plaza design incorporated.

Thanks Juggler....I just can't believe John Marty didn't get his ugly mug on that feature. He never passes up an opportunity to whine like a baby.

The Royals signed Cruz?????????????? Ok, if the Royals can do it, why the hell can't the Twins? We have no Bonser. We have no Neshek. Our bullpen was already lousy last year and we let the Royals sign Juan Cruz??? I like the Crede signing, but to stop there and do nothing more is stupid especially when our bullpen is our biggest problem. Breslow only made one mistake yesterday for a homerun. Guerrer looked like crap but was bailed out by his infield. I'd better load up on the alka seltzer, it's going to be long long summer during innings 6-9.

Number 20 is in place

I really like Jose Mijares this year as our left-handed setup man, but you're right Kevin, we need more bullpen depth.

Plus, Nathan just bowed out of the WBC due to shoulder soreness. (AC joint) We don't really know if it's serious at this point.

Did Mijares look like he gained about 50 pds over the winter or what?

yes i could not hold out any longer and got MLB network...

welcome to the "dark side" mazaratirick! nice to have you along for the ride. so far i think the mlb network is doing a decent job. will be even better once the regular season starts.

I thought the KARE 11 Extra was really good last night.
I'm getting baseball fever...

Nice job Eric!

I have to agree Betaband. The MLB network has really surprised me. At first I wasn't impressed as they kept showing WS games from the past 2 years over and over again. Well, seeing games from the 70's is fun - and I'm not talking the same games like the Reds/Red Sox from 1976 which we've all seen a million times. Last week they showed an old Tigers game with the Fidrych the BIRD pitching...Damn he was great back then. I remember when the Twins couldn't draw flies in 1976 and Detroit and the Bird came to town and the Met had fans hanging from the rafters for the game. Would be fun if MLB would show a game from the Hisle/Bostock/Smalley/Castino era too.

this is crap, erik took my glory

Damn you Comcast for charging me more to get MLB Network. I am like a moth to the flame...cannot resist...must resist......calling Direct TV now.

Sorry Eric, better luck next time

I was just wondering when there will be some updated construction pictures and maybe a new thread would be nice too.

I am getting stir crazy waiting for the summer! i just bought tickets to the game @ the "Cell" on 4/11/09 booked a room and everything.. im going crazy waiting for outdoor baseball

They are dropping some pre-formed walls of bricks over the edge and attaching to lower wall on 5th Street. I thought the limestone look would be universal on exterior but I guess not. Will try to remember to bring my camera tomorrow so I can post a couple of photos.

What is that thing that they are building out in center field on webcam one...? anyone have a clue?

Please, Please adjust the 2nd webcam angle...

Who has a theory on why they're covering the lower bowl with plastic?

why are they covering the stadia? are they getting ready to install seat supports? Or maybe stair risers if they aren't in yet?

those steel supports there on Ramp B Erik? My guess is that they're for the advertising that will be put up above the "Grandstand" seats. Either that, or an auxillary scoreboard...which I don't think we'll need because of the mammoth one they're building in Left field.

they're probably covering them up so they don't all get wet and stained before the first pitch is thrown and nobody has a chance to spill a beer...or they're protecting them from future snow. who knows?

What they are building out in center field is probably the light structre on top of the scoreboard.

My guess on the metal structure being constructed in center field would be something to do with the outfield lighting (as seen on the stadium model) - OR possibly for some not-yet-known structure that will grace the center field "plaza" (the neon "Twins-Shaking-Hands" sign maybe?)

As for the plastic covering the stadia - my guess is snow melt dripping through the unsealed joints in the stadia may be causing some problems below deck where work is being done.

The thing being built on the ground in center field might be the structure for that missing section in the left field bleachers, the one that will open like a garage door to let vehicles on to the field.

I think what they are building in CF is supports for the retractable roof.

I thought they weren't building a roof??

No, no, it's a support for The Rock!

It not only makes an attractive outfield gimmick, we'll finally blast that thing to bits with Morneau and Young, dag'nabbit!

Does anyone know a date when one will be able to buy season tickets for the new stadium without having purchased dome season tickets in the past?

That is the elephant in the room Greg. Clearly the Twins wanna sell as many 09 season tickets as possible convincing the ever gullible Kool Aid drinking Minnesotans that they need them to get "priority".

Priority doesn't mean much when you are #11000+. Give the Twins marketing department an A they have been pimping Priority since the day Pawlenty signed the bill for Target Field.

The plastic covering the stadia may be because they are "connecting" the pieces of pre-cast concrete. Think super glue that can expand/contract with the individual pieces. They have to keep the water off of it for it to set.

I'm sorry..."ever gullible kool aid drinking minnesotans"??? Well how about a hearty minnesotan "piss off" back at ya.

I'd hardly call minnesotans gullible.

I would think that after 2/3 of this season is played they will start pushing 2010 to non STH, about when you cant get and use the 40 flex plan anymore for this season.

by then the STH should have all selected the seats and they will want the hold outs who are basiclly waiting until the park pens to get tickets...i think you will have limited options if you wait until then though

I added a pic of the brick on the back side of the stadium today..not much is up but you can get a sense of what it will look like

Offended,

You're trying to defend people who have elected Jesse Ventura and possibly *gasp* Al Franken. You might want to tone down your shock a bit...

Thanks, Erik. I was going to shoot a couple of pictures at lunch today but my camera battery was dead. Curious what they are gearing up for by closing a lane of traffic on 7th Street semi-permanently. Getting a lot more action outside as the weather warms...

mplsgreg

C'mon, how can you put Jesse Ventura and Al Frankin in the same sentence. There's no comparison. What's your problem with Al? Now back to the ballpark.

And mplsgreg hits the nail on the head again...The "priority" marketing is paying off bigtime...especially since the Twins aren't putting that money anywhere else but their bank.

I remember going to a Twins/Yankees game where a guy from the bronx sat in our section and would turn around and flip off the section and yell stuff like "Your team is on welfare!" and etc. Nobody in the section wanted to stand up to him or say anything, but then started throwing peanut shells at him when he wasn't looking...It was hilarious total passive/aggressive bandwagon MN behavior. So when you describe a "hearty minnesotan piss-off", I equate that to being hit by a bug while I'm on a bike: it's annoying, but nothing more.

On a bright note, I've begun work with the help of a couple North Loop hotshots to begin organizing a big BBQ for opening day 2010. We'll have a big get-together on my greenspace 3 blocks from the park, and all of you are invited. I know it's a long ways off, but a couple key businessmen in the area said they'd like to get involved to make it a fun event. Mark it on your calendars - I expect a solid attendance!

Sorry - Max hit the nail on the head...man, I need a break from computers.

John the point was that Minnesota will turn a stage performer and a stage comedian into their state and federal representatives- that is the comparison. I pay my taxes to get this ballpark built, but Al couldn't figure out how to properly pay his. Whatever, it's not like "real" politicians do a much better job. I wasn't here when Jesse was elected but I do enjoy the use of his lightrail.

Anyways, OG Jeff where is your greenspace?

ahhh sweet, so i dont have to tailgate on opening day!

Twins renew Budweiser sponsorship. Click my name for the press release from the Twins.

Here is a little segment taken from the press release. "Key elements of the sponsorship include a Budweiser-themed location within Target Field, as well as prominent marketing and advertising rights at the new ballpark. Financial terms were not disclosed."

The light rail project is HARDLY Jesse’s baby. Do a little research and see who really laid the tracks on that and you will dig up Arne Carlson of all people.

As for why Minnesotans voted for Jesse, well neither party presented a viable option. And I'm sure we can agree on that to an extent. So Minnesotans decided to say screw it we'll vote in the wrestler. Further as childish as Jesse was he was doomed the day he won the election. He had two parties that worked against him the entire time. They didn't want to work with each other and they for sure weren't going to let him ruin their little tea party.

As for Franken. It's kind of the same story. It says less about Minnesotans and more about Coleman than anything that he -a career politician should be ousted by a comedian. Also it is not uncommon for people of different walks of life to break into the political scene. To label Franken as just a comedian would be silly because the man is actually quite politically minded. Even if you don't agree with his politics.

I sense a strong republican push back here which is fin and healthy for American politics but I also find it interesting that those of you that appear to lean to that edge spend so much time on a blog related to a publicly funded baseball stadium for a private business.

Personally I am all for projects like this but I a little more left leaning than your every day moderate.

Regarding the comment on Minnesotans lacking intestinal fortitude or are afraid to stand up for themselves, perhaps that happens in your section and maybe in your neighborhood, but not in mine. Then again it would seem silly to me to get in a shouting match or altercation with someone over a baseball game.

I'm sorry but I wouldn't classify Minnesotans as gullible. We are an incredibly intelligent state overall (though I believe we have slipped some recently). The fact that we make decisions that you might not always agree with isn't gullibility. That is sour grapes.

Thinking back over the years the country in its entirety has elected a lot of colorful people to positions.

You can disagree and I could really care less. But then again I won't go throwing out generalizations about the entire population of a state.

Just seems rather silly to me.

Hey, I live in Minnesota and would like to think that I'm not gullible, but I was merely offering some evidence that might back up Max's assertion that a large number of Minnesotans might be gullible. I thought it was good evidence, but thanks for the history lesson anyway (I knew Jesse was a big lightrail supporter but I guess I should've figured that started before him).

Getting back to the park and leaving broad generalizations out, the main point here is that the ticket office may be relying on gullible people that believe they won't have a shot at the new stadium unless they're buying dome tickets this year. So what do people say -- is buying dome tickets necessary to get a few decent seats at the new park?

Here's the explanation for the 7th St. lane closure.

"Just seems rather silly to me."

No that's not silly.

A 400 plus word essay on a ballpark blog explaining your political beliefs and your synopsis of the Minnesota people who aren't gullible would be down right asinine.

mplsgreg

Really? Jessie used to be a professional wrestler and Frankin a comedian? Wow, thanks for letting me know.

moda, what on earth was THAT all about?

I'm wondering--assuming the economy turns around--the likelihood that TF could become anything like Wrigley when it comes to buying tickets. The moment season tickets went on sale for Wrigley I sat in that stupid online waiting room for 4+ hours, and when I finally got in there were about 20 games already sold out (including 2 in the Twins series).

Soon thereafter I find out most of those tickets were selling on Stubhub for 2-3 times face value. I don't know how many ballparks around the majors are like this? I guess I'm used to the Metrodome where you log on a few days before the game and you can find plenty of decent seats for a fair price. We all see that TF ticket prices are 'fair', but how many will really be available to the general public at those prices? Seems like it is big business to buy up seats and resell them.

It's called state pride, and I'm all for it. Anyone who isn't willing to blindly stand up for the North Star State never had to spend significant time in Wisconsin. The FBI had it all wrong. Dahmer was the normal one.

well - the inaugural season is one thing, but i'm not exactly sure how many folks want to sit outside in April or late September when there's a threat of below freezing weather and potential snow.
personally, i think as far as TF is concerned, the whole concept of "the product on the field" will mean more at TF than anyplace else. the ballpark honeymoon will be short-lived, and the one single thing that will get butts in the seats thereafter, and double-face-value tickets on StubHub, will be the product on the field. Period. JMHO

It's actually pretty simple, nothing puts people in the seats like winning does. People will sit in the cold and watch a winning team. If you win it will be packed. But of course it will be packed in the inaugural year. I'm a die hard Twins fan, but after the first couple years, I don't see us ever becoming as popular a sell as Wrigley is, it just will never be.

Why isn't there an update of the camera 1 timelapse on youtube?

Poor poor Norm. He was once the hero of St. Paul. Then he lost to a pro wresler. He then BARELY beat Mondale who stepped in for a dead guy. Now it seems he's going to lose to a comedian. Poor poor Norman. But hey, he got a new "pair a choppers" outta the deal. Now he looks like Mr. Ed.....WILBURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Is their any NEW photographic (non-webcam) updates out there??

Is anyone else shocked at the Honeymoon period the Wild have enjoyed over at the X? That product is borderline garbage, but every night the X is packed. 9 years worth! Maybe it says something about the facility, so I hope people enjoy TF just as much. Plus, every damn fan and kid has a Wild sweater on in that joint. Maybe it says something about their marketing. It may also have something to do with the fact that it's winter and it's the place "to be seen".

i think any honeymoon will be longer than a year because the team is popular and competitive, its players are very popular, (sign mauer) and major league sports played outside in the elements is a novelty around here. throw in a ballpark that is shaping up to be top five in baseball. if its raining there will be plenty of things to keep you occupied at target field. this isn't just rows of seats and a baseball field. it'll be a fresh and new experience for at least a couple seasons.

My greenspace is at the Herschel Lofts. We've done several community events on it (volleyball tourney, etc), and a North Loop BBQ is in the works.

As for the endorsement news...I hope it means that we're getting a giant neon Budweiser sign. Sure, it would be better if it were a local brewery, but I just want a giant cool looking neon sign and beggars can't be choosers.

Again, we're getting a giant animatronic neon sign...and it's the old Twins logo.

Anyone heard about the absolute Circus act that the New Yankee Stadium seat relocation process has become? People are being told numerous fabricated blatant lies by the Ticket Office as they can't even get their stories straight. In addition, people with long standing seniority or as the Twins call it "Priority" are being offered only the $350/seat tickets or left out in the cold licking their plums.

My point being that it should be very very interesting watching the Twins handle how they move people from the Dome to TF. Of course all you hear from the talking heads (See: St. Peter, Bell, etc.) is that you gotta get your tickets for 09 to establish Priority. No mention of where your new seats will be at TF, etc.

Just some food for thought....

BTW: Those forums for interested parties are at nyyfans.com and then scroll down to the link on the right side titled something about new stadium relocation. Also, some interesting banter at baseball-fever.com...

MOVE CAMERA TWO! MOVE CAMERA TWO! MOVE CAMERA TWO!

Luke, What that was about was just responding to a few comments that people had made that I found funny. I wrapped them up into one post and it ended up a bit long.

"Write a book, asshat"
First of all if you are going to savage someone, try to get the spelling correct. Especially when you screw up the word "write".

Sorry if I took up precious space. I wasn't berating anoyone. I just offered my thoughts on a few of the posts that were put on the page. Didn't realize I would get attacked for it. I don't think I explained my political beliefs. I offered a glimpse into mine and comments on both sides of the aisle as a rebuttal to the charge that minnesotans are gullible based on who we voted into office. I think it seemed a bit ridiculous to make such a comment.

If anything I would say that this state considers its moves and it's decisions so carefuly tht it is almost to a fault at times.

Anyway I'm working on another essay and WAB,A is going to get his drawers in a bunch if I don't stop here.

Just one more thing. I come here every day to read this blog and check it several times throughout the day. I enjoy all the comments that people make and look forward to seeing new yellow highlighted posts. Sorry to have responded to a few of them and wrapped it into one.

Does anyone have recent pictures of TCF Bank Stadium?

"asshat" is a funny word. moda I wouldn't be too concerned about any comments left for you without a real username behind them.

except of course the one just left by "please!". Couldn't agree with you more, could camera two be in a more useless angle??

I am very hesitant to run out and get dome tickets just to get a better spot in line. I can just see them now screwing me over and finding out I would have gotten a better selection not locking myself in...

I agree that this comment section has become awfully cliquey. It's too bad.

We are almost pushing a month without a new update. This thread is way too damn long!!

Does anyone know which part of TF that Budweiser is sponsoring? My vote goes for the trapezoid seats in RC. The signage above this covering the B ramp could look like this(click name).

Also, as pointed out some time ago, the Sno Boy sign should be somewhere at TF.

Rick, I emailed DSP to tell him that your flag pole should not be way outside of the park, but in CF where it was at the Met. It would be a great tribute to our past and to the veterans of this country, there for all fans to see(no matter how you approach the ballpark). I hope he goes for it, as there are still no final plans for the CF area.

I wonder what all those things are laying down by the lights on the ground on webcam two are...there looks to be a lot of whatever they are

I just want to know when there are going to be some new construction pictures as well as a new thread, since this thread is getting old.

Uncle Tom OG, That is a great pic. Can I have you and your gal autograph prints of that photo? It would be nice if you gave those out as prizes to the winners of the CHS contests. I believe you could do that on opening day 2010 with Maz and Rick by the old Met Flagpole, if it was indeed at the entry of the plaza on 1st Ave?
Rick,
What exact time (hour and minute) will you be posting the new thread tonight? Sad, but true...I would be on to check it out!

Couldn't agree more.... New angle on webcam 2 NOW!

with the comment posted by please

non-TF question I know, but I'm just curious...they proposed a bill today that would build a privately-owned casino to raise the cash to build a Vikings Stadium. my question is - why are casinos exclusively run by Native American tribes? is it just in Minnesota, or are all casinos run that way? i'm just curious why a privately run casino would be a bad thing...

Luke: FYI you are opening a HUGE can of worms.....

A huge can of worms indeed. Luke - Ask yourself this: From where does that casino revenue come?

Max, get use to it, because this HUGE can of worms will be opened for years to come. It will not go away until it is done or they move.

Abe Frohman, guess what? Don't go to the casino, I think that's pretty logical.

Cities have both baseball and football teams together. This Vikes stadium better get done. The Twin Cites area would suck if there wasn't an NFL team around.

I was alluding to the demographics of casino-goers. Typically, they are not the group of people the state would like to take money from.

Gotcha. I would rather though lose my money that goes to a Vikes stadium than to the pockets of already filthy rich Indians.

I still think the odds of the Vikes moving to LA is much less than the Chargers, Jaguars, or Saints.

The Vikes are going to have to get creative. The days of threatening to move if the public doesn't pay for part of a stadium should be over.

I'd like to see the Vikes renovate the Dome. Those renderings that we saw a few months ago were excellent, and it would be almost half the price of building some giant mall/stadium in the suburbs.

How about build the casino/hotel in the middle of a giant parking lot with the Vikings stadium next door out in the northern or southern suburbs.

Use the casino revenues to help finance the stadium and eventually help finance other state needs.

I personally would much rather go to a state-run casino and have my money go to the state rather than the individual tribal communities.

Noticed on webcam 2 that concrete for the grandstand in RC is in

Any bill that passes the legislature needs to be contingent on the firing of Brad Childress.

Ya, I could do that with the picture-it sounds good to me for the CHS winners if they want it!

Has anyone seen any renderings of what a renovated Metrodome would look like? Know where I could find them?

here is what the lower deck seating would of looked like in the renovated Dome

New Pics, Baseball Fever

I also added some pictures that i took today...enjoy!

Anyone know where in Colorado the turf for Target Field is being grown?