|
Tweet
Picture of the Day
BallparkMagic presents a little bit of Target Field each day. (Click to enlarge.) It Could Have Been Better/WorseSeptember 16, 2008 1:07 AM Big corporations seldom take big chances or make bold moves. When it comes to the ballpark project, however, the Twins have been the exception up to this point. They picked an unorthodox site, forced their architects to get really creative, moved railroad tracks, built bridges over freeways, even went so far as to turn their back on the tried-and-true retro trend.
But there really was no way they'd make it through the whole project without making some sort of obvious, big-corporation-type decision. And that's what we got today: Target Field. Target was never very far off anyone's radar as the naming partner. But most of us assumed that, with one naming deal already in place about 100 yards away, they would not be very likely to double up. (There's a rumor floating around that they may not be doubling up for very long. Their deal on the basketball arena expires in 2011.) But we didn't count on the combined forces of The Obvious and The Boring to be quite so strong. I mean, who else was it going to be? My bet was on Wells Fargo. Lots of folks were sure it would be Best Buy (though I had a tipster tell me a couple of weeks ago that BB had already lost). But there is only one corporate name at the top of the Minneapolis heap, and it goes by a bull's eye. So, if you're an optimist, you think: Well, it could have been worse. Allianz comes to mind, as do a few banks and other insurance companies. Target is at least a great company, a solid corporate citizen, and definitely home-grown. They are a good employer (unlike some other discount chains I could name), and have a reputation for being generous. Frankly, I've always felt pretty rosy about Target the store and Target the corporation. I sure do buy a lot of life supplies there. The company does have a dark side (which you'll only hear about from those who have been run over by the almost grotesque ambition level which pervades the corporate culture), but for the most part we love the values, and we're comfortable with the Values. If you're a pessimist, you probably feel let down, even betrayed. Everything else in the project has been so wonderfully unconventional that they certainly could have done better. In fact, it's been reported that there were internal discussions about not wallowing up to the Naming Rights Feeding Trough at all. We have no way of knowing how far that idea got, but baseball is a numbers game, and the trough contains some pretty big numbers.
For me, it's disappointing but not surprising. I understand why each party would make this deal. It works for everyone. But, as Dick Button might say, it just doesn't sing. I'll never forget my first reaction to the original "Target Center" name back in 1990. It sounded so dumb. At first I didn't even realize that it was referring to the retailer. I though it meant "a central location where people go to aim at things." It took a couple of hearings before I put two and two together. But we can get used to anything. That's human nature. Can you remember the first time you heard "Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome"? There will come a day when "Target Field" will trip off our tongues and we'll have long forgotten what the alternatives might have been. That will be especially true if it happens to grow a cool nickname. Deep down, I think the name could actually be redeemed with a very slight alteration. Why not rename the entire complex as "Target Center" and then rename the venues as: Killebrew Field at Target Center and Mikan Court at Target Center They could still have all the Target logos everywhere, of course, and all the TV announcers would still say "from Target Center in Minneapolis," but there would be a formal connection to the history of sports in this town. Some of the coldness of the corporate name would be relieved. Yeah, I'm dreaming. (Don't know who George Mikan was? Shame on you.) The thing I like least is how cold the new name sounds. Maybe it will warm up all on its own. When I remember this day, I'll remember waking up to something like 50 new comments on this site. (Before reading any of them, I assumed that some spam-bot had penetrated my shields!) You guys are amazing. But more than that, I'll remember my mother's instant reaction to the name: She crinkled up her nose and said, "Oh well. Too bad." Then she handed me a freshly-made oatmeal raisin cookie. I felt better immediately. So, if you are among the disappointed, my advice is to eat an oatmeal raisin cookie (with milk, if you are so inclined). You'll feel better immediately. It's really not that bad. CommentsTo utilized enhanced comment features, please enable cookies in your browser. Although this was not the popular choice, it does seem like a wise choice for the organization. Some people need to think about "substance over form." Its just a name! At least they are getting some $$ from a third party... I mean we've already heard the complaining about our tax dollars, higher ticket prices, not signing big dollar free agents; everyone thinks money grows on trees and you can get something for nothing. Wake up. I'm over it!! Can't wait to see some outdoor baseball! Rick, The problem with naming the ballpark Killebrew Field at Target Center (and re-naming TC, Miken Court at Target Center), is that fans will invariably call it just Killebrew Field (or Miken Court) in casual conversation, and here on the web. Sure, the broadcasters will use the Target name, but you lose the indirect advertising that Target gets by just going with Target Field (or Target Center). Is that still worth the reported $7-$10 million a year? Moose they're also ponying up to help extend the plaza to first, and make it more than a concrete slab, so that's a good thing. this is better than best buy field but i was hoping for a minnesota food company to get this. you have more possibilities for a unique name with lots of local flavor. but you're right, could be better but also could've been much worse. target is our most nationally prominent locally based company.
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 08:14 AM by Tim
Personally, I hate the convention of naming something "_________ court/field at _________ park/arena/stadium." It just reeks of "the artist formerly known as" or the "Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim." Bleccch. Personally, I've become a pretty big soccer fan in recent years, and thusly I've become less and less offended by corporate names. This is such a minor issue, really. The bottom line is that this is more money for the team which provides the means to put a better team on the field. Also, I don't see any rebranding of the entire complex happening. Target will likely let their naming rights for the Arena lapse. Like the name or not, I like the fact that it is going to be the name of the stadium for at least the next 25 years. It won't be an Enron Field, nor will it be named after some dot com that goes under either. It won't be Jake-Progressive or Network-McAfee or Skydome-Rogers. Doing research for my rant, it said that the Marlins will be the "Miami Marlins" when their new park opens. Will the new Target Field bring new uniforms or other changes for the Twins? Moved here in 1998 - I think it was a couple years before I went to a t'wolves game at Target Center. Seeing the logo on the building was when I finally made the connection. Sheesh, did I feel stoo-pid. Personally, I can't wait to start going to games at the Bullseye. :) I actually don't think Target will let Target Center lapse. I think they'll be some more $ to do some work on the back side where the plaza extends to the back door (to create a more inviting entrance to Target Center) and we'll start seeing Target Plaza getting used as the meeting place/activity center for Timberwolves, Lynx, & Twins games AND for the other stuff too. I'd just as soon they close 6th street entirely when they extend Target Plaza to 1st Ave.
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 10:17 AM by barryS
after reading the chatter about the new field's "nickname," i'm reminded of my high school days when desparate-for-popularity kids told their friends "hey! i've got a new nickname! i want you to call me 'bono' or 'keebler' or ..." sheesh! let the ballpark percolate for a bit, then nickname it. with apologies to cory, 'the bullseye' sucks the cat's buttocks. James, I've said it before and I'll say it again. I hope that the Twins go back to their original uniforms (1961-1971). Home - Pin stripes with blue scripted "Twins" and numbers, and only altar the away greys with scripted "Minnesota". Keeping the navy blue TC caps for home and away. IMO, those uniforms were as classic as any team has ever worn. with the ballpark naming rights going to target, i would think they'd try to at least keep the option of having the red caps for some games as they do now. i do love those classic 60's unis, though. maybe the target tie-in won't have any bearing on a uniform alteration.
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 11:36 AM by Tim
Who cares? its Target Field now.. deal with it.. dont matter to me its not going to make me shop more at Target than normal...Im just ready to watch baseball under the stars... Check out these night renderings of the plaza/parking ramp. According to a poster on Minnescraper, the firm that did the 35W bridge Memorial did these.
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 12:15 PM by Lafferty
Now that the naming rights for the ballpark have been issued for Target Corp. I am sure they will probably release new renserings with the Target logo and changes to the ballpark.
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 12:17 PM by NewGuy
That B-Garage facade has a lot of potential for some cool stuff. Think of it as a giant, blank canvas... I'd love to see some sort of combination of a living, green wall and some of the LED lights that fits well with Target's high-fashion style and look. Personally, I enjoyed the name speculation game. Though I was more partial to other, more "Minnesota Sounding" names, I can handle Target Field. Now we can move on to a new round of name games... We know what outsiders will call the park, but what will we locals call it? Given all the bullseyes around, I kind of hope we'll call it "The Range".
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 12:33 PM by Aaron
Alex - You're right, it would be cool to see that wall utilized in a unique way. Big LED lit murals of players or Twins logos would look awesome... And I might not know a lot about this kind of stuff and feel free to correct me if I am wrong but if anybody should be bitching about the naming rights and how it was done it should be the taxpayers of Hennepin co. Why is it the new ballpark Commission did not negotiate the naming rights and use the money to pay down the debt? Or at least use the money for up keep to the surrounding area and the Ped Bridge to make the enhancements everybody has been afraid the twins won't do? The way I look at it, the Pohlads 135 million investments in OUR ballpark is kind of a fake number since they have cut payroll by 21 mil this year.. Will keep it at that if not cut again (with those sad free agents contracts coming off the books this will go lower) let's say they just saved themselves 42 mil in the 2 years b4 it opens. Now subtract that from the $135 mil and that's @ 93 mil now. 8 mill a year for 25 years (and I feel this amount is low ball) that's 200 mil. That makes the grand total investment of the Pohlads is not 135 mil, but a profit of 107 million dollars. I'm no accountant or Mike opat.. But can someone tell me why the county could not have negotiated the right to have the naming rights???? Even if we asked less of the Twins.. I feel they would have accepted it to get the new ballpark and all the property around the park will obviously sky rocket in value Either way I don't care I love outdoor baseball and will be there.. Let's just not go blaming big bad target this was all part of the twins/county deal. in exchange for the team picking up maitenance/upkeep costs the county gave them the naming rights.
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 12:54 PM by Tim
sorry about that, my connection frooze here at work Thanks Tim, Maybe i should negotate with the county on some real estate plans i have... they seem to be very nice! Win Twins! The night renderings of the plaza posted at Minnescaper looked awesome. I'm starting to think this new stadium is going to be pretty nice. Can it be done for spring, 2009? I'm just glad it's a corporation that isn't going away any time soon, nor will it merge. Here in Phoenix we had Bank One Ballpark for 6 years. Well, Bank One merged with Chase. The ballpark here was renamed Chase Field 2 seasons ago and still everyone calls it the BOB and always will. I'm just glad it's not a really stupid name. I have to live 5 miles from Jobing.Com arena and University of Phx Stadium...It doesn't get any worse than that. The Westgate complex that houses Jobing.com and UPS is awesome but the names of the facilities just downright suck. I don't want to rain on anybody's parade, but there are no guarantees that Target won't merge with someone. It may not be likely, but I remember a time not that long ago when no one would have been able to imagine Minneapolis without Dayton's... Posted on September 16, 2008 at 1:41 PM by Rick 22 i'm thinking the only company big enough to takeover target would be walmart, and that has some monopoly issues. target is a like the 25th largest publically held company in the u.s.
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 1:52 PM by Tim
The last thing i bought at Target was ........ a Grill!!!! Kev could this be a sign for good things to come for me? Ha! I would like to propose the nickname "New Met". Outdoor baseball for me will always be linked to my childhood in the 60's at Metropolitan Stadium. This will be the only real Stadium we have (apologies to Parade) and it definitely will be Metropolitan with its downtown location. So "New Met" it is for me. So there. I was hoping that the people who are paying for the stadium would have a say in it's name but we all know how dumb that was. I'm going to let it slide UNLESS they paint the flag pole red - then I move to Milwaukee. was not Parade stadium torn down 10 years ago? I used to play our mpls park bord football championships there! go N.E. Sportsmen! Nice one mazaratirick... the tailgating conversation will go down as one of the hottest debated subjects ever on this site. Oh, and Parade Stadium still stands. My amateur team still plays there in the summers... not sure i liked the night renderings.... are we walking into a ballpark or a giant target store? i noticed they replaced the trees with giant red tiki torches?? i hope this is the work of some bored architect/designer that will never actually be implemented. and mazarati, you're not the only one summing up figures this morning to determine the Pohlads' investment in this stadium. why didn't the county negotiate for naming rights in exchange for the taxpayer contribution??? I am a huge proponent of infrastructure that effects QOL, but it's the equivalent of giving the new 35W bridge to some local celebrity (Prince?)and then having to pay a toll to cross it. OK, that was a stupid metaphor, but you get my point. OG Jeff, Oh dumb me i was talking about Parade football stadium...yea i like to toss the tailgating in as a lil inside joke to all that were around for the "great debate" from time to time... I see some comments from people, then see them get a can opened up on them and i just chuckle....I was there b4 ! so you think the twins would've gone for an arrangement that takes away naming rights. this is a given of every stadium deal in pro sports.
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 4:27 PM by Tim
They would not of said "hey city of mpls we dont need naming rights.." but I think with hard negotiations it would be possable... the county owns the ball park not the twins... so im sure there had to be a agreement that the twins DO get naming rights to the ballpark... it was just a thought and one that conflicts me from time to time.. i support publicly funded stadiums but also feel screwed a lot with it too.. you know when you find out that the property around the dome that the wilfs bought up will more than triple if WE pay to build a stadium... not that i dont want a new one for the vikes either... Do you guys think Target will build a roof on the ballpark? Do you think they will take over the shit stack and put new facing on that? I wonder if the CEO from Target will insist the Twins put a 2nd webcam up soon. Umm?? Tim, Though I despise them greatly, did the Yankees rename their new stadium AIG Field or Merrill Lynch Park (okay, bad examples)? Granted I don't know the funding involved for their new place but I'm sure the Steinbrenners put up much more of a percentage than the Polocks, I mean, Polads did. I still think we're better off without naming rights. Badjuggler, I like the "New Met" idea. Only problem is that I can't find any connection besides a flag pole and being in a metropolitan area. The left field grandstand is similar to the Met. (except for the split-deck) My fear was that Metropolitan Life would end up being the naming rights holder and they would name it Metropolitan Stadium just to be cute. Those of you who have read my posts know that I hate "CUTE." For those of us who grew up at the Met, there's only one Met. This new ballpark so way too posh and sophisticated for our lovely, spacious, comfy, rickety old Met. I just wish the new park had the same wonderful wood seats. Anytime you youngsters are at the State Fair, go sit inside the coleseum, they have the same seats inside as they had at Met Stadium. Tim, I sure do think the twins still would have gone for the stadium had the county pushed harder for naming rights -- pohlad is obviously a shrewd business man and a better negotiator. But the key to the upper hand in negotiation is having one side want something more than the other side. who really stands to benefit more from the new stadium? maybe the people of hennepin county in an intangible way, but Pohlad is the one benefitting financially. Alaska Chuck - while the Yankees arn't selling naming rights, they are selling the next best thing at New Yankee Stadium - ads just about everywhere. See my link for the details about the soon to be announced Bank of America deal, including "The deal also would include large signs on the highways around the stadium, prominent exposure on the stadium's main entrance and atop the stadium and the right-field scoreboard, permanent dugout branding and behind-the-plate signage, and a logo on all Yankees tickets, the SportsBusiness Journal said." Moose
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 7:53 PM by Moose97
Kev, Pohlad is talking about installing 3000 wood seats throughout the ballpark. I don't think it's meant to be a tribute to the Met, but it's a cool idea. i remember watching the augusta pirates as a kid in georgia and sitting on wooden bleachers in the southern sun. that was my first experience of baseball which was always cherished after my move to the northwest and having to watch games at the kingdome. i wonder if i will feel like i'm five years old again when i go to target field for the first time.
Posted on September 16, 2008 at 9:12 PM by annoying customer
I'm with you Annoying Customer. Those wooden bleachers were great in the sun, you didn't cook your butt off like you do now on these crappy metal benches. All of the bleachers at the Met were made of wood as well. I hope the Twins do it right and install wood bleachers in the outfield stands and not fiberglass or aluminum crap. OG Jeff, I remember reading about those 3,000 seats. I'm sure they won't be in my price range. I just wish all 40,000 seats/bleachers were wood. That in my opinion would be the best tribute to the departed Met Stadium...Then the only thing that would be missing is the organ and Bob Casey's bellowing voice. Rick, do you know if we'll have a real organ or synthesized yuck like the Dome? Hmm speaking of Bob Casey any chance of a Bob Casey statue anywheres around the stadium. Dont think I have heard of anything like that yet. Thanks Moose. That was pretty interesting...and disturbing. I now like Target Field. That was faster than I thought. On the note of bleachers (sort of) are the Twins still planning on a standing room only area in right field? Some of the renderings show that with a couple seating sections immediately adjacent to the left (looking toward home plate). From what I can tell that seems like it would be quite an obstructed view of most of the outfield. Does anyone know any reason why they cannot complety cover 394, and make that entire section the target plaza, i mean as it is now, its too small and not to mention it would be a better atmosphere and they would have more attractions and music vendors, ect that they could have, i just think it would of been a no brainer to begin with, so if anyone knows, id be curious
Posted on September 17, 2008 at 09:04 AM by roro
They cannot completely cover 394 because the current structure is classified as a 'bridge,' where anything more would be a 'tunnel.' Tunnels have a much higher level of engineering standards, meaning better ventilation, emergency exits, etc - all of which tremendously raise the cost. ON BALLPARK NAMING "A rose is a rose..." began Ms. Gertrude Stein, "What's in a name?" queried William Shakespeare. On those days most amazing we'll live blue, true dreams Be it field, park or stadium, we can get by We love ya, Target!
Posted on September 17, 2008 at 11:52 AM by the_ballpark_poet
Stupid name for a stupid field. Never should have been built. But we have to have our bread and circuses.
Posted on September 17, 2008 at 12:23 PM by NotAFan
Well, I think I speak for all of us who frequent twinsballpark2010.com when I say thanks for your opinion NotAFan! I believe there may just be 50 million places where you can complain about the Twins new ballpark and this probably isn't the best place! Thanks for pushing a book about ballpark schemes though. I'm sure it is delightful.
Posted on September 17, 2008 at 12:43 PM by jpberka
Well, here's my shameless ripoff and take on Chris logo...I like the baseball in the middle.
I am not a fan of NotAFan. Move to Omaha. Not as cold and nice and boring for ya. NotAFan, If we have to pay for your theaters and boring art museums, you can pay for our ballpark. Woah there kevin... I am a HUGE Twins fan and am seriously excited about this ballpark, but I am also a big fan of the arts and am also very happy to have world class theaters and art museums. There's room for both and I want to live in a city with both. I'd like to avoid turning this into a sports vs. arts argument as it doesn't have to be one. We need both to be a world class city!
Posted on September 17, 2008 at 2:43 PM by jpberka
I am such smug, superior, aeriodite bastard that I feel the need to come on a Twins ballpark website and tell you all how stupid it is. Stupid field, stupid name, stupid Twins fans. You are all too stupid to realize that you are government tools. Baseball is just a convienient distraction for you unwashed masses. I am so much better than you. Now if I could only move out of my Mom's basement. Ok - trying this again, since the image isn't showing up on my browser... click.
Posted on September 17, 2008 at 3:36 PM by OG Jeff
I agree jpberka, however, most of the artsy fartsy folks think the arts should be paid for by everyone, but they change their tune when it comes to professional sports. In my opinion it's all about local culture and if you want it, you have to pay for it. And if you want to make the sports fans pay for the museums and theaters, then the artsy fartsy better be willing to pay for the sports as well. It goes both ways. I also agree kevin that it goes both ways, however I have not found that many people serious in the arts are unwilling to pay for a ballpark so long as their art projects are being funded (speaking as someone with professional artists in the family). What I find is that I run into several people far right of center who would simply rather pay for nothing. They want to pay zero taxes, even if it means driving on dirt roads and using rafts to cross the Mississippi River. I think that artists and sports fans actually have some things in common. They both want their community to be better than simply the sum of its parts. I am both an arts fan and a sports fan and I must say that I intend to take my children to the Guthrie, the MIA, the Science Museum of Minnesota, Twins games, Vikings games, Wild games, concerts, plays... man this is life in Minnesota! I want it all! I don't think there's anything wrong with that. If I wanted to live in a hole in the ground with nothing to do, I'd move out to the eastern edge of Wyoming somewhere.
Posted on September 17, 2008 at 4:33 PM by jpberka
"after reading the chatter about the new field's "nickname," i'm reminded of my high school days when desparate-for-popularity kids told their friends "hey! i've got a new nickname! i want you to call me 'bono' or 'keebler' or ..." sheesh! let the ballpark percolate for a bit, then nickname it. with apologies to cory, 'the bullseye' sucks the cat's buttocks. Posted on September 16, 2008 at 11:10 AM by yeahklye" I couldn't agree more with you. However, I am disappointed you did not capitalize on a ripe opportunity to drop a Seinfeld reference in that comment. T-Bone! i know this is off the twins stadium subject, but if the vikings finally get there stadium deal this year, what does everyone think the chances are that they would play the next few years at tcf stad. and demolish the dome by next year? has anyone heard any plans on this? it would be fun to watch the vikes outdoors few a couple years
Posted on September 17, 2008 at 6:24 PM by roro
Sunday October 4, 2009...FINAL regular season game in the Metrodome against the KC Royals. NL Trips to Wrigley Field and Busch Stadium as well as the annual Miller Park trip. I am personally disappointed they are playing the Brewers at Miller Park in the middle of the week. I think Bud Selig must have gotten tired of having all of the Twins fans invade Miller Park. roro, Is the plan to renovate the dome for the Vikes still alive? The renderings for that plan looked fantastic. I thought it looked much better than Lucas Oil Field in Indy, the New Meadowlands, or the new Cowboys stadium. (and much cheaper to build too) Yes roro it would be fun to watch the Vikings outside again, but hopefully more than just 2 years. for those of you who still want a roof on this thing, do us all a favor and go buy a poncho from target instead. I agree, you can't force a nickname, and the "bullseye" is really lame (no matter how nice the quickly assembled logos look). You know what a good nickname is? Twins Field. Or anything else that has something to do with the team, and NOTHING to do with Target. Reelbigchris, rather than call you T-Bone, I think that your name should be Coco. Coco! Coco! Coco! Now that the name of the ballpark is Target Field, i am just glad that now the ballpark has an identity instead of the generic new ballpark name.
Posted on September 17, 2008 at 9:25 PM by NewGuy
Yea the brewers in mid week sucks... but more for their local economy than us... we twins fans bring alot of money over there and just cant party during the week like we do on the weekend. on the bright side I will be attending my first game @ wrigley! oh how i loathe you matt guerrier!! i would like another meatball. your waiter for this evening - matt guerrier - will be right with you sir...... What nicknames do people have for Target Center? I've always just called it "Target Center". I guess I call "The X" the "Xcel Center" also. Does it matter? There are new pictures on the twins website ..panoramic virtual pictures....kind of cool i guess Here's something we haven't had to think about while in the dome: a sun study. Click my name for the link.
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 11:21 AM by annoying customer
They finally have the interactive seating chart on the website, click my name.
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 11:54 AM by kevin in az
i wonder how much the right field overhang seats will be. my goal the first year is to sit in as many different priced seats as possible; then i can truly have a favorite seating preference.
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 12:05 PM by annoying customer
The field level seats in the outfield corners look much better than I thought they would. Every seat appears to be facing the infield. (or at least close) Click on my name for the pdf file they have been giving to season ticket holders. page 15 has a very detailed seating diagram with pricing as well.
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 12:13 PM by kevin in az
They are building the transit shelters on 5th Street today. And the rails are coming right along. Almost time to shut down 2nd Avenue and connect them up... According to the diagrams, only the lowest level of the left field stands will have bleachers - this is dumb. You could cram way more people in with bleachers and spread out more for those sparcely attended games. And for RF only the overhang near the plaza seems to have bleachers. The trapezoid grandstand in right-center has all individual seats as do the seats in CF directly above the batters eye. I was really wishing for more bleachers in the outfield than this. Oh well, at least there's no roof. Rick, they mentioned your Met Stadium flagpole plan in the season ticket PDF. Lafferty, I got the press kit, but it does not contain a mention of the flag pole. Could you forward me the PDF you got? (rick at this domain) Thanks! Posted on September 18, 2008 at 12:40 PM by Rick 82 Rick,
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 12:48 PM by kevin in az
I'm glad they opened some of the floodgates and let out some new info. I still am curious to find out more about the interiors and see some of this "Metropolitan Club" that triangular section should have bleachers. the entire leftfield stands should be bleachers. can't charge as much for bleacher seating so they're only putting them in select sections. can't get everything you want i guess.
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 1:20 PM by Tim
You're right Tim...It's all about the money. Those lower LF bleachers are priced at $18 while the SEATS above them which are worse are priced at $22. And I remember reading they made the seats smaller than the Dome's seats in order to fit as many as they can. How stupid, just make the entire outfield bleacher like most ballparks and you'll sqeeze more of them in for the popular games and spread out for the lower attended games. All of those smaller seats still have to have armrests which take up room....BLEACHERS DAMMIT DSP! that interacive seating chart is nice though, looks like i won't get any work done today.
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 1:34 PM by Tim
The story has hit the Strib about the diagram and the seating prices. If you value your blood pressure, do not read the comments. What morons. I hope to god they never find this site and pollute it with their stupidity. i'm with you on that kevin. the comments in the strib (why they have comments to begin with i don't understand) are some of the most naive things i have ever read in my life. i also enjoy all the people who don't know how to use the correct words (homonyms), punctuation, or spelling.
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 1:52 PM by annoying customer
I don't know why people are complaining about the new ticket prices. They look reasonable to me. I was wondering if anyone would be interested in doing a price comparison between Target Field, New NYS, Citi Field, and the Nationals Park. Personally it would be interesting to see the difference in prices and hopefully quiet down some of the people complaining about the seating prices in the new ballpark. The Strib has comments purely to generate web hits, leading to advertising $. we wanted more details and the twins delivered today! after looking at that interactive view of the park, can we just speed up time a la "back to the future" and make it april 2010? it's going to intimate, urban and a baseball fans dream. and read the star trib website with the "show comments" turned off...makes for a much more enjoyable read.
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 2:15 PM by Tim
What a shock, it's about money..I guess that's what a newspaper has to do when subscriptions have dropped. I agree OG Jeff, The Twins have definitely opened the floodgates over the last week or so from the "major announcement" of the 2014 MLB All Star Game bid to the Target Field naming rights, the 2009 schedule released (farewell season in Metrodome), the seating plans for Target Field, including the new seating chart and the 3-D seat simulator. What an exciting series of new ballpark related events over the last week to help take our minds off the disappointing effort by the current team on the field... I am very pleased with the ticket prices in Target Field...those left field bleachers are looking nice for $18. Jeff, that's a great idea. I think people were going to bitch about pricing either way. It's $16-18 to sit in the home run porch at the Dome now, and I had to pay $21 to sit up upper reserved the other night. That type of analysis would be something that, say, a paid journalist at the Star Tribune could do...hmmm, that would be work - they should just stick to biased journalism to a naive customer. Hooray douchebaggery!! Jeff, I've tried doing such comparisons in the past but it's nearly impossible. The ballparks are so different and the pricing plans so complex that accurate one-to-one comparisons are pretty hard to make. It would be interesting on one level, but keep in mind that pricing is very dependent on the local market and the current performance of the team. I'd bet that prices at Nationals Park will be lower next year! I want to second Lafferty's appraisal of the prices. Everything seems very reasonable. These are only season ticket prices, so we still have to see how they translate into individual game prices, but early indications are good. And as to the comment section on the Strib pages: It's pretty sad. It's mostly ignorance on display -- and not just about the ballpark. It's pretty depressing, especially considering the fact that these are the same people who will be deciding things that really matter like who will be the next President... Posted on September 18, 2008 at 2:33 PM by Rick 97 target field is reminding me more and more of jacobs/progressive field. target's firstbase stands arrangement looks similar to progressive's thirdbaseline. the leftfield stands look similar also. not a carbon copy, but it appears the twins took many cues from cleveland's park. the way the stands taper and frame the field. maybe it's just because the twins were in cleveland this week so that park is fresh in my mind.
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 2:55 PM by Tim
dick and bert are going to get a kick out of the fact that there isn't much foul territory...the exact opposite of oakland.
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 2:57 PM by annoying customer
Tim, I understand what you are trying to say in regards to Jacobs Field, but to me, the only comparisons are the dark green seats and non-red brick facades. The third base grandstand at Jacobs is simply awful because they stacked three levels of luxury suites, making the upper deck one of the highest in baseball. Then they have the balcony seats in the left field corner, similar to an old theatre. Cool idea, but a waste of space. Here is how I would compare our new park. Canopy - Dodger Stadium Main Grandstand - Citi Field, with less club level & upper deck seating. Left Field - The Met, or possibly the right field bleachers at the Ballpark of Arlington, but without support posts. Facade - Truly unique. I guess Petco is the closest only because of the color, and it has hints of deconstructivism. Dimensions - Great American Ballpark. Twins Field will likely be a "hitters park." Have y'all seen this already? Views from your seat at Target Field. Very cool - click the link on my name. If this is redundant info, I apologize... There's also a "sun study" available on mntwins.com\ballpark info
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 3:48 PM by The Crippler
they have far too many colors on the seating chart with the same prices. luckily it's interactive and tells me the price. i'm glad i'm not colorblind...
Posted on September 18, 2008 at 3:53 PM by annoying customer
is the webcam not working for anyone else? when it loads all i get is a red screen? anyone else having this problem? I just checked the cam Erik. Its working for me. Sometimes I have to refresh the page to get the cam to load properly. This is gonna be an ugly series for the Twins in Tampa. Burt just stated that the Twins pitchers have given up.....are you ready for this? 17 homers in the last 5 games. Doesn't anybody on this staff ever pitch inside? These opposing hitters are just salivating when they come to bat. Also, when was the last time that Gardenhire put on a hit and run or the steal sign, and no bunting with 1 or less outs either with guys on first or second. WHY? Make that 18 homers hit against us in the last 5 games. Finally a comeback that isn't squandered by our bullpen. Nice job Joe Nathan!! Did I read that right, Adam Everett with a pinch-hit double? I think I'll buy a powerball ticket tonight. wow! what a game! twins come back and score 5 in the top of the 9th to win it 11-8. then nathan finally mows down the meat of their lineup 1-2-3 for the first time in a long time. nice! let's get another tomorrow boys! kev in az - i get the joke, but will ask anyways. are they part of powerball out there in arizona? BIG WIN tonight! 1.5 back and moving in the right direction... The Metropolitan Club looks bomb. I really hope that this becomes a top 5 ballpark in the nation. |
"You talk about the magic, the aura, but what really makes a stadium is the fans. Concrete doesn't talk back to you. Chairs don't talk back to you. It's the people who are there, day in, day out, that makes the place magic."– Bernie WilliamsExplore the SiteHere are 50 images chosen randomly from the 3004 found on this site. Click the image to be taken to the original post. A new list is created every 10 minutes.
To the left, out of view, was a row of guys in very nice suits. Most I did not recognize. Here's the view as you step to the front of the outer moat beyond first base. Another classic space in the making above the Hrbek gate. Row indicators are spray-painted with stencils over rust and peeling paint. Killebrew's mammoth shot on June 3, 1967 is currently memorialized on a wall at the Mall of America The Pro Shop. For reference, this is that same area as viewed from the seat locator. Fun with section counting! The same section seen from Target Center. Yep, looks like bridge supports. Look familiar? Unfortunately, just adding little balconies with cool angles will not offset the pervading ugliness. September 23, 2007 Back of scoreboard; facade in context. Replays on the out-of-town scoreboard! I will take a picture of just about anything. LRT at the ballpark Wrigley Field. Paradise? Not from these seats. Seventh Street windows Preparations underway (Field View) Field access on the visitor's side That's Fifth Street (and a tattooed arm) in the foreground. Click on this photo to see what it looked like on this spot 101 years ago (I'm not kidding) Stairs down to the sidewalk from the skywalk over Seventh Somebody asked how long it would be before the tarp had a sponsor. Well, not very long. Now from the inside looking at the same area. Since pictures of the ballpark are forbidden, perhaps you'll enjoy this shot of the lovely apple tree in my front yard. Jose Alvalade XXI Stadium in Lisbon, Portugal has towers much like I'm imagining to hold up our canopy while also making a bold statement on the horizon Just lighted panels... *sigh* Here is Seventh Street viewed from the west looking toward downtown. This will probably be the most pedestrian-friendly side (other than the plaza), but only if there is some psychological barrier between the people on foot and the people in their dangerously fast-moving automobiles. 5:45 PM, section 327, row 9, sitting: shade. Welcome Visitors From Two Men On (Accessiblity) Glossary BPM - Ballpark Magic BRT - Bus Rapid Transit DSP - Dave St. Peter FSE - Full Season Equivalent FYS - Fake Yankee Stadium (see also: NYS) HERC - Hennepin Energy Resource Company (aka the Garbage Burner) HPB - Home Plate Box HRP - Home Run Porch LC - Legends Club LRT - Light Rail Transit MBA - Minnesota Ballpark Authority (will own Target Field) MOA - Mall of America MSFC - Minnesota Sports Facilities Commission (owns the Metrodome) NYS - New Yankee Stadium SRO - Standing Room Only STH - Season Ticket Holder TCFBS - TCF Bank Stadium TF - Target Field Selected Bibliography - Analysis Selected Bibliography - Surveys
Selected Bibliography - Nostalgia |