One thing that first video revealed that I personally haven't gotten a very good look at was the board on the right field wall. That should be pretty cool for scores and he even mentioned video.

this ballpark is really beginning to take shape. I must say i was a little sceptical when the initial designs were released, but now i'm loving the way things are coming together. great work as usual rick,thanks.

Puffy?

Anyone else get the feeling listening to Kevin Smith talk that he really only knows what others have said to him about TF? There were a few times where tour participants had questions that he didn't have answers to.

Doobers (If it's really you) I love ya man be well!

Has there been any talk of hosting the All Star Game?? When are there openings to host? There's been a lot of new ballparks recently, so I'm curious where we fit in the pecking order.

The Twins announced last year they were bidding on the 2014 All-Star Game

2009 - St. Louis
2010 - Anaheim (confirmed)
2011 - Phoenix (confirmed)
2012 - Kansas City?
2013 - San Diego/NY Mets/Cincinnati?
2014 - Minneapolis?

Kevin Smith really rubbed me the wrong way on this tour. This ballpark is being financed mostly with taxpayer money. Without the taxpayers paying for Target Field, there would be no Target Field for him to be giving a tour of...

Kevin Smith tells people not to stop anywhere that he doesnt stop. Bullshit...the Twins do not own this stadium, yet he walks around like no one can even look at the park without him looking at it also...

Maybe its just me but the Twins are really coming off as, snotty, for lack of a better word. Hey we got you to pay for this, now, screw you, you will do as we say.

Dont get me wrong, im not against taxpayers paying for this at all, but I just think its kind of a snub to the people actually paying for this.

I hope they plant that topping off tree somewhere.

Matt...

I've got a suggestion that involves a certain Twins PR cretin and his posterior.

Seriously, this guy gives the organization a bad name... how can you be in pr and media relations and be such a colossal douchenozzle?

i would agree with vikesologist - he doesn't appear to be as much an expert as rick or freealonzo, or frankly most of us on this blog...

to the guys from the organization who read this... I don't think the Twins organization as a whole is well represented by a guy like Kevin Smith, and the 'CCO video is solid evidence of that.

It was nice to see an extended video like this one from a local news outlet.

Amazing to see cameras inside getting a full tour. I thought the gestapo had clamped down on this...at least from competent journalists. Rick, were you invited to this media event?

Well, it's a construction site - I'm sure he doesn't want people wandering off.

As far as a glare goes for the fans, I have a solution:

I remember taking a tour of the White House that was less restrictive than Kevin Smith. But then again, this is still a construction site and if some idiot reporter wanders off and gets injured, there's a liability issue. But his tone is completely inappropriate.

I understand its a construction site, but I think Kevin Smith was more worried about photographers taking pictures of things he didnt want them stopping to look at and taking pictures of.

They are in the concourse area...what are they going to do, wander off into one of the vacant consession stands, or maybe try to get some beer from one of the tappers?

Like I said, maybe its just me, but Kevin Smith comes off in a bad way. Not a good thing to do when this much money has been spent.

i do kinda agree the heads of twins management have gotten rather inflated during the construction process. The bulk of this edifice is financed with public money and i can do without some of this sense that it's "their" building.

Vikeologist,
I got the same feeling. He seems like a prude. The Twins could generate a lot more excitement for their park if they wouldn't continue to stifle their fan base.

I dont know Kevin Smith, maybe he is a very nice guy, but he just doesnt come off that way.

It's like every chance he or the Twins get a chance to rub everyones nose in the fact they that is the Twins stadium, they do it.

How is it not their stadium? Look at left field. Their offices are right there. Sure, it was paid for with public money, but I wasn't under the illusion that that my tax dollars allowed me to check-up on the place whenever I wanted to. Even if they're just under contract or lease for the place, it's not like that when you have an apartment you don't try to make it your own. All this complaining is getting out of hand. Remember how, eight years ago, it looked like we'd never get a ballpark? Hell, it looked like we'd lose the team. Be happy, people.

Happy there is a new ballpark...yes. Happy the Twins are staying in town...yes. Happy the Twins Management acts like a pompous ass...no.

Those that have asked about what seats will be under the canopy may want to look at the 6:30 p.m. webcam. The stadia appear wet from just below the tunnels all the waw down, and dry above that. You can also see how many rows are dry in the club seats and in the lower deck.

Also, my two cents on the Twins/Kevin Smith - calm down guys. You know, I understand (to some extent) that Hennepin taxpayers feel that it's their ballpark, but you know what, it really isn't - it's the Ballpark Authority's, and via the lease, the Twins. If it were the taxpayers, you could go down at any time (during construction, or after it is completed), and demand to be allowed in, free of charge. Since that isn't the case (and since you can't do that at the 'Dome or the X, or Target Center), there's no reason to expect that you should be able to do so at Target Field either.

Now, the no picture policy? Maybe it seems snarky, but again, you can't take a pitcure inside Walmart, now can you (and don't tell me Walmart is different than the Twins - click my ane for a website caled Walmart subsidy watch)? Weather you like it or not, Target Field is private property, and the Twins can set the policy (photo, access, etc.) as they see fit.

As to how much of a public relations backlash they might get from the no pictures policy? I know a lot of people that are very excited about the Target Field opening, and I'm the only one that visits this site on a daily basis. The rest from my group of friends are content to wait for "official" updates. So, if the Twins alienate even the few people on this site, as opposed to the hundreds of thousands (or millions) of Twins fans who just want the basics, and are either vaguely aware of the no photo policy, or don't care, so be it...

Moose

Moose thats the best most rational post i've read in over a year ... well said

I'm with you, Legacy. The complaining about Twins management is a little over the top at times...

No, they're not perfect, but really...focusing on Kevin Smith "admonishing" a poor innocent assistant as if he's some sort of evil task master?? Or acting like he's flexing on people unecessarily by requiring that they stick together while on a special tour of a construction site during the work day?? Or creatively interpreting (aka twisting) Kevin Smith's words into some kind of a diabolical power trip?? Not to mention the cynical snickering about "aha moments"...

Don't get me wrong, I laugh along with everyone else when each new "aha moment" is more melodramatic than the last - mainly because it's usually been covered here already (except for the revelation that Luke is 31. That was a genuine shock...just playing, Luke!), but in my humble opinion we sound a little (and sometimes a lot) spoiled.

You're right on the money, Legacy. It isn't our right to stroll through the ballpark whenever we want just because we're paying for it(okay...a little hyperbole there, but you know what I'm getting at). Plus, maybe if we tone down the cryptic shots at the Twins front office they'll open the door another crack for us (and by 'us' I basically mean Rick)!!

I went down to the ramp today and took some pictures of Target Field and would like to share them. How can I post them on here? Sorry not very good with the computer.

jincr,
post them on flickr or photobucket and place the link here..

A few new nice pics on facebook by our construction friend. The Kirby atrium wall is done...looks awesome!

Alright thanks Kevin! I hope this works. There are some pictures where you will be able to tell where you will be protected from the rain. I will not be protected but that is alright by me.

Can someone tell me what the black looking stuff behind Championship club is?

i second the thoughts of basking the twins on this ballpark, i mean cmon people, we are getting a awesome new ballpark for our twins, i mean why they the hell are we bashing our twins even a little bit, in less then a year from now we wll be able to walk in almost every corner of our new field, we are all twins fans, thats all the counts, i mean nit picking on kevin smith on the tour video os way over the top, every construction site is the same way,

jincr, I think those are windows into the Champions Club

Hey, does anyone know why there is that spot in the stadia in the second level that they just skipped down the 3rd base line?

That's just the seperation between the club seats and the skyview (skyline?) seats. No access to the fancy suite type rooms for the latter.

I don't mean to come off as a Twins basher. I understand they are leasing the building and you just cant walk up to the stadium and demand to look at anything you want.

I just didn't like his tone, and if you don't want people stopping and looking, then you probably shouldn't be giving a tour anyways, because that is just human nature.

Nonetheless, this is going to be an amazing ballpark, that we all should be proud of! I think Target Field is going to be one of the best ballparks in all of baseball, and lets hope it becomes a historic place, with a lot of history over time, and many championships!

"I just didn't like his tone, and if you don't want people stopping and looking, then you probably shouldn't be giving a tour anyways, because that is just human nature."

Seriously?

yes Seriously...

Is it not common for people, while on a tour, to stop and look at things, or fall behind the person leading the tour? I have been on tons of tours, and this is always the case...

There are always going to be people that stop and look longer than they probably should.

I'd like to add "whining about access because it's taxpayer money" to the list of verboten topics like the roof. You own the library but can't just walk in at midnight. You own the police department but that doesn't mean you can demand a cop to sit in your driveway at night and keep your house safe. The Twins have been pretty darn open to letting people see things and check things out.

So just give it a rest already and go climb back into your rube caves.

No one is saying they want to get into Target Field at midnight, or saying they want to look at it anytime they want...

Forget it...if you dont praise everything about the ballpark or the Twins, you are an idiot...

I personally love the ballpark, and the Twins, but some Criticism is not a bad thing.

The only thing more annoying than the whining, is whining about the whining. Shut up already both of you and MOVE ON!

now you are telling us to shut up? is this even your site? WOW

anyways...moving on...

when do they start growing the hops on the Topiaries, or has this started already?

i hope they start soon vikeologist, and its going to be great to see the stadia getting filled with seats and by end of summer, our grass! By they way vikeologist, i do kinda know where your coming from in the fact mr smith is kind of a boring person, thats all about following the rules, which for us is a buzz kill, but other then that, ive been pleased with all the access and pics and info from the stadium. Can we find a way to beat seattle today, and start getting at detroit!

well most of the pics have been from Rick or other people, not from the Twins...

The Stadium is going to look amazing once the seats and the grass is installed. The Twins one the road, you just never know how they are going to do.

A little change of topic here, but does anyone now what the bathrooms are gonna be like? Are we going to have the big troff like in the Dome or are there going to be individual urinals? There is nothing more creepy when your the only one at the troff and than some guy comes in right beside you to do his business. The Troff just simply has to go!!

not sure, I know TCF Bank Stadium has urinals, so im assuming Target Field will be the same.

my guess the trough only because you can fit more sausages in there then just the urnials. just a guess by thats what there probley going to do, its all about leaking the lizards as fast as u can to get back to game

I've been to so many new parks and have yet to see a trough. I think troughs are a thing of the past. Nothing worse than urine backsplashed tennis shoes...I always had to remember not to wear sandals to the Metrodome.

A bad habit of mine is listening to Sid Hartman on the internet on Sunday mornings....Just now he interviewed Billy Smith....Billy says Delmon Young is still in his adjustment period and he's not at all worried about the difficulty in signing Joe Mauer because he's relying on Joe's desire to stay home......

Billy....What color is the sky in your world??????????????????????

thanks for the info on the troughs kevin, id be happy without them, goot to know the other ballparks dont have them, agree with the backsplash

kev,

just as a reminder:

Delmon Young is only 22 or 23... and in his 3rd MLB season... that's remarkable in and of itself, so yes... adjustments at his age are still needed.

as for Mauer... Reusse's column got it right, Twins fans have seemingly refused to just enjoy the guy because they are collectively wetting their pants over whether he will leave or not... things don't happen until they do... if the Twins are even capable of signing Mauer, than what Smith said is 100% accurate... otherwise, it's like Johan all over again, and we don't have a chance in hell from the get go...

Remember, it's not really about the $$$ in a contract for a lot of guys... it's playing on a bigger stage in NY, LA, Bos, or Chi... and there is nothing the Twins can do to compete with that.

With all the Mauer contract talk going on in the papers...what do you guys think the Twins will do and when?

Also do you think he will get $20 million per season from the Twins, something he would be very likely to get in New York or Boston?

CJ - chicago (white sox or cubs) is not big time. they like to think they are "big time", but they are not. ;-)

Don't get me wrong CJ, I totally agree with Patrick. My anxiety over Joe Mauer isn't the same as most Twins fans as described by Patrick. My anxiety is Billy Smith being a complacent moron. I never though I would hear our GM actually say something so asinine as make a reference to Joe's possible desire to stay home (like that's really some big advantage). It's a joke! Where's my proof you may ask??? Well, many of you probably missed it because it was well after midnight in MN. Friday night after the Twins win in Seattle, the polish kid who's name I can't spell or pronounce interviewed Joe after the game. He asked Joe about his concern over his contract. Joe not once mentioned staying home...What he did mention is the fact that he's searching for a ring. A RING!!! Here is where my anxiety toward Billy Smith and the cheap Pohlad family enters the picture. Billy needs to make Joe want to stay in MN by showing him that he has a REAL committment to winning. One way is to replace a complete bum like Nick Punto (who doesn't belong on ANY major league roster - not even the Washington Nationals - with someone who can actually hit a mother f#ckin baseball. Another way to convince Joe he could win a ring in MN is by signing at least one if not two decent middle relievers and why is Mike Redmon even on this team? Because he runs around the lockeroom in the buff and makes Gardy laugh? He's not even the 2nd best catcher on the roster. These things not only should happen to convince the likes of Mauer and Morneau to stay in MN, but other young talented hitters like Kubel as well. The other reason is because they are getting this new palace to play in. The club has always said a new ballpark would make them more competitive. Well, ever since the ballpark legislation was passed, the payroll has gone down.

And this is the source of my Twins anxiety...now I need to mix maalox with my morning coffee.

His name is Robby Incmikoski.

Kevin,

I like Nick Punto, just not in a starting role, and not for the amount he is being paid. Nick Punto is a very good utility player...He can play virtually any position, and is a great defender. That being said, he should not be an everyday SS.

As for Mike Redmond, I agree... Jose Morales was a much better hitter, and maybe just a slightly less defensively. He should be backing up Mauer instead of Mike Redmond...

The Twins have used the excuse of playing in the Metrodome for years, and now they are finally getting a new ballpark, they are sitting on the cash.

well said kev, well said.

time for the twins front office to start acting (spend some real $$$ & don't be afraid to make legit trades) like they want to be world champs once again. instead it seems like they are often just a "content to be a near first-place in our division" ballclub - but hey we got lots of fun between innings promos for the kids & family that involve dropping tennis balls from the upper deck in right field and a kiss cam!!

has there been any pictures or anything about what the Twins clubhouse will look like? The Gophers have shown what the TCF Bank Home locker room will look like, but I havent see anything on the Twins clubhouse.

Vikeologist,

I'm afraid if the Twins showed us pics of the clubhouse, it would once again ruin an a-ha moment (why do i always hear the song "take on me" when I type or read a-ha moment)....

Anyway, thanks for the vote Betaband. Yes it truly is the time for the Twins organization to put up or shut up. This offseason is the time we will find out for sure if this ballclub is for real when it says it wants to win. If Nick Punto, Mike Redmond and Craig Breslow are at Target Field next April, we'll know the Twins are perfectly content on being Boston/NY/LA's farm team.

Oh Kevin, it's so easy to spend other people's money you say....Oh Kevin it's not your money you say....blah blah blah....If the Twins can spend $300 million + of taxpayer money, the taxpayer/Twins fan has a right to bitch about the lack of spending by the ballclub.

All eyes are on you Billy Smith and Pohlad boys...ALL EYES!!!

well Craig Breslow was released a few weeks ago, so 1 down 2 to go.

I agree Kev...

the thing is if thye let mauer go.. there will be a revolt.. they can afford to pay him now with the ballpark.. just pay him...kuble cant be out star in 2011... TF will be packing in 13k a night by 2014 if this happens

Why would Kubel be the star, where will Justin Morneau be?

I think they will spend once we get into TF. If not your right Maz in three years once the novelty wears off the place will be over half empty. They will get a honeymoon period for two to three years and then if they dont win people won't come.

I have a query - you know the odd shaped board above the trapezoid - that will block anyone's view trying to get a free look from ramp B - what are they going to put there? static advertising? odd-shaped scoreboard??? I'm just curious.

Someone questioned whether the seat installation had halted after we saw those first five sections completed earlier this past week. I don't think it has based off this picture posted by an earlier commenter.

It looks like the base has been installed for at least four more sections. Maybe this next week we'll even be able to see it extend to the view on the webcam.

I have a question also- does anybody know what that square shaped fairly big structure is next to the right field grandstand. It looks like on the other side of center field is the restaurant. But I have not seen the square structure in any plans. You can see the structure on the latest aerial photo. Thanks.

This one gives a wider view...

Justin will be playing for the bosox vikes....

why, will the Twins trade him? He signed a long term deal.

look at the past vikes... no mauer? then they need to re load.. why have a stud on a awful team? they will trade him for a gomez here, a humber there..

im really just saying... they have to sing them both forever.....if not.. it will be the 37 year old kuble show

I understand what you are saying...but the Twins have signed Justin Morneau long term, Joe Nathan long term, Joe Mauer will be next IMO...

They wanted to re-sign Hunter, but not at that contract price. Look at the contract Carlos Silva got from the Mariners...it was insane!

Here is the latest overhead shot of Target Field...i do not see the square structure you are refering to...

Interesting thing I heard recently - one thing they didn't account for with the trees in the batter's eye is an irrigation system. So rather than having someone go out there and water those things everyday, the Twins will now be installing an irrigation system out there.

Im no tree expert, but wouldnt rain water be enough after they are established?

Vikes - I'm not sure what square structure is being referred to either. To the right of the grandstand, is the structure for the gate area on that side. I don't know if I'd think of that as "fairly large"...to the left of that, it looks like theyre just building stuff for the center field restaurant. Dont think that's fairly large either.
The only other square shaped, fairly large structure i can think of, is the B Ramp - that's been there for almost 20 years.

I didn't think there was going to be a restaurant in centerfield. I thought they moved that?

I think the square structure being referred to is on the main concourse level in CF where that open area is. There was a picture taken from atop the B-ramp and showed the building "to the right" of the grandstand from atop the B-ramp.

My guess would be its restrooms/concession area, but I could be wrong.

Rick,
Maybe the Twins should consider "sun delays" with the glare problem. click link. :)

Vikeologist - I report, you decide :-) Just relaying what I know what a concern of the groundskeeper.

Im not saying you are wrong IowaWigman, I just thought evergreen trees would do just fine without regular waterings, once they were established...

Maybe since they arent actually planted in the ground, they need to be watered...

Im curious about this though

Can anyone who has been to the field tell me if the glass area behind Legends Club sections F, G, H, J are part of the 573 Club? If not, what is it?

"Under the Lights" Target Field update - Monday night at 8:00 PM on FSN.

In regards to the board above the trapezoid seats in right, it certainly blocks you right behind it, and all my recent pictures were taken with that obstruction. You can see if you look on either side of it, as well as on the other half of the ramp past the elevators.

my 2010 season countdown clock is at 300 days today - do you know something i don't ;)

it's probably been said around here somewheres, but when does the official MLB schedule come out?

Is Tom D asking about the elevator structure on the "B" ramp, perhaps? It's the only square structure in that area that seems to be in question. And in that last aerial shot, unless one looks carefully and is relatively unfamiliar with the structure, the elevatore tower for the ramp might looked detatched from same.
What color is the big, square object in question, Tom D?

Rick is correct with the tentative inaugural game at Target Field being set for Monday, April 12.

The Twins are also planning exhibition games on Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3.

Again this is all tentative, as teams usually do not 'officially' release their schedules until September, even though most teams know their schedules in July/August.

mid September.

He could be talking about either of the two structures in dead center, there's one on the right, which looks like bathrooms for the trapezoid section, and a couple unfinished, roofless walls on the left. It's not an open flat space anymore.

Great site... first time posting here. On the restroom issue,( glad there wont be any pig trough's) does any one know if there will be more stalls than the ridiculous one stall per R.Rm in the Metrodome?

It makes sense that the Twins are planning one or two exhibition games before the season at Target Field. I think the Mets and Yankees each did it this season and Washington the year before.

I assume it's to give everything a test run, etc. For some reason I don't like it though, I just like the idea of the first game being the big day.

screw the exhibition games, i would think they'd devote a weekend to having public open houses - good grief, we taxpayers are putting up 80 percent of the cost of this place - i'd like to see the fruits of my hard earned money thank you very much.

and who wants to watch two exhibition games, in three feet of snow? doesn't sound fun to me.

seriously though, Charley Walters made a comment in one of his columns last week that so far this season, the Washington Nationals have had five games postponed due to rain. So far this season, the Twins would have had zero postponements, if they were playing at TF.

dude give it up luke, the whole argurment that the tax payers dollars all of a sudden deserve special treatment is riduclous. its a ballpark that we can all go watch baseball games at, and no one knows there will be 3 feet of snow, the opener on the 12th, were talking about a week and a half different, calm down dude

did anyone else notice in that aerial pic that the wood slats are going up on the circulation ramp?

I think Elston G. and Mike Brumley might be correct.The structure I saw on BaseballFever-page 96 by Brewer fan 386 is located on the bottom left corner of the screen. (first big picture) The building without walls up there we all know will be the concession stands(old plans it was the restaurant. But the one on the other side of the center field main concourse has a vent stack on top. I bet it is a bathroom structure for the trapezoid.

maybe i am mistakin, but the season usally starts on 3/13 them all teams on 4/1 or 4/2.... why would they play the test games on those days or after???

sorry that was 3/31

Thanks Rick, that makes sense about a road start - the countdown clock only claims to be 'opening day 2010' anyway but I DO like that we are now under 300 days. :)

I would sit in 4 feet of snow to watch an exhibition game come March! Gawd...the dragging of the winter beyond the holidays - just waiting for pitchers and catchers to report is enough to kill this girl. I can only imagine what February and March 2010 is going to feel like!! So I will be the first one out there with my Hot Hands and Feet inserts, my Snuggie blanket and a cocoa cheering my face off about the whole damn thing. About the same time, I will pay my taxes with glee. Hell, I'll DO my taxes in my full season seat down the first baseline knowing I for once know where some of my money went!

annnnyway....anyone know, aside from maybe exhibition games, will season ticket holders will have any sort of something - open house or tour or anything?

Jacquie

Rick -- Bert Blyleven pitched 60 complete game shutouts in his 22-year career, and many of those games were 100+ pitches. He has often said that 110-120 is a better number to use for a pitch count. Baker just wasn't ready mentally to pitch the 9th. That's on Baker, not Gardy.

Going back to what David_Mpls was talking about WAY back at the beginning of this thread...

I was looking for the "hole" he was talking about and it made me take a closer look at the seating chart for TF. I always thought that the gap between sections R and S (Legends Club to Skyline Deck) was space that would be filled in. Now I see that it is essentially another moat seperating the "high end" seats from the other sections.

Am I the only one that thinks they are loosing some PRIME seats???

Also it seems there is no info about the Skyline Deck pricing. Are these going to be single game tickets only?

Thanks for the info.

I haven't seen anything regarding pricing for the Skyline seats, but I suspect they are either reserved for Legend's Club members to purchase additional seats. (A listed benefit for Legend's Club members is "Access to purchase additional tickets in specially held seats to Twins home games (as available)") and/or available for group/single game purchase.

twins new stadium construction group on facebook was just shutdown due to containing "proprietary" twins information!

Be happy that their is a team?

If not for some luck......Pohlad woulda taken the cash from Selig and retracted in a plan not seen since the demise of the streetcars......

I refuse to step foot in a place like that when the seats will be outrageous and the team mediocre at best

Looks like the Stadiu is just about completed, and they're starting to put seats up behind the moat.

they are going to leave it 'open air' between the soffit and the upper deck seats right? they aren't going to put up glass or anything there to block the wind right? This is what I'm assuming, but reading a lot of the info I'm kind of getting a different idea, I really hope they leave that open, otherwise we'll get a sort of miller park type look up there where we can see through glass to the outside, but it'll actually be blocked off, and honestly, that sucks, anyone with info let me know