i am also worried about this,, more for the hitters than the fans..

Very interesting Rick. Funny, the Twins didn't really cover that in the QuickTime "Sun Study" videos on their website.
Hmm...might have to start games at 8:32 PM huh? Just like Pink Floyd concerts.

very interesting study rick. however, i don't really see this being an issue since most of our lineup bats left-handed! :-)

honestly though. i see it being more of a "perceived issue" by some whiney fans and not really by the players. easy solution = bring a pair of sun glasses!

what i am trying to say is this is not the only stadium in mlb which has some glass clad skyscrapers behind it (progressive field, petco, busch stadium - i think) and perhaps some others and i don't reacall ever hearing that glare is an issue in those parks.

rick - those are all fair points that you make. however, i would just say this. my season tickets next year are on the 3rd base side (where the perceived glare in your study would be) and i am completely thrilled to be on the 3rd base side. wouldn't have it any other way.

the awesome views of the downtown minneapolis skyline and target plaza (during day, afternoon or evening games) far outweigh (for me and the people i have season tickets with) any brief issues there might be with some glare. i guess it is just not something that i will even think about and/or concern myself with personally.

but "to each his own" right?! :-)

u say that now, but rick is right, this could me as major distraction. and he is also right when he says blinding, so you might say it wont bother me at all, but how the hell do you know that with out sitting there yet.

The worst case of glare I can remember in my travels was at Minute Maid (roof closed, and the glare was off the glass panels over the LF wall. My seats were down the first base line, and the glare lasted until the third inning or so. It was quite annoying, and as someone who experiences sunlight-induced migraines, I certainly wouldn't have wanted to sit there for 81 games. I was also fortunate to attend a game with only about 20,000 people, so we walked around (great place to walk around, btw. So many nooks and crannies) the park until the glare left our section.

That said, I don't know how bad it will be at Target Field, or if it will be a problem for the batters. I do think that it is an inherent problem with building an outdoor ballpark in an urban setting, however (especially if you build on the western side of town). You want it downtown, with a view of the skyline, that's what you're gonna get...

Moose

Well, the Twins now know what they can do as far as promotional giveaways next season.

SPF 15 Sunscreen giveaway, courtesy of Target
Sunglasses giveaway, courtesy of Dairy Queen
Rain smock giveaway, courtesy of Best Buy
Cap giveaway (they could have one of these every weekend) courtesy of Budweiser.

Maybe they should put a roof on it.

Just kidding.

I think if anything it will be something our players will get used to, and it will become a homefield advantage, much like the teflon sky.

at least it's shining into the visiting dugout area. i'm also interested to hear how sound will bounce around the park, off the buildings and back. how loud will the noises be and from how far away you'll be able to hear the great organ music before a game.

It doesn't appear that the glare shines on the field level, so hopefully it doesn't affect the hitters, catchers, or umpires. This is a big deal for the fans that will sit in the sections on the third base side however.

Rick, is the glare only coming from the Multifoods building? Or is it also from other skyscrapers?

Perhaps the Twins can work out a deal with 3M to provide some sort of non-reflective tint on the windows that that produce the worst glare.

I've been thinking about the sod planting on or around 8/15... How do you suppose one could land that job? It's a weekend after all. Sounds like it could be a good promotional deal... Hey Twins fans, come help roll out the green carpet! Couldn't require much more than a little muscle, could it?

It looks to me like it has the potential to be a problem, but probably won't. From the video, it mostly affects the upper decks (although I guess it could change with the seasons). Because of the slope of the decks, the upper deck fans will be looking down to enjoy the action. Anyone who wears a baseball cap to the game (like any self respecting fan does) seems like they will have the brim of their cap block out the sun most of the time. They might have to nudge the brim down a bit in some cases on sunny days for a few minutes. And they might miss enjoying the skyline or tracking a fly ball or two for an inning, but that's about it. If I was sitting there, I'd be concerned about being able to see foul balls coming at me more than missing any action or general annoyance.

hey sunshade guy - since you asked "how in the "hell" do i know?"

i say that because i have been to the ballpark site about 50 times and at all times of the day and year. rick is a legend and i am not taking anything away from him, but try and remember he is not the only person who has visited the site.

i think i know what will and won't bother me. so as i simply stated in my post: glare on the 3rd base side isn't going to be something that i concern myself with and frankly i don't think others need to get too worked up about it either. just my opinion.

anyways, tone down the attitude next time you ask me a question. or if that is too hard perhaps you can just kiss my ass! :-)

rick - fully agree. taking out that "element" of potential surprise is the important thing.

I've laid sod before, on a 20-acre lot. It's a lot easier when you have a good group of 20 or so guys - like we did.

Rick (or anyone who has been to TF) - do you have an idea of how far it is from home plate to the backstop? I'm trying to figure out how far HBP seats behind the net are from the field.

I would imagine the Twins putting carefully, professionally grown premium sod on a new ball field will be similar to a group of guys laying down sod in their buddy's suburban yard before cracking open a few beers and watching it grow.

Sorry I couldn't resist.

first of all beta its a blog so i can type really anything on my mind so i will continue to do that, i never said u have not visited the site, but have u been down there at 730? probley not, o by the way, i have been workin down at the site for the last 8 months on speakers and we have all been saying how bright the glare actually is on a sunny day, and to be honest id rather it be the sun that was bright from that direction but the glare is alot worse mostly cause it comes form so many diff areas, so beta, you can officially kiss my ass

jfh - according to the comparison piece in the April edition of the Twins Magazine, the closest seat to home plate is 45 feet. Apparently the closest seat to home plate at the Dome is 46 feet.

And apparently, the field dimensions are going to be "very similar" to what they are at the Dome. Doesn't surprise me, it's 327 to right field at the Dome, apparently it'll be 328 at TF.

So, what is with this plus or minus one foot business? Seems like we're building the Metrodome all over again - without a roof this time.

PS - thanks for the link to the pics Rick.
I didn't like the one with the stone installation behind home plate. The engraving of "Target Field" was nice, but the wall looked rather high. Not much lower than the one at the Dome incidentally.

So - tell me again, what about TF is going to be DIFFERENT from the Dome?

luke you are forgetting that the drainage and sprinkler system have yet to be installed, then you have the "ballpark" fill that goes over the drainage and sprinkler systems, then you have the sod. By no means is that the actual height of the wall behind home plate.

Rick, thanks for the link to the pics!!

luke, as the Yankees found out any little tweak will play much differently. plus the dome's dimensions are not bad. on that picture with the back drop there is about 4 feet of soil missing because they have dug it up for the pipe system, the wall starts where the limestone starts. the sight lines are much different as well as the foul territory. there is more to how a field plays than dimensions, this place is vastly different than the dome and if you don't see that then I'm sorry, you're missing out.

Maybe shorter walls will make us "feel" closer without actually being closer?

step away from the keyboard luke, you're embarassing yourself.

ive been worrying about this same thing, i mean why would they shorten the left field power alley by as much as they did, i would of been happy to have the same dome dimensions, but wait until balls are flying in the left field stands where as the dome would of been outs, hopefully this isnt the case but if it is, its not like other stadiums where we have the room to move the fences back, DAMBIT

I forgot about the drainage system. With sod installation starting soon, I figured they had all that stuff done already.

sunshade - just piss off mouthy. this may be a blog, but it doesn't give you free rein to be a prick about how you want to approach different issues.

yes, i have been down there at 7:30 in the evening. apparently you conveniently skipped right over the part where i clearly stated i have been at the site during all times of the day in my previous post(s).

eight months just "hanging" speakers huh? righhhhht....

for a newbie here you sure know how to "introduce" yourself don't you?!? oh and i am so glad we were both able to "kiss" each others asses!

conversation over tough guy.......so welcome aboard!

will delaware north be pepsi or coke for the concessions?

annoying customer - actually, i think that is up to the team itself as opposed to the food vendor.

for some reason i can't recall what soda brand they have at the dome (probably because i usually buy beer), but considering the pohlad family owns the second largest pepsi bottling plant in north america (pepsi americas) i would be very surprised if it wasn't pepsi products in the new ballpark.

They have coke, and yes I would assume that one of the vendors will sign a large contract with the team. Pop is hardly Delaware's top priority.

I'm pretty sure the Dome has Coca-Cola. Of course, that was probably the Vikings decision. I hope TF has Pepsi products to be quite honest.

Yeah I like Pepsi the best, but they need to have coke at least on hand for the Jack.

I know most of us hate the place, but I found a really interesting link that contains a ton of early Metrodome stock photos, including some during construction and schematic drawings and stuff. It's kinda neat to look at, if nothing else. Click my name.

Pepsi....Ewwwwwww...
Coke.....Yummy!

Okay....Thems are fightin words luke!!!! Some stuff I can tolerate, but there are some things I can't tolerate. Whining roof rats as we all know get my blood pressure up. The other is Pepsi. How on earth is such rotten, disgusting shit like Pepsi not banned by the US Government? COKE IS IT BABY!!!!! Have you ever had Captain Morgan with coke???? It's like heaven. Now have you ever had CM with Pepsi?? That's like ruining a perfectly seared steak with lousy steak sauce... I only have room in my binocular shaped flask for booze. Don't tell me I'm going to have to find a way to sneak REAL cola into the ballpark now.

OH THE HUMANITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COKE!
pepsi......bleh. fake tasting.

Ok here is my thing on soda, specifically cola's.

Favorite for Casual Drinking: Pepsi with High Fuctrose Corn Syrup, which is what they've been making for some time, the old stuff that they got going with the Throwback is terrible, I love the Mountain Dew Throwback better than Mtn Dew though.

Favorite for Alcohol: Definitely Coke, not a big rum guy, but I love my Jack and Cokes.

Coke is ok to drink in and of itself, but I can really feel the syrup and it kind of sticks to my teeth weird.

I don't mind Diet Pepsi, but Diet Coke is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, an absolutely terrible taste, during and after.

I hope they have Pepsi for casual, but they have coke available for mixed drinks, at least in the Met club.

Camden, I have to agree with you on the Diet Coke. not my favorite.

Why let roof fans get your blood pressure up? You're getting your outdoor stadium. You're getting your way. Why work yourself into a lather about something that went your way and cannot be reversed? Just think happy thoughts about sunny days and refreshing summer breezes and everything will be fine.
But we certainly could use a refresher course in proper apostrophe use on this site. Nothing drives me crazier than poor apostrophe use. Didn't we all take English classes in school?
What we really need to hammer out here is the Coke/Pepsi debate. Pepsi is too sweet. As is Mountain Dew. They do sell Coke at the Dome in 20 oz bottles, and if they go exclusively Pepsi at Target Field, I'll sinmply have to switch to the only tolerable Pepsi product (for me) out there, Sierra Mist.

thank for the link luke! what in the world were the "powers that be at the time" thinking when they came up with the metrodome?!?! 27 horrible years of architectural hell thrust upon us minneapolis sports fans.

man, the two generations before me (baby boomers & their parents) sure came up with some crappy models for sports stadium construction in the 1970’s & early 80’s.

please, please let's get the vikings into a new minneapolis stadium already so that monstrosity known as H.H.H. metrodome can have its day with the wrecking ball.

Gotta love the Metrodome...Pepsi is an "official sponsor" of the Twins, but yet you cannot even buy a Pepsi product at a Twins game.

You can be assured that Pepsi products will be sold at Target Field and not Coke products.

Kevin in AZ, I don't think Luke is old enough to drink alcohol....legally at least.

That's one of the things I miss from being able to go to the dome is a Metrodome Coke. Of course it's different now from 15 years ago when they used the small cube/crushed ice. I'm not a huge cola fan but for some reason at the dome it's definitely a coke for me.

believe me chuck - i could drink rings around you.

i'm 31.

another vote for coke here. and what do people think of the "target field" lettering? that's going to be staring at us during telecasts and highlights from behind homeplate. is the target bullseye logo too much and too discount retail cheap? i really like the logo they have used with the outline of the roof. but i guess target gets what it wants for their money.

What is most disappointing for me re: the Coke/Pepsi debate is that the plastic cups aren't nearly what they used to be when I was a kid hauling 20 of them home through the windy doors (where 5 of them would blow away and hit someone in the back of the head).

Also the same philosophy went into the Metrodome that went into the Kingdome, Astrodome, and all the others of that era.

Last, the Queens should renovate the dome into a true new-era football facility when the Twins are gone. It is an excellent place for Minnesota football, and there is no way they get a new stadium deal through.

One vote for Pepsi and their affiliated brands over here... and since pepsi doesn't make a competing product, could we get Dr. Pepper too pls?

as for "the thinking" that went in to the Dome - get yourself a copy of "uncovering the dome" by Amy Klobuchar (her senior thesis at Harvard) it's just about the best resource for understanding the thinking.

as for the "ugliness" of the stadiums from the 60's through early 80's (and, even Skydome and Comiskey really) is not a fair way to look at it IMO.

the way way things were done then, was very much in the mode of "we need a place to watch the games, we only want to spend money on one building, we need to do the most public good for the least money"...

by that metric, the Metrodome has been a runaway success. It has served its purpose, and done so admirably. Is it a great place to watch baseball? no... is it serviceable and functional? yes.

for most of that period, teams were stoked to get the cities to build them ANYTHING, since in the jewel box era... they had to build them on their own... and the NFL wasn't even popular enough to require their own stadiums. Camden Yards changed everything - not just in ushering in "retro-classic" styling... but being a building dedicated to wringing every cent of revenue out of the facility for the team... it's success is the reason EVERY team in the game went chasing one in the ensuing 15 years.

it also followed an idea Skydome pioneered... the "stadium as attraction in and of itself" idea. if you've ever been there, Skydome is a giant mall with a ballpark in the middle... hotels, restaurants, a moving roof... it was an attraction to see the park... a very novel idea at the time.

On another topic, I went for a walk down by the Guthrie yesterday. I was pleasantly surprised by how much of a "neighborhood" feeling that area has already. The Farmers Market is a great addition. While I still harbor some bitterness thinking that site could already have had a couple of years of baseball games where the Guthrie stands, it is exciting to imagine what the North Loop area around TF will look like in a few years. It reminded me that it doesn't take very long to totally change a neighborhood from commercial (or empty parking lots) to residential.

HERC will greatly impair any kind of quality residential development in the immediate vicinity of the area. It is more likely that Washington Ave and the surrounding blocks get re-developed....hopefully.

I'm also very excited to see the impact on the Hennepin Ave / First Ave restaurants and bars.

HateHERC,

HERC isn't going to be a drag on development, it is the lack of land with good location and access.

Let's not forget that the ballpark is actually built between two bridges.

Who is going to want to build anything between the 4th and 5th Street bridges? The only access is via 3rd Avenue, and the other side is very active railroad line?

on the whole coke/pepsi debate, i say coke, but does anyone know if they will maybe have more then shitty beer like bud and MGD, maybe some MN beers like summit, grain belt, Pigs Eye?

David_MPLS

I agree that the things you mentioned are also major impediments to residential development. However, those things could be solved with creative civic engineering and infrastructure upgrades.

I know HERC isn't going anywhere....ever. Its truly sad but one day I may learn to accept it.

I would prefer Pepsi products (for Mountain Dew, I'm an addict, and I can't stand any cola.)

But, either way, can we PLEASE have a few more choices than Cola, Diet Cola, or Lemon-Lime? Seriously, is this commie Russia? (You can have any color you want, as long as it's black)

Where's the Mountain Dew/Mello Yellow? Where's the Root Beer? Where's the Dr Pepper/Mr Pibb? Your average fast food joint has 8 to 12 choices, but the Dome's stands can only support three? WTF?

Okay, I'm sitting here watching the Twins/Rays game on WFTC in "HD" and the picture is totally a standard def picture stretched to fill the HD screen. What crap. If they can't make it truly HD, then they should at least not stretch the picture and leave it at its original aspect ratio. Everyone looks fat. I wonder if this is Comcast or WFTC making these decisions, but it sure sucks.

Same on DirecTV, can't blame this one on Comcast.

It's WFTC. The Wild have the same issue with channel 45 - "HD" that's really just wide screen SD.

this reflection problem must've been one of the numerous "ah-ha!" moments...

rick, you deserve heaps of credit for identifying two "problems" that will be talked about alot next summer: 1) the noise on the plaza, 2) the blinding light glare off the ids tower.

Pepsi would be my choice, though I do buy Coke on occasion. Since I'm not a beer guy, I'll let you discuss it amongst yourselves.

The Target Field lettering doesn't really seem to match that of the actual lettering used for the corporation, which seems a bit odd to me. I read the "Uncovering the Dome" book when I was a kid. I should pick it up again, just for the fun of it.

Dodgeboy - if it's choices you're looking for, perhaps the Twins should do what the Seattle Seahawks did, contract with the Jones Soda Company.

Luke,

I seem to recall having a Pepsi ad that had the Vikings logo on it, so it seems to be the Dome's choice to have Coke, not the Vikings.

Cuddyer leaves with an index finger injury, and is going to get x-rays.

If it is broken, have you ever heard of a player with more hand injuries than Cuddyer? Just when he starts hitting well, and the power comes, he hurts his hand agian....

Luke,

Something like Jones Soda would be cool too. Actually, that's the way beer usually is. One of the big boys (Bud or Miller) is sold everywhere, but there's also small stands that sell "specialty" beers. That's a model that hasn't yet been used for soft drinks (as far as I know). Think about it: Pepsi products everywhere, and select places selling Jones Sodas, IBC rootbeers, Stewart's Orange and Cream, etc.

It just seems like beer companies are more easy going than pop companies.

And Rick, I sip regular Dew all day long, so you're not that weird.

did anyone read the comments regarding the strib article that rick linked to? i don't know why i read them cause after i do i just wanna punch something. people are so damn ignorant, its not even funny. some of them continue to talk about state money paying for the ballpark. they also act like the recession was caused by the ballpark and that the hennepin county board is the anti-christ. they dont realize how much money the state and county is going to make from the new ballpark and how much money the state receives from players' income taxes. im gonna stop now cause i could go on forever on this.

Coke is now and forever will be better than pepsi.

Coke and Pepsi both taste like battery acid. Give me Dew, or at least root beer.

Coke please...and it's called soda, people.

I've always called it pop.

its called pop

soda pop

that's how i learned it.

Soda pop seems to please everyone...lol. that's kinda how i learned it too.

Minnesotan's grow up saying "pop" When you say that in other places, they think you are weird.

This soda vs pop vs Coke (in the South) debate has been played out. I've linked the county by county map.

jctwins - the queens? let me guess you are orginally from wisconsin and a butt packer fan?! sounds pretty childish doesn't it?! :-)

A&W Root Beer!

HateHERC - meet David_Mpls. he is our resident HERC apologist. just kidding David_Mpls! :-)

dave p - interesting link. it seems the term "pop" is used in a rather large swath of the country and is not unique to minnesota as a lot of you like to think it is. my parents also called it "pop" when i was growing up, but i have always called it "soda" for whatever reason.

i grew up on pepsi..well my moms drank pepsi we had to drink kool aid.... i am now a diet coke dude and it is pretty much just for mix for the 5th i bring into the dome....if im drinking just pop no booze diet mtn dew is my shiznit!...

if anyone here that wants to know how to get inot a game at the dome for free e mail me.... i found a new trick.. i have tickets but i found a new trick that will not be availble at TF... moose i thi k you have the "saving money @ the ballpark" thread on baseball fever i might be mistaken but i hav a goodie for you

If you say pop here in Texas(my mom does all the time) no one knows what you're talking about. Here everything is coke, including pepsi...

sorry moose i think i meant to refer to Lafferty on that last post ....

Not to sway away from the soda debate - but if you click my name, there is a pic of the Washington Nationals scoreboard. How do you think ours will compare in size to that one? Both seem to be very similar design, the big light stanchion, the logo, fixed advertising panels - will ours be bigger than that one?

i think our board looks bigger. i remember when the nats park was finishing they had all these fun ceremonies, like transfering home plate to the new park, they had a little parade, and the first time some of the players took batting practice in the new park. the next few months are going to be fun to see target field come alive.

speaking of the nationals. i hope scoreboard size is the only thing that the twins new ballpark and the twins team has in common with that wretch of a franchise known as the washington nationals. ughhhh are they bad!

pop shoppe pop maybe we need to bring that back heheheeh

So to go back the POP thing not SODA!! but there is Pepis at the dome!!! its given to the media in there dinning room and in the clubhouse for the players!! But once you enter the main level of the Dome it is Coke. The press box has coke there.

The Nat's scoreboard is 101x47 (4747 sqft), so yes, it's quite similar to the Target Field board 101x57 (5757 sqft). Click my name for a story from prior to opening day last year about Nationals Park's scoreboard.

Moose

Beta-
I'm actually a bears fan living here in the Twin Cities. Frankly I don't necessarily mean it as condescending, it's just become second nature for me to call them that :).

Rick or anyone else who can answer this question. I've seen the limestone along the side of the left field seats where they meet the admin building at the main level installed a long time ago, but, have not seen it along the right field seats where they meet the outfield seats. I have tried to look at the various models and renderings but have not been able to see anything. Are there no plans to have limestone along the seats in right field?

my big ah-ha moment so far has been that luke is 31. luke, i don't even know chuck in ak, but ak stands for alaska. alaska winters = very cold + about 21 hours of nighttime + highest alcoholism rates in the country. i'm not convinced you could drink anyone there under the table-- we are going to need to see some evidence, possibly in the form of embarrassing youtube clips.

glad the ballpark conversation has turned to pop vs. soda and the sun's reflection off of the $hitstack-- must mean the ballpark is going to be pretty freakin sweet since there are very few real things to complain about!

Good point mplsgreg. I find that the conversation turns negative when the Twins are losing. When our boys win it's all sunshine, lolypops, and sody pop! Here's hoping they get their act together.

Finally made it down to the site yesterday for the first time since October. It's looking great! The scoreboard/logo/light standard gives it the height that's been lacking otherwise. Can't wait for opening day! Go Twins!

Looking through Twins Territory's pics, there was a shot of the glass going in on the playing side of the Admin building. Does the team need to be worried about long foul balls breaking the windows? Have they mentioned anything about what their plans are?

yea makes u wonder, there is a ton of glass with this park, more than i've seen with any of the other new ballparks.

and the park is just shaping up to be a hitters paradise, just looking at the dimensions. i don't see how the twins could view this as a fair pitchers/hitters park, excepting for the wind factor.

I like ballparks/areas with lots of glass. Staples Center, Xcel come to mind. It just changes the feel of the building. I wish Target Center would get a similar face lift.

Brandon, the Target Center looks to be in the right hands if a face lift is what you want to see. Click my name for a great article about the new owner of the building and his plan to bring it up into the 21st century. Also note the changes that have been made and the current work on the green roof, at least offering a sliver of hope.

Most glass at ballparks is unbreakable. I was at an astros game one time and we somehow snuck into the club level. I saw a screamin' foul ball hit off of the glass and it was fine. Ya'll keep talking about these cokes but I can't figure out if you mean pepsi, coke, DP, or maybe even something else...

RC perhaps, Eric in TX?

Anyway, I seem to recall an article some time ago that said sometime in the late '70's to early '80's, the San Antonio Spurs, during their Hemisfair Arena days, had BOTH Coke and Pepsi as sponsors of the team. Now I'm not sure if both were sold inside the arena, but it is certain that soft drink companies are indeed more stringent on competitors being sold at sports venues than beer companies are.

name your favorite 'ah-ha' moments that aren't really moments.

1) who gives a flying frick about pepsi v. coke?
2) cuddy's 'coming to the plate' song will be smashmouth's 'might as well be walking on the sun' since he first brought up the sun's reflection thing
3) mplsgreg really likes calling it the $hitstack

what else...

Twins Usher-

Thanks for the article. Very interesting. I agree that the roof is a good start. Lets hope that Target Center becomes a state of the art arena again.

maybe my favorite coke of all time, Dad's Rootbeer, which I can't find anymore

you can find Dad's rootbeer at Kolwalski's and at Menard's.

That doesn't help him, he's in Texas.

It's June, where are the frickin' seats?

Luke,

I could drink you under the table!... look in the past year of my posts the ones after 11pm are sometimes drunken ones! from milwakee, from chicago! from my living room...meet me on the plaza we always have a case of beer in a cooler in the parking lot and fill our pockets walk the plaza drink cheap go back to car and refill pockets.. repeat, repeat... while these stupid youngins are getting smashed off 7 buck beers i do it on the cheap

Lafferty - methinks you are a bit impatient - it's been daylight in June for what, 8 hours?

I have it on good authority that there will indeed be seats installed at Target Field. :)

jfh, I think Lafferty was referring to when Dave St. Peter suggested a mid-May deadline for seat installation to begin.

Yes I believe the published date that seat installation was to begin was May 21st...

yea, we don't have those places here but I remember hating menard's commercials when I was a kid

when I was a kid, I got kicked in menards.

Saw the Budweiser sign this, did they start installing it?

Um what i meant to say is i saw the first letters of the budweiser sign this morning .. and apparently according to cam 2 they didn't start putting it up yet... The "B" was just to the left out of frame on cam 2

are we really arguing who can drink more alcohol? That is kind of sad. I sure wouldnt be proud of being able to outdrink someone. I love my occasional beer and drinks, but would hardly brag about being able to outdrink someone...

No offense to anyone, but thats just me I guess...

I don't think anyone else did it, but click my name for the latest "a ha" published in the Star Tribune last saturday in regards to the logo on the scoreboard.

Apparently, according to the article DSP said that "there's more to come" and they continue discussing the unis for next season. The unis will be "more of a tweak...than an overhaul" according to DSP.

Why is the Star Tribune printing this NOW when we've been debating it on this site for at least...I don't know how long.

"when I was a kid, I got kicked in menards. "

Ba-dum tish.

Not really related to Target Field itself, but thought folks might be interested in the revised Flex 40 plan for next year. The new ballpark person I spoke too mentioned one other thing, but can't remember what it was.

1) Apparently open to existing Flex plan account holders only.
2) Two options - Field Box @ $31/ticket or Home Plate View @ $22/ticket
3) Redemption limit of 4 vouchers per game for all premium games.
4) Can't use them for Opening Day
5) Voucher redemption will start at a later date then the season ticket holder presale.

#3 and #4 aren't big surprises for me, don't really like #5, but then I don't expect to keep a flex plan now that I have nice HPB seats.

I thought they weren't carrying over the Flex 40 for next season - rather converting each Flex 40 to two 20-game packages.

vikes,

Get bent! we are having a 3 day long debate about pepsi vs. coke..

and please, I have seen some of your dumbazz posts...

so cool it

hey maz... let's talk tailgating again!?!?! ;-)

just as long as the Pepsi vs. Coke debate doesn't turn into a "Tastes Great - Less Filling" debate :)

Luke - apparently, the original idea was that there would be no Flex 40 in TF. Then it was changed and existing Flex 40 account holders got a postcard saying there would be Flex 40 plans next year, but if I remember it correct - it stated that wasn't going to be an option for new account holders, just existing ones.

The 2x20 "conversion" is just what a Flex 40 account holder is allowed to select if they want a fixed seating location plan in TF. So, as an existing Flex 40 holder, I can select one or two 20 game plans in June/July whenever it is and/or buy a Flex 40 plan next year.

jfh,

you are correct. I have the same flex 40 plan this year and am still debating whether to go with the 20-game fixed plan or select a flex 40 for next year.

Any current flex-40 plan holders out there that are going to keep the flex 40 next year? I am trying to decide between two 20's and the flex.

The Twins rep also told me there are going to be four(4) different 20-game packages next year to choose from, so hopefully all 20-game plans will have a good balance of games, which is essential with the unbalanced schedule.

I'm actually with vikes on this one, it's really not much of an accomplishment

JFH, what are you referring to when you say HPB? I'm sure I'm going to feel like an idiot when you answer, but the abbreviation is driving me nuts.
TIA

Luke,

Tastes Great...

HPB - Home Plate Box

Sorry for the confusion.

Jason - regarding the Flex vs. fixed - part of it may depend on where you want to sit. Only two options for the Flex plan. A lot more seating choices for the 20 game plans, but since there is no schedule yet, all you get to pick is plan A, B, C, D with no idea of what games will be included (and no reasonable way to switch after the schedule is released).

I think the Flex plan is a great idea and wish more teams would do it. If I were to keep Flex next year, I'd take the HPV version over the Field Box version, but if they had a plan for the Skyline View area, I'd take that over a similar 20 game fixed plan. (If I were to take a 20 game plan - Skyline View would be it - what a value)

That said - you'll likely end up with better (and probaby more expensive) seats if you go with the 20 game plan.

ESPN.com's Gene Wojciechowski's list of 50 things sports can live without. I agree with most of it (especially the guy on cell phones behind home-plate) but I think number 46 is uncalled for. Click on the link and see for yourself!

I guessed that would be it, whatever he's not a paying customer anyways.

andrew - thanks for the link.

honestly, who cares what some d-bag from the east coast sports programming network (espn) has to say about the twins stadium. i can almost guarantee that guy (gene wojciechowski) has never been to a white sox, indians, tigers or twins game in april anyways. the lamest thing is he quotes what a few of the "lows" were on some days in april instead of the highs when the actual game would have been played to try and support his lame joke. really? i didn't know that mlb played games at 6AM in the morning now! geez gene do you think the lows were somewhere around the same temp in chicago, detroit and cleveland on those same days?!

what a tool.

Wojo is a hacked off crank...

what he gets right is a rehashing of gripes from a thousand columns...

what he gets wrong is everything else

gee... the nats are bad? i've never read that anywhere else... the pro bowl is meaningless??? who knew?

you don't like alternates? heard it before... but he LIKES the Padres stupid-assed camo ugliness???

blissfully, his head is wedged so far up his own ass that very few people likely made it to #46... where, if we didn't have TF being built would likely have been all about how horsecrap the Dome is.

exactly CJ! apparently you can't win and you can't lose with that guy. it is damned if you do and damned if you don't!

anyone up for a 3AM baseball game tonight?! :-)

I am up as we approach 2am. Let's play ball!!!

Gene is a Chicago guy. He should know better. I mean I was at the Wrigley Home Opener this year. It was downright miserable with constant rain/drizzle and upper 30s temperature, but the game was played. This kinda day can happen anywhere in the Northern cities of Major League Baseball in early April...

wow, looks like I struck a nerve

Glad to see I made your list Yeahkyle! It is hard for me to let that giant brown box go given that it's the prominent feature out my window every morning I wake up... I was in Johannesburg (that's in Africa, luke) last year and I swear it followed me (click link)

(and I'm just pulling your chain luke you're a good sport. and easy to pick on since you read one of every 4 posts.)

Give me a "B".

The "B" of Budweiser is being installed!

Looks like seat installation might be beginning.

Seems like something is being done, not the seats themselves, but likely coming very soon.

Indeed, seat installation has begun in the terrace level in RF.

As Camden mentioned, not the seats themselves, but the supports/brackets are being mounted at this time. A lot of brown boxes and workers up there working on them.

ha ha! all this talk about coke and pepsi, and look who's advertising here now.

First Seat itself?

It looks like the arm rests for the seats. They get drilled into the stadia, then they will install the actual seats.

Can anyone that lives near T.F. take some pics today?

ok the "bud" sign going up, thats awesome. thanks for the updates, some of us can't view the webcam from work.

Click on my name for a 1955 mock-up of a proposed Brooklyn Dodgers domed stadium (note the dimensions). Looks eerily familiar.

That Brooklyn Dodgers stadium proposal is kinda creepy, yet fascinating. What if it was built? How long would it be before it was decrepit? Would the Dodgers have stayed in Brooklyn? It's amazing how much the baseball world would've changed if that was built.

Dee,

The Giants would have moved to Minnesota in the late 50's... since that was almost a done deal before O'Malley moved to LA.

I just noticed on the 1st construction cam that the Shell gas station behind the stadium is no more. Looks like the process began yesterday and is finishing up today.

Actual green seats are officially being installed!

Budweiser sign is installed!

Hopefully someone in Twins territory will be down by the site today to take some pics.

I can not remember where I read this interview (minnescraper.com maybe?), but that Shell gas station is being renovated to be more of a "Bobby and Steve's" type place according to the station's owner. He mentioned that they are dressing up the place to go along with the new Twins ballpark.

Closed Circuit to the Ballpark Ninja:

You've got business to take care of. Make it happen!!!

full budweiser sign is up

Not much of a nerve buddy, its just a lil sarcasim ... many things are discussed here like pop.. or tampons in bathrooms.. no need to get all oprah on it it you know...we are all big boys..

Tailgating? someone say tailgating???? lol

Cyber-beer (or pop or soda or Coke or Pepsi) to the first person that can post a picture of the first seat installed and section/row/seat number. :)

I just took a look at Webcam 2. I acccidently clicked on "First Image" instead "Back 4 Hours". It goes back to September 18, 2008. The park has come along way in 8 plus months. If you haven't already, take a look, it's an intersting contrast.

I don't know if this was mentioned yet, but there is an article about the Budweiser Party Deck on the Twins website...

I saw no evidence on Cam 1 or 2 of seat installation.
I am quite amazed at how quickly they've almost finished the lower stadia. Wonder what took em so long?

No more Shell gas station? Good. It's about time gas stations start faltering to the economy, since it was $4 gas that mucked it up in the first place. Personally, good riddance.

I read - every post actually...lol.

At least the rendering on the Twin's site of the party deck finally shows what the elevator shaft on the admin building will look like. I wonder what a ticket will cost for those bleachers.

Also, will everyone be allowed up there to the standing room areas?

all - here is the link to the "budweiser party deck" story (with a picture) from the twins website. click on my name.

Luke, the seats are there, if you can not see them its because your eyes are faltering you, right field terrace level, Yes that section is green cause there is seats installed!

I stand corrected. I must not have zoomed in enough - that Budwesier sign kinda blocks it a little, if you don't zoom in.

no i think your just high maintnece.

Last year USA Today did an article on the 10 best seats in baseball(click name) and I believe the Budweiser party deck could become one of them. It's going to be an awesome and unique experience that's also cool because anyone can buy a single game ticket without having to drop a ton of money on a group party or have "exclusive" access. The Twins really did this one right(I was calling for this when I first saw the model). Another big thing that no one is talking about is the porches off the admin building. How cool will it be to see a bunch of the Twins administration and the Pohlad's out on the decks cheering along with us. It creates a very open, friendly public image and I like it. I can't think of any ballpark in the country where everyone can see their owner enjoying a game(correct me if I'm wrong). Sorry for the long post, I'm just excited.

Eric: Do you go to Rangers games? I was at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington a couple weeks ago and sat probably 10-15 feet from Tom Hicks and Nolan Ryan....

saw the 1st seat on the twins telecast!!! yes!

saw that too, maz. they look so much nicer than the ones in the dome. the green looks better than I thought. good day for Target Field nerds such as myself

Some guy- We're all Target Field Nerds haha

Some guy,

"we are all TF nerds"

Amen!!!!!!!!!!

Now that I'm home from work I can check exactly which seat was first it was Section 202 Row 4 Seat 24. Still appears to be the only seat in that section, though it seems they have supports going to at least 204.

I just saw the video of the Budweiser Party Deck on Kare 11. (I posted link to online version, but it's really small) I don't know if it means anything is finalized, but the Minnesota-shaped sign with the guys shaking hands was in the background of the video...

andy - nice work "eagle eyes"! i watched it a few times and i think you are right. it is a little hard to make out clearly (i think that was done strategically by the twins so they can keep it for an upcoming a-ha moment), but that sure does look like the "minneapolis & st. paul guys shaking hands across the mississippi" twins logo most of us have been hoping for. assuming it is that then i hope it is anamatronic in nature as well after twins home runs and wins.

the kare 11 anamation video that the twins released to the media announcing the budweiser party deck appears to be a more up-to-date rendering of what the park should look like when finished. if that is true and we saw what we think we saw then i think there is a very good chance we see the shaking hands anamatronic.

rick - can you comb through your sources on this one to try and confirm?! :-)

FYI

I drove by the stadium after the game tonight and the Twins sign above the scoreboard was lit up. I drove up onto the top of the ramp to take a closer look and it was amazing.

Max, I live in houston but I try to make it to rangers games when the twins are in town.

Camden - you win the cyber beverage, even without the picture!

Bought time, don't think I got a support. Anyways I posted the picture at 10:10.

Just my thoughts about the ballpark dimensions...I gotta agree that this place will play much smaller, especially in the summer. Minneapolis is a pretty windy place and the predominant wind direction is southwest or west-southwest from May through August. The ball is going to carry out to right a good bit, especially with the ballpark situated on the west end of downtown. The only thing that will help keep the place from being an absolute bandbox is that they kept the wall height at 23 feet in right.

In April and late September I would not be surprised if the park ends up being a bit more of a pitchers park with the winds blowing in (NW) to the park...

Any pics out there of the illuminated Twins sign?

I forgot to bring my camrea to the game last night but will bring it tonight and see if the sign is illuminated again. I did take it with my cell phone but the picture turned out bad.

They also have the "This is Twins Territory" flag flying on the pole in the plaza area.

from the rendering it looks like the red and blue flags around the perimeter are back also?

It's been a while since I posted, but the seat installation progress has inspired me. Wow, seat progress! I love it.

Webcam two has been very interesting over the past several days...And while this is a very good thing, it's always a little disappointing to me when something relevant is shown on webcam two :)

By the way, I also loved the pepsi/coke debate and the periodic meltdowns that resulted. What a great site!! Thanks, Rick et al.

Go Twins!

Sounds good jincr. I wonder if they were simply testing it out or if it will be an everynight thing from here on out.

StarTrib is on the deck.

i was hoping to get a view of the scoreboard (from last night) via webcam to see it illuminated but neither have an angle. laaame.

it's nice that fsn is giving daily updates on the field during games. to see seat installation and the facade in hd makes me more and more excited each and everyday.

I think they should have it on every night and if we win keep flashing the T and the S.

New overhead shot of TF, courtesy of the Ballpark Authority.

Nice!! Thanks Rusty

In the new ariel picture that Rusty provided, is that the steel frame work for the roof canopy for the stairs leading to the right field seats? It is located in the loading dock area, the lower right hand part of the picture. Does anyone else have thoughts for what that frame work might be for?

it's the skyway from the ramp to the right field. the supports are already up and i think i read that 7th street will be shut down on the 15th? for the installation

has anyone seen sketches or a mock-up of this "pedestrian connection" between ramp A and the ballpark?

After going to 11 or so games already this year (including yesterdays game), there has been a WAVE at all but 1. Lets all pray to the baseball gods that our fans watch the games and not do that crap when we have a 2 run lead in a close game. Who is with me?

WAVES SUCK. MY OH MY DO THEY SUCK.

Yes Steve....waves belong at college football games.

I agree steve a!

It's even worse when you are sitting in a section with the idiotic people trying to start the wave. It gets really annoying, especially when they are intoxicated and yelling the whole game trying to start the stupid wave in your section.

Looks like they are kickin a$$ and taking names today on the seat installation. It appears that 3-4 sections are completely done in the upper deck...

I agree with the wave but what I can't stand is the beach balls!!!

anyone know why they chose to start installing seats on that level of the stadium, instead of starting at the top and working down or vice versa?

I just wanted to point out some new things I saw on the Webcam today.

1) It looks like the day after the announcement, they've already put up the Budweiser sign over the admin building.

2) I see the first "Target" on the right field plaza.

By the way, I really enjoy checking out all of the new pictures here. It makes the wait seem longer, but at least we can see everything come together.

Thanks for the "newsflash" TT! :P

I don't see the seats being installed. I swear some of you have different web cams then what I see!

I don't see the seats going in either; unless that's what that stuff is in the stands around the homeplate area.

I may have missed this somewhere in the mountain of posts, but has there been any discussion about where the scalpers might hang out around TF? I have a hard time believing that they'll be allowed on the plaza and with the small LRT platform & parking ramps directly into the ballpark it could be a tough place for Fat Tom and his cronies to go about their business.

The ballpark experience isn't complete if you can't haggle with somebody for the tickets.

Steeks and TT: Look on the 2nd webcam. Zoom in. Just to the right at the tip of the right field foul pole you will see green. Keep in line and look to the right of the big red crane and you will see them. Glance back a few days and you see that there was nothing there previously. They are going in very fast.

The seats are in the Field Terrace in RF on webcam 2. There are four small sections of them. It's the section right below the Field View (very upper deck).

I don't see why they wouldn't be on the plaza. it's a pretty big place. I'd say there or along first avenue in front of all the bars or the entrance to the plaza

Steeks & TwinsTerritory...open up webcam #2. you will have to zoom in a bit to the section right above the glass section down the first baseline. I think its the Metropolitan Club and the Ballpark Authority area. Let me know if you still can't find it.

Also 21....that is a very good question, I never thought about that before. You are right, there isnt much room for scalpers to hang out and try to sell tickets.

What is the street that runs right by the LRT Station? Any chance that gets closed to traffic on gamedays?

Could the answer to why they started installing seats where they did be as simple as those seats got to the ballpark first?

that is what im wondering Eric, im sure there is an explanation for it, but I was curious as to why they started installing in the middle section of the stadium. You are probably right, those arrived first so get them in! nonetheless its very exciting!

I see them! Can't believe I missed those earlier. They have a huge section done within a two day period. I wonder how long it will take overall. I remember reading somewhere that they had begun drilling holes for them, I just thought it'd be a few more weeks before they went in.

When that is complete it'll really look like a park...

I see them as well. I totally missed it too. Some of you should work for the CIA with your keen eye sight, or I should buy a pair of glasses.

I just thought this was interesting with all of the workers. Sorry if it's been posted; it was at 7:00 AM this morning, and the green seats are visible.

TT: I noticed that one day as well and was going to make note of it. But then I noticed that they have a meeting almost every morning on the 7AM shot. It's good to see that they want everyone on the same page. Either that or maybe that's where the free doughnuts are!

The party deck looks great. I like the idea of classic bud signs up there and I like the red wood accents that they used, it ties in nicely with the wood louvers. I was hoping that anyone who purchased a ticket for the game had access to the roof deck, but I can understand why they didn't do that.

Also, I'm wondering why they didn't use the entire roof for the hang out spot. If you look at the video from Kare11.com it shows that roughly half will be occupied by the roof deck and the half closest to 5th street is just wasted space. It would be nice if they would of designed maybe another "hang out" spot on the 5th street side with either more fire pits, lawn games, tables with umbrellas, lounge chairs, etc. Or they should have just made the entire space larger. Just my thoughts.

Also the rendering hasn't really changed much from the one Rick posted back in February. The only difference I see is the elevator shaft. Its seems like they have been sitting on this for quite some time. Click my name to the leaked roof deck renderings from several months ago. Apologies for the long post!!!

I have some pic's I took earlier, uploading now.

I can't wait to see them Camden... What I'd really like to see is the "Twins" sign lit up at night as someone above said they saw.

My guess is that at 7am they're doing a couple things. Stretches that everyone has to do to prevent possible injuries, giving updates on major events occurring that day (steel work being done on canopy, cranes coming down, concrete pours, seats being delivered, etc.), assigning people to jobs and (I'm not involved with construction but I'm assuming there are project managers that delegate instructions to other workers) making sure they know who to report to, and other minutia like that. And maybe a doughnut or two.

Seats look fantastic and so does that new overhead shot. Anyone who doubts TF's awesomeness needs only to look at that picture.

Enjoy! No problems with security (B ramp maintenence, even got out a lift to look over the wall themselves), not sure if it was worth the cost to park, but I can't get over how close you feel to homeplate.

Awesome pictures. It looks like the seats are progressing very quickly. I can't wait until the lower bowl is filled with the seats. Also, I really like the scoreboard pictures; I'm hoping they'll get the back of that up soon to see that part.

Thanks to Rick and all his speculating and pictures and everything, last nights report on the news about the Budweiser Party Deck was nothing of a surprise.
I wonder how much they'll charge for tickets up there? Day-of-game purchase only perhaps?

Great pics Camden! I think I can speak for everyone, "Those pics were well worth 'your' cost to park." All joking aside, thanks for the pics from people like me who may not be able to get down to the site. Love the website, love the ballpark, especially love the pics. Can't wait until 2010!

I agree - great pix Camden. Ribbon boards going in on the fascia behind home plate...seats look good...

I'm assuming they'll put rotational signage behind home plate - with the two Target Field logos, it appears there might not be room for it back there...

I hope that once they get the 7th street curb line redone, they will prohibit the truck parking for Target Center. Sometimes 7th street looks like a truck stop.

[oops]

you have a bizarre sense of humor, Newshound. too soon, man

Mr. Ah Ha (AKA Kevin Smith) was on with Anthony Lapanta during the pre-game show.

Supposedly they are about 50% completed with the seat relocation for current season ticket holders. They recently started the 2nd phase.

He also mentioned Friday is the "topping off" ceremony where the last piece of structural steel will be raised and placed on the canopy.

On another note, FS North is going to air an Under the Lights "Target Field Special" on Monday night (June 11) at 8pm.

Too soon? Or not soon enough? Although I've always thought of Glavine as more of a Mayan ruin. Better to cut him now then wait until 2012...

Wow. You can post whiny diatribes about coke vs. pepsi but you apparently cannot post satire. I'm disappointed.

Thanks for the pics Camden. In some of those photos I noticed that the moat is really not a moat, but a horizontal aisle. There are aisle openings that step down and lead you to this horizontal walkway. I like that this walkway is there as opposed to what the Metrodome and most HOK parks have, aisles only going up and down. You will be able to navigate the lower bowl without having to go up to the concourse. (let's hope they don't have security checking tickets at each aisle) It will also be great for vendors to roam the stadium too.

great pics Camden. the people who post pics and info here, most especially the site's founder have led the way on covering this project. as evidenced by the local news media of late, they are getting their leads from here.

Mike Brumley; I think that it is Monday June 8th, while the 11th is on Thursday. Just wanted to correct you.

Thanks NewGuy! You are correct, its Monday June 8 at 8pm.

Sorry TT the sign was not lit up tonight. according to a head usher at the game tonight. They are working on getting STH tours of Target Field. He said that by the end of the summer they will set up groups to take a tour. I am going to call my rep tomorrow and see if the usher is telling me the truth.

jincr - thanks for the info! i will have to make sure me an my season ticket buddies/gals get on one of those tours. assuming it is true, i can't wait. i am going to try and drink a couple beers in our seats while on the tour! :-)

Luke, I have no doubt you could very well drink circles around me. But I'm not sure that's something to brag about. People who do usually have poor judgement, little discipline and a propensity to assert themselves to maintain face. But, whatever...

As for the latest overhead picture recently posted I still think the plaza looks crowded...without 15,000 people waiting to get in.

(My timing for posts are a little delayed due to the fact there there is no internet in Stickville, Canada along the ALCAN Highway. Actually, there's very little of anything besides some good views.)

i told you luke is high maint. and seems to talk like a little girl on here, kinda wierd he is

I'm still wondering how many upper deck rows we think the canopy will cover, assuming we have rain coming straight down. Does anyone have a perspective on that yet?

look at the shadow in the middle of the day on the webcam and it gives you a decent idea. it's not the entire thing, but probably more than half.

I'll be going on a tour of Target Field tomorrow. Anything specific you guys would like for me to report on?

IowaWingman how did you get a tour?

Iowa,

Ask them about the Budweiser Party Deck. How much will it cost to get a ticket?
How is the LEED certification going (I'm a LEED certified architect) have they estimated which level they will achieve?
Other than using the HERC for steam generated heat/electricity, what other 'green' strategies are they using.

Ask about the center field sign with the 2 guys shaking hands of the Mississippi...

And the glare problem...

IowaWigman,

Suggest to them that they put a huge neon "TC" Logo in centerfield. Also ask about scalpers. Where will they be able to hang out and sell tickets. Will they be allowed on the plaza?

Im not a scalper, but that is always part of the game experience, and a good way to find good tickets sometimes.

Can someone tell me the math on how the scalpers make money? I've always wondered...considering they must get stuck with tickets I'd think it would be hard to break even.

Big fan:
Good question! I've see the same 5-10 scalper clowns down at every Twins/T-Wolves/Vikings game I go to. (I attend about 2-3 games a year) I bought two $200 courtside T-Wolves tix for $60 each last year from one of those clowns and another scalper looked really upset that he made that deal with me. My guess is that these guys know folks from coorperations that give them a percentage of money they can help recoupe from these unused season tickets. The scalpers make money regardless and the coorperations get a little of the money back for any unused tix they can't use or give away to clients. I could be way off! Who knows?

Twins press release regarding tomorrow's topping off ceremony.

I did not know they planted the spruce trees this week in the CF batter's eye area.

It's too bad that can't move webcam 2 inside the stadium behind homeplate.

IowaWigman, I have a couple questions if you don't mind asking.

1. Is there really an issue/concern with using trees in the batters eye in center field. I believe this was mentioned by Dan Kenney in the "A No Photo, Web Only Tour".

2. What are the design ideas for the center field plaza area? I have heard a possible family/picnic area.

3. Why did they decide not to use the entire roof top for the party deck?

Thanks!!

Here's a solution for the late evening glare: play more mid-day games! :)

HOLY FLYING BIRD BATMAN! Check out webcam #1 at 1:45, That is AWESOME!!

help me out locker...i'm looking at cam 1 at 145...what am i supposed to be seeing that's so awesome?

that's sweet! and for the record, it's actually on the 13:32 time stamp, not the one closest to 1:45. that thing is huge!

This blog is great! Such a great way to pass time at work. I am courious to see what the trees look like in center field. Keep up the great work everyone.

On another note: new video on YouTube of the field install of TCF Bank Stadium. Click my name.

Thanks someguy....That is pretty cool!

here's a link. I just saved it for the heck of it

I thought you may have been talking talking about Justin Morneau's and Jason Kubel's homerun balls flying out of Target Field onto the plaza today...oh that's right, 10 months too early unfortunately.

Could be Larry Bird, I heard he was in town. And, no you don't want him pooping on you.

Looks on the seat selection website that they've blocked out seats that the 40-game plans won't have access to. Sect 106 is now blocked at Row 15 and lower, 105 at Row 10, 104 at Row 15, and so on. Anybody know when the last day of full season plan selection is - was it today, I saw some fulls taken in the inner bowl.

This is a stupid question but I still can't seem to remember which entrance is what as far as the Killebrew, Carew, Oliva, Puckett, and Hrbek gates go.

Plaza Entrance - ?
Right Field - ?
Home Plate - ?
Left Field - ?
Center Field - ?

looks like it's a peregrine falcon. some were reintroduced on buildings downtown - they love to pick off pigeons!

So is there a way to select specific times on the webcam? I can only go back or forward 4 hours so getting to 1332 is a little tough.

beneath the picture itself, bmh, are arrows that let you go forward and back at 12 minute intervals

if you go to the new twins stadium progress page on facebook it look like they have already started signing the last piece of steel.

first of all, i hated the Star Wars trilogy. Any reference to Darth Vader...

anyway, the "drink circles around you" crack was kinda a spur of the moment crack.

Rick

That is so funny you talked about the loading problems on the webcam. I thought it was just my computer. It is all a part of their plan to keep their "a ha!" moments away from us...

mitts - what makes you say they've blocked out seats? I don't see anything on the tool that would indicate that.

As for whether or not full season seat selection is going on, I don't know for sure, but think it is, because the account I have for partial plan selection doesn't show the A-B-C-D options yet and the new ballpark team said I wouldn't see them until after the last exclusive full season appointment time.

Did you hear that they installed the first seats at Target Field? Pictures, please.

michael- Camden posted a link above yesterday at 4:49. or just click my name for the same set (and the original link) he posted on BBF

Trying to watch The Big Unit win 300 on TV, and it's slow as Hades because it's raining in D.C.! That park is like two years old! How could they be so stupid as to not put a roof on it! So effin' stupid. It's like the Brewers are the only intelligent organization in baseball...

P.S. Did the records book count Randy's win against the Twins in "Little Big League" toward his career W's?

P.P.S. Anagrams...

Anybody have any pictures of the trees?

Cam (Legacy) - my official prediction for the Unit is that he's gonna retire tonight (or tomorrow) with his 300th win, and find out in four or five years that they did count that "Little Big League" win, so Unit's gonna have to "Mr. 3000," and come out of retirement at 50 (with 299 wins), to get into the HOF (!).

And, click my name for the big project up here in Bemidji - the Bemidji Regional Event Center (BREC) - the future home of BSU men's and women's hockey! Construction started a couple months ago, and it's set to open October 4, 2010. I was on a few committees to help get state bonding dollars for the project, and took an early tour last night. Not much to see now (a lot of dirt), but fun to dream. This is a lot like the Twins project - a decrepit old hockey rink that needed replacing, and it took well over a decade to get state funding.

I'll get to tour the site at least monthly, and if folks are interested, I can post when I update my flickr page (next tour is July 1, and steel should be up by then).

Moose

Hopefully they let BSU into the WCHA.

Holy crap, I just saw the image of the bird on the webcam. That was cool.

Rick, I also remember that the old webcam had a button to make the screen bigger. It was very nice for checking out the details.

I hope BSU enters the WCHA as well. The WCHA lifted that moratorium against adding new teams. I wonder when they'll make a decision.

Moose - nice pix you had. I know the DECC is building a new arena as well. Those last two pix you had, of the seats - they look to be about the same type (without the slats) they're installing at TF...were they from the same company I wonder??

jfh - blocking out 40-gamers from picking in the lower rows of those sections was only explanation I could think of for multiple sections suddenly showing totally nice neat, full rows as taken in the lower parts of those sections, where seats had been available earlier in the day.

Rick - I hear you LOUD AND CLEAR on the webcam complaints. Why the double load every time? Sheesh...

Glad to hear everyones positive thoughts on BSU. Click my name for the BREC website (it's a bit outdated, but has building plans, and will soon have a webcam (the elusive webcam3?) to enjoy).

As to the WCHA, all we're waiting on is that 12th team. Everyone here is confident that something will happen later this summer. Nebraska-Omaha from the CCHA has been mentioned as the most likely 12th team, but they just hired a new Athletic Director (former ESPN and CBS college football analyst, not to mention Nebraska Cornhusker - Trev Alberts) in early May, and are trying to hire a new head hockey coach too, so they need to work that out before evaluating their conference affiliation (but Alberts has been quoted as saying, "We have had sound conversations and negotiations with both leagues. We're happy with what the CCHA has done for us. We realize the WCHA can provide some things the CCHA can't. The Big Ten might start (sponsoring) hockey. How does that affect us? How do we position ourselves? We can't think short-term, we have to think long-term." So, at least the ball is moving...

Moose

Big Ten Hockey would be a terrible idea. Add BSU and UNO to the WCHA and lets drop the puck! The CCHA needs Ohio St., Michigan, and Michigan St. No way you get rid of the great interstate games against St. Cloud, Mankato, and UMD. Plus what would North Dakotians do without the Gopher rivalry?

Moose,
nice info!
I will be in your town for the 4th of july weekend my uncle has a cabin he just bought last year up there...is there anything to do up there on that weekend for kids? i was up there a few years ago and they had a festival like a county fair by the paul and babe statue..

the webcam sucks i always load the cam i dont want to look at first then get a blank screen then i hit the one i want and it starts loading.. that right there is a ahhh.. shit moment!!!! thanks dsp

Long time reader, second time poster...

Is anyone familiar with the set up of the Party Deck? In particular, I was wondering about the location of the fire pit. If it is where I think it is in the designs, that would place it under the canopy up there. If that's true, it seems to me that would be an issue.

Will be at Safeco tomorrow, hopefully Liriano can figure it out....

Yeah - it's called the Bemidji Jaycees Water Carnival (July 1-5). Fireworks on the Sat. evening the 4th of July, and Parade on Sun. the 5th. Plus, there's carnival games, a beer tent, and lots of stuff over the weekend.

And I keep pretty up-to-date on the college hockey stuff because I co-host a radio show (also available on-line - click my name) about BSU hockey, the CHA (BSU's current conference), the WCHA and college hockey in general.

Moose

oh, and sorry to go so far off-topic...

It looks like alot of wasted space up there for the party deck. They should have built an overhang that jutted out toward the field.

So I decided to go back to noon on June 4, 2008 on web cam and see the amazing progress over the year and also see how sad it is with all the empty parking spots on top of the ramp. The ramp is full on June 4, 2008.

mitts - I did notice the clean lines in some sections today. I'll call the new ballpark team and get some info tomorrow.

Article in StarTribune about a request to INCREASE the amount of garbage burned at HERC.

They should turn HERC into a chocolate factory.

i don't care about being P.C. regarding this so i am just going to go ahead and say it:

man, i f-ing hate the HERC & i can't stand Mary's Place. they are both trouble and need to go in the near-term. mary jo copeland who supposedly "runs" mary's place knowingly lets drug dealing, etc. happen right in front of that place and i have also heard inside of it. in the recent past they also refused to pay for the level of secruity and screening the city of minneapolis demanded and then went and held a rally with a bunch of liberal hippies in front of city hall to make a huge political stink about it. i hope the city takes their license away for lack of proper control over the place.

as for the HERC. there are many other "more appropriate" places near DT minneapolis where that thing can go and still feed steam powered electricity to DT minneapolis.

rant over.....

Thanks Moose!

not off topic we all can talk about things that intrest us.. cuz we all share the same bond, twins fans and the love for the ballpark...

I am getting worried that i wont be4 able to get my lf blechers for next year the first 6 rows are nearly full and i have a month b4 i pick my seats...my choices would be still go bleachers but sit under the overhang or sit down the line for 11 bucks more per seat...i think i will pay more down the line cuz i want to sit in the sun.

and tanks for all the pics.. i will be haeding down there this weekend and will have pics to report

With the last structural steel being placed today, will the 2nd crane be gone by Monday?

hey BETA, sounds kinda ignorant on your part, i mean the herc plant was there first, and second of sll, for a place that actually does everything it can to do something right as in turning trash into steam, chilled water, and electricity, but you hate it huh? u sound like a douche bag that needs to get slapped around a bit if he doesnt get his way
Rant over

Beta,
I agree with much of what you said...but the liberal bashing is getting a litte old. I pay taxes, am a liberal, and fully supported this ballpark. Mary's place has obvious problems that the city NEEDS to address but you need to address the boner you get from liberal bashing. Both parties made this park happen and are represented on this forum.

Maz, you do have to remember, it's been full-season ticket holders that's been selecting so far, now were in 40 game, and the seats will only go half as fast, another half less when the 20gamers before you select, I wouldn't worry, I'm sure they'll be some seats left, just nothing as good as we both have now.

Well know that we're off the WCHA, the WNBA, WWJD and whatever other W's hijacked this thread I will tell you that it doesn't take much to pipe in under a lame pseudonym to sling some insults.

Perhaps Beta was a little dramatic, but I didn't take his frustration to be at liberals in general, just the smelly kind with no job that have the time to protest in front of city hall-- to which I must agree with him that if they're able to protest they should be able to flip burgers at McDonalds so that I can stop paying their massive Minnesota welfare checks.

BUT, I must say that although I am not a huge proponent of Mary's Place due to the fact that it was a free-for-all of thugs and drugs, it has improved considerably in the last year after the city threatened the property. I support her right to be there as long as she runs a safe and legal facility. The HERC doesn't really bother me except that it's ugly as sin. The argument that the HERC was there first is silly though -- if you built a trashdump on the edge of a city and the city grows over time do you refuse to move the dump once people start living near it? No. The HERC should never have been built so close to downtown and we shouldn't hesitate to move it in the future.

I agree that the HERC does suck. But I think they need to overhaul the look, feel and even educational purpose of the facility. If it was attractive to the eye and existed as an educational center for kids to visit, etc, the perception of the facility would be much different. Jim, WTF are you talking about liberal bashing? For the umpteenth million time, people, keep your partisan political prejudice at home.

and I meant "now" and not "know". sorry.

I agree with OG Jeff. Let the political banter stay at the Strib online comments section.

JFH, any chance you could post an updated seat selection graphic to the other board? There should be quite a bit of progress since the last one was posted.

Also I have to load the damn web cam twice every time, too, and thought it was just me.

seconded. thirded. whatever. please keep the political bs as far away from here as possible

"held a rally with a bunch of liberal hippies in front of city hall"

"if they're able to protest they should be able to flip burgers at McDonalds so that I can stop paying their massive Minnesota welfare checks."

"Jim, WTF are you talking about liberal bashing? For the umpteenth million time, people, keep your partisan political prejudice at home."

Yeah, where would he get that idea?

Just let it die.

Anyways is it just me, or have they not installed any seats the last couple days now.

Sorry to take the focus off of the politcs, fellas...but I just got back from visiting the ballpark site for the first time since last fall, and it was amazing! A few observations:

1. Camden - you're right, they haven't installed any new sections of seats since that first day of installation.

2. For anyone still wary of the green seats (those of you who wanted blue seats) I think you've just got to go look at the ballpark for yourself. The green seats are perfect! Especially with the green tint of the glass (after all, the glass is a pretty prominent aspect of the park...it's everywhere throughout). I didn't feel strongly one way or the other about the color of the seats, but after seeing what we've got there is not doubt that they made the right decision!

3. Plaza work is moving quickly. They were getting ready for another cement pour (at least it looked that way), and they have already brought in mulch for the plaza planting beds.

4. The Budweiser sign looks sweet, and for some reason having it up there somehow highlighted the hieght of the outfield upperdeck as well as how tight it is to the field. Those seats are right on top of the field! It suprised me to see how tight it was...it's going to be awesome to have that many fans hanging over some poor little ChiSox left fielder...

Just thought I'd let you guys know!

Back to ballpark talk, the topping off ceremony is today.

I wonder what, if any, "ah ha moments" will be presented to us today?

I was refering to the political comments made in the previous post. I couldn't agree more that politics should stay off of this site. It was BETA that brought politics into it. Read the previous posts OG, relax. Oh, and go take some more pictures would you??? I always enjoy your photos of the ballpark.

Once and for all...

If you look real close at the pic of the seats posted by Camden a couple of days ago, it looks as though the seats are individually angled towards home plate, instead of being installed in a straight line.

Holy crap roadwarrior, that would be both amazing, and super sick. I wonder if they'd have to do that manually for evey seat?

oh yea, that left-field stand is gonna be great to harass outfielders. We'll be right on top of the field. another bonus of building on such a small footprint.

I saw a brief program on the discovery channel about a month ago, and they were showing a state of the art garbage burning center. Cool thing was, there was no smoke or steam. Just this invisible, clean, and odorless output coming from the stack. Does anyone know anything about these kinds of plants and if it is possible to upgrade the HERC to that? Personally, I think it is stupid to have a trash burning facility in the down town area... it should be moved completely.

Topping off:

Rather impressive line up of 'hi-visibility yellow' vested workers on the web cam right now.

Individually angled seats:

This is pretty standard, actually. I've been to Camden Yards and the seats are similarly 'canted' toward the pitchers mound. It's a pretty simple deal - instead of the everything being at right angles, they just angle the seat beds and the arm rests toward the mound - for you fellow mathematicians, each individual seat space forms a parallelogram instead of a rectangle.

Using Webcam #2, at 11:32 or so, zoom in on the last portion of the roof being installed over the upper deck. You'll see an American flag and spruce tree. Flip to the previous picture and you'll see that it wasn't there earlier. The topped off piece went in that upper left field corner of the roof.

I'll try to get over to the park with the camera this weekend. I'm usually jogging around it, which makes carrying a big camera around impossible. To be honest, the exterior of the park is changing less and less now that it's nearly complete. I really wish we had a webcam, construction worker, or even a Twins blogger who would update the interiors for readers.

Does anyone want to guess on when they'll erect the big preconstructed walkway over 7th St?

June 15th. The Ballpark Authority said that was the day they were planning. Would close down both 7th and I believe that's 3rd.

in the 1232 shot there are a couple of rubes in a truck on the top of the parking ramp snapping pictures... hope it's one of the guys reading this site...

IowaWigman, how was the tour? Sneak any pics?

Why is it necessary to have a bridge over 7th street from the ramp?

It doesn't line up with the existing elevator lobby.
It will be ugly.
It is pointless.
It will take away from the 7th street view of the ballpark when walking or driving by

Just build a crosswalk for petesake. Why drill a huge, un-necessary hole in the beautifull limestone?

i kinda thought the same thing when that bridge was added into the project budget. that facade looks better with a clean line. the skyway is like this necessity in our downtown, that a building isn't deemed complete until it has a skyway connection. i suppose for convenience and not having tons of fans stopping traffic on 7th st it's a good thing. i've just never been a big fan of skyways.

I think they should just close down 7th street and 6th street on gamedays.

Anyone know what they do in other cities with urban ballparks such as Petco, PNC, SBC, Wrigley, Fenway? I am sure some of those cities close streets around the stadium on gamedays as well. In fact, they do the same thing here in Minneapolis for Vikings games when they close the streets around the Metrodome.

Afterall, they are promoting the "pedestrian friendliness" of Target Plaza along with the light rail and northstar lines and Target Field in general.

a skyway is rediculous considering the park will be used from april - october.

Hey Rick, if it's not too tough can you add a button at the top of your page that jumps down to the end of the current post? i'm sure i'm not the only one with a sore finger. Crap, that sounds really high maintenance, but I swear that it's only because your site is like crack and I have to check it frequently.

I'm an idiot. just looked and saw you already have a button to do just that.

I've never seen any streets closed in or around Wrilgey on game days. Lots of traffic cops though. I hate the idea of that skyway being connected to the ballpark.

that skyway makes sense... keeps several thousand people up off the street eliminating pedestrian accidents - i understand the concerns about the aesthetics, but i think in terms of traffic flow and pedestrian safety, it's probably for the best.

Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong. Do we even know for sure the open air skywalk will be directly connected to Target Field, or will it be just a source to cross 7th and have a staircase leading down so as not to disrupt any traffic on game days?

from the topping off story on the twins site, "Minnesota-grown black spruce trees have been planted in front of the batter's eye in center field." nice to see the rumors about the trees possibly being nixed by mlb wasn't true.

Thanks Rick. Seems odd that this wouldn't have been thought out properly in the first place, hence having to go back and "cut" through the facade. Also if that is true about it being a link to premium parking for STH, it's a shame that something as simple as a skywalk wouldn't be available to all fans.

Thanks again Rick. I figured those were probably the reasons why, I just needed further clarification from someone such as yourself.

I've been gone for a week, did I miss anything? Haha loving the progress over the last week, can't wait to see those pine trees.

Lafferty, Moose, Kev and OG - great advice about AT&T Park! It WAS freezing but the ballpark and experience was awesome! It has made me even more pumped for TF to open.

Here is the Star Tribune story for the "Topping Off" event today. The picture in the story shows exactly what piece went up...

From the story:

"Now workers will turn their attention to all the things that will make Target Field look and feel like a real ballpark. Workers are installing seats; trucks are dumping four feet of subsoil to prepare for sod installation at the end of August; even the beer taps are already in place."

I really can't wait to see the stadium filled with the seats and most of all, the sod.

The pedestrain bridge

Cut into the limestone. Possibly only available for premium fans.

Yikes.

JCTwins - updated seat selection map posted on baseball-fever thread per request.

WCCO has a WebExtra video tour of the ballpark from today.

Regarding the question of how many seats the sunshade covers, looking at the side views, it appears that all rows of the top deck above the split (e.g. Home Plate View and the 3xx seats on the Terrace level and maybe even the top row of the lower seats)

David - that's a fantastic video from 'CCO, but I was expecting bigger (taller) trees! They look stubby. I realize they'll have time to grow, but geeze...

Moose

I have a feeling from watching that video that the plaza at night will have a very disney world feel with a possible lights and fireworks show. I don't think that's a bad thing as I do like the disney world light show. Just a thought but it should be pretty cool as long as they don't over do it.

I hope they do fireworks over the Plaza. That would look great against the wind screen...

Photo gallery on the Twins website now.

Well then just have left handed hitters hit!!! the true hitter

I'm guessing the Twins will only count down to opening day for the season rather than speculate on the actual TF opening date like Rick is attempting to do (I think).