MLB
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/81/ALC-MIN-Logo.png/100px-ALC-MIN-Logo.png
Minnesota Twins

3x Champion:
1924, 1987, 1991


Revised renders and plans for new Minnesota Twins baseball park

pics courtesy of thanks to Avian001

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/9405/mntwinspark00yr4.jpg

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/8772/mntwinspark02rc6.jpg

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/2300/mntwinspark04rm6.jpg

new LRT station on the right
http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/9556/mntwinspark01ft8.jpg

Site plan, showing the entry plaza to be built over I-394, between the existing A & B Ramps:
http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/9528/mntwinspark03oc0.jpg

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5863/mntwinspark05hp0.jpg

http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/american/minbpk03.jpg


http://www.ballparks.com/baseball/american/minbpk.htm

Tenant: Minnesota Twins (AL)
Opening: April 2010
Status: Groundbreaking expected in August 2007
Style: Open air
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 40,000 (baseball only)

Architect: HOK Sport (Kansas City) and Hammel, Green and Abrahamson Inc. (Minneapolis)
Construction: M.A. Mortenson Co. (Minneapolis)
Owner: Minnesota Ballpark Authority
Cost: $522 million
Public financing: Approximately $392 million from a 0.15 percent sales tax in Hennepin County
Private financing: $130 million from the Twins
Lease: 30 years


Location: In the Warehouse District, just north of Target Center in downtown Minneapolis. Left field (NE), 5th Street; 3rd base (NW), BN and Santa Fe Rail Road tracks & HERC Plant (Hennepin County Garbage Burner); 1st base (SW), 5th Street; right field (SE), 3rd Avenue & I-394.

Dimensions: Left field: 328 feet; left-center: 371 feet; center field: 402 feet; right-center: 371 feet; right field: 331 feet.

Fences: Undetermined.





http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20070411&content_id=1893042&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min

04/12/2007 12:00 AM ET
Twins-County ballpark design unveiled
Ballpark to provide one of baseball's most intimate settings

MINNEAPOLIS -- The design of the new Minnesota Twins-Hennepin County ballpark -- a cosmopolitan expression of Minnesota's natural beauty -- was officially presented to the Hennepin County Board today.

Also invited to the morning presentation at the Hennepin County Government Center were members of the Minneapolis City Council as well as members of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority, the agency that will own and oversee operations of the new ballpark.

"What a tremendous, long-awaited day this is for the Minnesota Twins and baseball fans across the Upper Midwest," said Jerry Bell, president of Twins Sports Inc. "Minnesota's new ballpark will be an inviting landmark and an intimate venue providing for a superior baseball experience for future generations of Twins fans."

"People have been waiting a long time to see tangible progress on this project, and today we reward them for their patience, said Hennepin County Commissioner Mike Opat. "This ballpark will not only be a great baseball venue. It will be a great public asset for Minnesota. The design shows that despite our challenges with this site, we will build one of the great urban ballparks in America."

"The Ballpark Authority is excited about working with the Minnesota Twins to create a dynamic new landmark," said Steve Cramer, chairman of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority. "This facility will be an outdoor baseball fan's dream and we believe it will serve as a catalyst to further development on the western edge of downtown."

The one-million-square-foot ballpark will have approximately 40,000 seats. Similar in size to PNC Park in Pittsburgh and AT&T Park in San Francisco, the new Twins ballpark will provide fans with fantastic, baseball-focused sightlines in an intimate setting.

Nestled on an eight-acre site next to the downtown Minneapolis Warehouse District, the ballpark will be an urban architectural icon. The site dictates the ballpark's lean physique, and the design's form follows the function of the events on the field. The seating bowl swathes the field; the exterior walls are shaped by the seating bowl; and a roof canopy spanning nearly the entire seating bowl crowns the ballpark.

"The new ballpark will reflect Minnesota's dynamic blend of urban sophistication and outdoor vitality," said Earl Santee, AIA, HOK Sport senior principal leading the architectural effort. "Minneapolis' downtown skyline will provide dazzling views beyond the outfield, creating a wonderful connection to the city."

The ballpark's exterior is a modern interpretation of the state's natural creations. Hearty, weather resistant, native Minnesotan limestone forms the mass of the ballpark's façade. Glass and metal details punctuate the limestone surface, creating a sophisticated composition.

Fissures, or gaps, in the stone enclosure of the ballpark will create unique viewing opportunities for fans both inside and outside the ballpark.

In addition to a modern façade, the ballpark will illuminate its mark on the urban skyline with distinct entry beacons. These prow-like icons are a direct reflection of the city's style at each of the ballpark's entry points.

"This project creates a new standard in urban integration," said Santee. "The ballpark connects with fans whether they arrive by foot, bike, bus, car, light rail or commuter rail."

Minnesota's new ballpark promises to be one of the most accessible sports facilities in all of American sport. The ballpark site sits at the convergence point of the Light Rail Transit (the existing Hiawatha Line and future lines such as the Central Corridor), the future Northstar commuter rail line, the Cedar Lake Bike Trail and Interstates 394 and I-94. Moreover, fans will take advantage of the more than 20,000 parking spots within a five-block radius of the ballpark.

The new ballpark strives to be one of Major League Baseball's most environmentally friendly ballparks as well, incorporating conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency into the design.

"A green ballpark was one thing hundreds upon hundreds of fans requested," said Rebecca Greco, AIA, HGA principal. "Because this is a ballpark for all of Minnesota, we placed a high priority on fan input. Minnesota's new ballpark will be a defining testament to a team, a state and its people."

HGA is serving as local architect on the project. They are joined by lead design firm HOK Sport, a Kansas City-based architectural firm which has designed 14 new professional ballparks and M. A. Mortenson Company, a local construction firm which is one of the top three national builders of sports venues.

"We look forward to bringing to life this great ballpark that will celebrate outdoor baseball in Minnesota," said Ken Sorensen, vice president and general manager of Mortenson's Minnesota Office. "Working closely with HGA and HOK Sport, we will build a ballpark for all Minnesotans to call home."

The development agreement signed between the Twins and the county gives the County Board approval over ballpark design; the board is expected to review the ballpark design at its April 17 meeting with a final vote scheduled for the April 24 meeting.

Under the state of Minnesota's authorizing legislation, the county's share of financing the ballpark is $350 million for construction and infrastructure costs, while the Twins organization is contributing $130 million. The Hennepin County/Minnesota Twins proposal for a new ballpark was approved by the Minnesota Legislature and signed into law in May 2006. Construction is expected to begin this spring, and the ballpark is scheduled to open for the 2010 season. For more information on the ballpark, visit the new ballpark page.

http://www.startribune.com/509/story/1115358.html

Twins ballpark: Above us ... only sky

The Twins stadium design was made public, with a promise that fans will be more comfortable, able to stay warm and sit in a ballpark that will have the "intimacy" of Chicago's Wrigley Field.
By Mike Kaszuba, Star Tribune

Last update: April 12, 2007 – 10:24 PM

The new home of the Minnesota Twins will feature a limestone finish, a high-definition scoreboard, a place where fans can watch batting practice without buying a ticket and a 20-foot walk from a train platform into the stadium.

Those were just some of the amenities that were put on display Thursday as the Twins, joined by the architects and politicians who are making the stadium come to life, unveiled the ballpark's design to generally upbeat reviews.

From Twins manager Ron Gardenhire to Gretchen Shanight, an Edina woman who said she still thought the outdoor stadium should have a retractable roof, hundreds of onlookers gawked at drawings of the stadium at the Hennepin County Government Center.

"I'm a roof person," said Shanight, who nonetheless added that the new stadium would be an "asset to the city and the region."

Thursday's ceremony came two days after the Twins announced that they would commit more money to the project to help break an impasse over the sale price between the county and the owners of the 8-acre ballpark site in downtown Minneapolis.

Team and county officials declined to release the additional amount the Twins have promised -- the team is already contributing $130 million to the project -- but said that the move would keep the stadium on schedule for a 2010 opening.

Architects and team officials said the 40,000-seat ballpark would be roomier than the Metrodome, the team's indoor home for two decades, with a larger concourse, wider seats, more leg room and fewer seats per row.

Earl Santee, a principal architect for HOK Sport, the lead architectural firm, promised that "in some ways, it'll have the intimacy of Wrigley Field," the longtime home of the Chicago Cubs and one of the most envied baseball stadiums in America.

"Are we going to win games in this ballpark?" asked a smiling Gail Dorfman, a Hennepin County commissioner. Dorfman, who had opposed the use of a countywide sales tax to help fund the stadium, on Tuesday cast a key vote to move the project along.

"It's a fair ballpark as far as its dimensions," replied Santee.

The new ballpark -- with a distance of 404 feet from home plate to the center-field fence -- has essentially the same on-field dimensions as the Metrodome. But in a sign it may be more friendly to hitters than pitchers, the ballpark will have less foul territory.

A heated field

In an attempt to blend in elements that are unique to Minnesota, officials said the ballpark would feature a limestone finish, seasonal plantings atop the outfield fence and a tribute to Twins players from the past.

Santee said that fans could watch the game from indoor areas scattered throughout the stadium and that the field would be heated, meaning that mid-April snowfalls like the one that hit the Twin Cities on Wednesday would melt before accumulating.

Jerry Bell, the Twins' lead stadium negotiator, meanwhile, promised that ticket prices -- while still not set -- would not be "a great deal different" than those currently at the Metrodome.

"It really looks small," Mike Rodriguez, a Minneapolis resident, said as he studied the drawings. "[But] it looks really interesting."


Mike Kaszuba • 612-673-4388 • mkaszuba@startribune.com

another ehh..... now wowness to it.... just glad it's not too retro with the glass paneling.....

I think from a fan's perspective it is wow. I just don't think you like anything new. Very, very intimate design. I love busy outfield areas too. This looks like one of the best as far as that goes.

I like the outfield configurations a lot, but the bowl seems uninspired. Every new field has that super-round, four to five little deck look to it.

The Golden Gophers are building a new football stadium, the Twins have this beauty... All that is left is the Vikings to get their act together and the Metrodome can go.

:hug:

I love the new gophers stadium plan, and the new twins ballpark is gorgeous (if expensive), but as a Minneapolis resident the $900 million proposal is absurd. I have been a Vikings fan all my life, but financially a retrofit that ads club seats, a few rows, a new Facade and gets rig of the roof makes more sense to me, and could be done for half the price. A metro area of 2 million is going to have a hard time taking the burden of $1.7 billion dollars in stadiums at once.
That having been said I really like the modern facade, and especially the wing shaped roof, I would have like to see the second teir extend all the way down the 3rd base line, and I like a two teir plan with the club seats at the base of the second teir like PNC in Pittsburgh.

I like the outfield configurations a lot, but the bowl seems uninspired. Every new field has that super-round, four to five little deck look to it.

New Nationals Stadium and New Yankee Stadium are the ones that come to mind with the bowl. Doesn't really look like Petco at all.

Alright, let's be honest here for a second. It's butterball-cold in Minnesota during the months of March and April. I don't want to believe that you guys are honestly going to build this stadium. You gotta' be kidding me. IN MINNESOTA? Look for the Twins to have atleast 20-25 postponed games a year due to, not rain, but the weather there in general. It's a nice looking stadium, but you guys should've put a roof on it.

looks pretty dull, uninspiring and basic.

and the fact its open air in Minny. Bad idea.

I love the new gophers stadium plan, and the new twins ballpark is gorgeous (if expensive), but as a Minneapolis resident the $900 million proposal is absurd. I have been a Vikings fan all my life, but financially a retrofit that ads club seats, a few rows, a new Facade and gets rig of the roof makes more sense to me, and could be done for half the price. A metro area of 2 million is going to have a hard time taking the burden of $1.7 billion dollars in stadiums at once.
The state can negotiate a little longer but eventually Los Angeles will look very attractive to Zygi Wilf. As the Twins demonstrated with "contraction" professional sports franchises are more of a privilege a city must work to retain, not a right. Teams [especially the NFL] are insanely profitable and have the upper hand in negotiations. If a franchises home town will not build it a new palace, there is someone else that will.

and the fact its open air in Minny. Bad idea.
The Metrodome is a tomb, if the Twins survived at the Met all those years they will do just fine in this place.

:hug:

It's butterball-cold in Minnesota during the months of March and April. I don't want to believe that you guys are honestly going to build this stadium.What's more Minnesota than freezing your butt off. :lol:

and I like a two teir plan with the club seats at the base of the second teir like PNC in Pittsburgh.

I agree, if forbid they ever do knock down the grandstand at Wrigley or a new stadium comes down the pike in the future I would emulate PNC's grandstand. Out of all the new stadiums it is the only one that looks truely intimate (on the scale of Wrigley and Fenway). All other new stadiums have too many decks, far set setbacks, and skyboxes for my taste. PNC has done it exactley right in that respect.

Alright, let's be honest here for a second. It's butterball-cold in Minnesota during the months of March and April. I don't want to believe that you guys are honestly going to build this stadium. You gotta' be kidding me. IN MINNESOTA? Look for the Twins to have atleast 20-25 postponed games a year due to, not rain, but the weather there in general. It's a nice looking stadium, but you guys should've put a roof on it.

The average high in Minneapolis in March is 5 degrees colder than Boston and in April, the average high is 1 degree warmer than Boston. Minneapolis is also within a few degrees of the average highs in Chicago during those months.

How many games are played in March?

How long have they been playing baseball in Boston and Chicago without a roof? Has it been a problem?

I think the lack of a roof will benefit Minnesota in the long run. It should give the team an edge in the early season and perhaps during the playoffs.

The average high in Minneapolis in March is 5 degrees colder than Boston and in April, the average high is 1 degree warmer than Boston. Minneapolis is also within a few degrees of the average highs in Chicago during those months.

How many games are played in March?

How long have they been playing baseball in Boston and Chicago without a roof? Has it been a problem?

It seems like Minnesota gets some pretty wild weather swings, though. Is that true?

It seems like Minnesota gets some pretty wild weather swings, though. Is that true?

It is true, but it really isn't any different than Boston, Detroit, or Chicago. The chances of a blizzard in April are pretty slim.

Do the people freaking out about the outdoor park in Minnesota not realize that outdoor baseball is played in other cold weather climates as well? That's why they don't play baseball in the winter.

wow, nice stadium, i like the glass on it.

It is true, but it really isn't any different than Boston, Detroit, or Chicago. The chances of a blizzard in April are pretty slim.

Do the people freaking out about the outdoor park in Minnesota not realize that outdoor baseball is played in other cold weather climates as well? That's why they don't play baseball in the winter.

That is all true. Most of the season is played in the summer, so it is not a problem in Minnesota.

I personally like the new stadium, especially the view from the 3rd Base baseline and the 7th Street Plaza. I also like the fact that the lower deck will have 7,000 seats more than the upper deck.

Jacobs Field in Cleveland, last week, April 8th.

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8752/55058261pd3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

"The state can negotiate a little longer but eventually Los Angeles will look very attractive to Zygi Wilf. As the Twins demonstrated with "contraction" professional sports franchises are more of a privilege a city must work to retain, not a right. Teams [especially the NFL] are insanely profitable and have the upper hand in negotiations. If a franchises home town will not build it a new palace, there is someone else that will."

Granted the Dome is a terrible baseball stadium, but for the NFL it could have 30 years left in it with a retro-fit. I have drawn it up a few times (I can try to upload drawings later) that would increase the concourses from 22' to 34', double the size of the restrooms, convert one sideline to club seating (about 6,200 seats) and retain the 94 suites. I would also add five rows to the upper level on the sides and corners (bing the capacity to 68,000 or so)and new videoboards in the ends. I have also drawn up a glass & granite facade. I figure this could be done for $400-450 million dollars, much more doable than the $900 million scheme the vikings are working on now, and the numbers are similar (68,000 seats in both cases, 34' concourse vs 40', 94 suites vs 130, 6,200 club seats vs 8,000, restroom/concession numbers are nearly identical).
Also L.A. has managed to lose three NFL teams already, why the hell should they get a chance to lose a fourth, from a state with a Very loyal fan base (there is substantial season ticket waiting list). I think Wilf would perfer to keep the team in Minnesota, and a rennovation just makes sense economically. The Zigi has also said that renovating the dome is an option he would consider, I know at least one firm has done real schematics.

Jacobs Field in Cleveland, last week, April 8th.

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/8752/55058261pd3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

holy crap!!

Granted the Dome is a terrible baseball stadium, but for the NFL it could have 30 years left in it with a retro-fit. I have drawn it up a few times (I can try to upload drawings later) that would increase the concourses from 22' to 34', double the size of the restrooms, convert one sideline to club seating (anout 6,200 seats) and retain the 94 suites. I would also add five rows to the upper level on the sides and corners (bing the capacity to 68,000 or so)and new videoboards in the ends. I have also drawn up a glass & granite facade. I figure this could be done for $400-450 million dollars, much more doable than the $900 million scheme the vikings are working on now.
Also L.A. has managed to lose three NFL teams already, why the hell should they get a chance to lose a fourth, from a state with a Very loyal fan base (there is substantial season ticket waiting list). I think Wilf would perfer to keep the team in Minnesota, and a rennovation just makes sense economically.
You make a great logical case, and I totally agree with you that the Metrodome could be renovated to keep costs down, and that a loyal fan base is not worth leaving.

...But logic is different from reality. Having the oldest home in Minnesota:

Metrodome - 1982
Target Center - 1990 [Renovated 2004]
Xcel Energy Center - 2000
Twins Ballpark - 2010

The Vikings will want a replacement that will last longer than Dome renovations and will not be multi-purpose in nature. Not to mention the Vikings could benefit moreso from home field advantage in the elements, which is why their proposals have had retractible roofs [an open-air venue would save a lot of money, retractible roofs are expensive!]

With regards to fan loyalty... Minnesota should know of all places that is not enough to keep a franchise in town.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g231/mrfusion1/MNS.jpg

:hug:

Wilf has preveously stated that he, personally is in favor of a open air stadium (I would like to see a partial roof to hold the keep the noise in, I think I mentioned that in my previous post, but just one over the upper teir, like a tension ring). These days stadiums seem to work on a 30 year lifecyle (with resources doing what there doing I think it wall all be renovations iin the world of stadiums), but maybe you're right, and maybe I am blinded by loyality to the team.

reminds me a lot of petco.

Here is a photo of a model of the new Minnesota Twins stadium currently under construction; originally posted by Avian001 in the Midwest development forum:

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/4143/twinsstadiummodel01vg7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Here's a couple of fine shots from Saturday, taken by forumer MidwestProduct and posted at Minnescraper.

You can see a lot more progress images here! (http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=247&start=1695)

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/5803/twinsstadiumconstruc03gw0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

On the extreme right side of this view you can see the reconstructed roadway for the LRT station. The stadium will also be linked to the 2nd-story enclosed walkway system that connects most of downtown Minneapolis.

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/7509/twinsstadiumconstruc04pw5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)


Here's an image I took through a dirty window of the Ford Centre on the opposite side of the stadium (the red brick building to the right in the 2nd photo above). It's annotated to show the integration of the public transport system into the stadium.

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/8136/twinsstadiumconstruc05cst5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

interesting conctruction
already 4th floor
but no stands / rows

Yeah, for whatever reason they are building the entire concourse area and all of the plazas before installing the bowl, though that may have to do with the nature of the site, or the vertical nature of the stands, where all four levels use the same column line. Now it has a highway running under the outfield plaza, and a commuter rail line coming in underneath the 3rd base side to a station in the corner, so maybe they wanted to build up the framework right away since that rail line is supposed to open next year and the terminal station is built into the outfield of the park.

It's so cool to see a park directly connected to 2 passenger rail lines, highways, 8,000 parking spaces and pike paths, if only I were a baseball fan it would be perfect.

I had no idea this was so close to Target Center.

Avian did you add those little notes on the last picture you posted, about exiting ramps/skyways etc? If so well done. I didn't notice that you may have done that on some 'other' forum that we're not allowed to post links too (any links or so I've been told by at least one moderator). I liked the particular view of the skyline from that angle as well, though it hardly shows downtown but some nearby surrounding neighborhoods with some height to them.

As far as the talk about a possible new Vikings stadium goes, if they build it without a retractable roof, then maybe it can be built with heated floors and seats to melt the snow and if it rains give everyone a poncho.

^^ Yes, I did add the notes, thanks. (Sorry about the late reply. I was in Indianapolis for the past week.)

I'd love to be able to get on the roof of the Ford Centre to take some pics. Now those would be dramatic!

I didn't know the Twins park was this advanced. I love the design, one of the more unique designs in the league. I love that they didn't go the retro route, not that retro is bad, but its been over done.

construction's coming along nicely. looks like a winner!!:okay:

Here are some shots of the scale model, as taken by Rick at http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/Model5.htmlhttp://www.twinsballpark2010.com/Model5.html

There is only one bank of floodlights above the LED monitor. All the rest of the lighting will come from a line of floodlights at the rim of the canopy:

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/1976/twinsstadiummodel01hl9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/2320/twinsstadiummodel02xs3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This is a good view showing the LRT tracks on the left side and the NorthStar Commuter Railroad on the lower right, with the MultiModal Station (oval structure) in the middle.

http://img364.imageshack.us/img364/4970/twinsstadiummodel03xq1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

That model is so cool

Twins Ballpark
water
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e39/rigs49/Twinsnewballpark.jpg
cg
http://i115.photobucket.com/albums/n293/tomtj_01/twinsballpark2.jpg

Next to Target Center, I suppose the northwest side of downtown Minneapolis can be called the Target District.

TWINS BREAKING NEWS - September 15, 2008
============================================

TARGET FIELD, THE CAPITOL OF TWINS TERRITORY TEAM, OPENING IN 2010

The Minnesota Twins are proud to announce that we have reached an agreement with
Target Corporation on an exclusive 25–year partnership that includes the naming
rights for Target Field, the new world–class home of the Twins scheduled to open
in 2010.

Target Field, one of America's most urban ballparks, will be located in the North
Loop neighborhood and historic Warehouse district of downtown Minneapolis. Beyond
Target Field, Target, the Twins and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority will also
collaborate on the design enhancement for Target Plaza — a pedestrian bridge and
public gathering space connecting Target Field to downtown Minneapolis.

The Twins and Target also plan to jointly develop a wide variety of marketing,
promotional and community programs to delight Twins fans and Target guests alike.

And yet another corporate name, but atleast they're local

I'm currently living in Chanhassen a suburb of Minneapolis. My bosses made me watch the Twins game in Target... I find the bubble like roof cool.

The new stadium is very promising. The new and old stadium look near but in reality it's not.

At least it could have been called "Best Buy Stadium". Target Field actually sounds decent. Its similar to other good sounding corporate field names like Miller Park and Busch Stadium.

The seating charts and prices for the 2010 season have been released. Link here to the pdf. (http://stmedia.startribune.com/documents/NBP+Seating+Diagram.pdf?elr=KArksi8cyaiUqCP:iUiacyKUU)

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/3479/targetfieldseating01jh6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The prices don't look too bad.

the exterior reminds me of petco park

copy cats.

Not really, its almost the same type of stone, but other than that they are pretty different.

See spot and SAVE! Man, i love Target, they even lowered the pricing on seats!

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l7/ecko2n2/976-ballpark1031-3ballpark1031_doub.jpg

Monday, November 3,2008

View from 7th Street:
http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/3847/twinsstadiumconstruc08ek6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The Kasota limestone exterior:

http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/1226/twinsstadiumconstruc09su2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Facade along 7th Street, looking back toward the city's core:

http://img236.imageshack.us/img236/4239/twinsstadiumconstruc10yo9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Structure of one of several cantilevers:

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/9538/twinsstadiumconstruc11ho3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Main entry area:

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/3818/twinsstadiumconstruc12nt0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Target plaza, connecting the stadium to the Warehouse Entertainment District:

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/928/twinsstadiumconstruc13ip7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The first of the seating stringers are in place, along with the first structural components of the wrap-around canopy:

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/4227/twinsstadiumconstruc14kv4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The field area, with a red marker showing the location of home plate:

http://img125.imageshack.us/img125/6937/twinsstadiumconstruc15hu2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

The north part of Target Plaza connecting to the Target Center, showing (presumably) planter areas for the trees:

http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/3005/twinsstadiumconstruc16ye0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Wow, I had no idea they started construction already, I'll have to take a look when I'm there in late December. It looks great.

Their is also a webcam available to watch the construction,

http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/min/ballpark/new_ballpark_webcam.jsp

Nice looking project!

I think this will be sure be an upper tier baseball stadium when it is finished. It has a lot of nice things going for it (transit, location, materials) and its not even done.

why do they bother adding such a small roof when it does no good?

sweet looking stadium. I like the stone facade a lot. Will it have any surface lots for tailgating.

To bad it has a view of the Target Center, it is such and ugly arena.

why do they bother adding such a small roof when it does no good?

It's mostly aesthetics and sun shading, and it will help a little with acoustics as well. But Minneapolis stays pretty dry for most of the season, and if it ever really rains bad the games a postponed anyway.

I dig it

At least it could have been called "Best Buy Stadium". Target Field actually sounds decent. Its similar to other good sounding corporate field names like Miller Park and Busch Stadium.

Better than "The 99c Store Stadium", too.

The climate arguments are silly. Winnipeg weather is even harsher, and their baseball stadium is open to the elements as well. Baseball is played during the spring and summer. It's not like they'll be playing in a snow storm.

I think this will be sure be an upper tier baseball stadium when it is finished. It has a lot of nice things going for it (transit, location, materials) and its not even done.I hope you are right. If this ends up being one of the Wrigley/Fenway type stadiums of this era it means we won't have to build a new one for a long time.

True ballparks in general have outlasted multi-functional facilities, Dodger stadium is from the 60s and its still going strong, which is better than most stadiums in any other pro sport of that era. And it's not nearly as old is Fenway or Wrigley. All Kaufmann Stadium needed was a fixer upper.
So this one will probably need some renovating in 30 or 40 years, but thats how it goes.

Updates. Saturday, Jan 31, 2009.

East side:

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/2263/targetfieldconstr10zs1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/6871/targetfieldconstr07sd7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2482/targetfieldconstr01ch5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

North side, showing the relationship to downtown Minneapolis. A new LRT station is being built in the foreground:

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/2096/targetfieldconstr05xy3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Multi-levels - The street, entry plaza and skyway. A stair connection to the skyway is beginning construction:

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/1974/targetfieldconstr11hn9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7696/targetfieldconstr15fw8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

South side:

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/8113/targetfieldconstr16fn6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I had forgotten about this. Thanks for the up date.

great photos

great pics need more.

True ballparks in general have outlasted multi-functional facilities, Dodger stadium is from the 60s and its still going strong, which is better than most stadiums in any other pro sport of that era. And it's not nearly as old is Fenway or Wrigley. All Kaufmann Stadium needed was a fixer upper.
So this one will probably need some renovating in 30 or 40 years, but thats how it goes.

Kaufmann is still a pretty nice stadium though the location is bit of a dud.

wow, this is looking really nice. Can't wait to road trip up to see Brewers-Twins.

I'm gratified they took into consideration the local geography and picked that warm limestone look that dominated many local buildings in the past. Can't wait to see it in person once it's completed!

Kaufmann is still a pretty nice stadium though the location is bit of a dud.
Damn right it is...too close to Meth-dependence.

Only good thing about the location is the access to I-70, Blue Ridge Cutoff and Raytown Trafficway.

wow, didnt even know the construction progressed this far. i love the use of limestone on the exterior, very classy. twins fans are lucky to get this new home

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3382/3329123720_7cdd261f1d_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3333504283_2dc66bb526_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3334341808_346ef342d0_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3334353882_8d3a12b572_o.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w241/fafafooey69/March6th200913.jpg

I took some photos yesterday too:

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv170/Somnifor/mplsmar0977.jpg

http://i680.photobucket.com/albums/vv170/Somnifor/mplsmar0978.jpg

Amazing stadium and photos

Mention should also be made of the plans for Target Plaza (the main entry to the ballpark). (http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090211&content_id=3817028&vkey=ballpark_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min) A nice virtual tour of the park is available at that link as well.

Target Plaza will feature nine 40-foot high metal topiaries in the shape of baseball bats, lit by LED's. The parking ramp overlooking the plaza will be covered by artist Ned Kahn's "Wind Veil," (http://nedkahn.com/wind.html) a 285-foot x 60-foot kinetic sculpture that will also be backlit by LED's.

live construction webcam

http://www.earthcam.net/users2/interface.php?i=0&id=1463&projectid=878&clientid=691&camnum=1&page=default

about time. Thank you

what about the vikings stadium, where is the thread for that? Hope the vikings sign michael vick...imagine the combo of vick and peterson...they will set all kind of records.

There is no solid proposal on a new Vikings Stadium, but here is the link anyway.

New Vikings Stadium (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=665706)
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=665706


Hopefully, a new stadium can be approved soon, and I want it to have a roof, retractable or not.

Vick will never play QB in this league again.

Vick will never play QB in this league again.

Youre very uninformed.

who wants someone with his record as the face of your team? He was not even that good of a QB when he played.

As a wildcat/option kind of guy he would be sick for at least a couple more years, but beyond that I don't know, and I don't want him wearing Purple for any reason. I just want a QB who isn't indecisive or mistake prone.

who wants someone with his record as the face of your team? He was not even that good of a QB when he played.

He sells tickets. Hes gonna play again.

he will, just not as QB

Nothing like outdoor baseball in Minnesota in early April......

he will, just not as QB

vick got a good arm...get him good wide receivers he will be sick...and vick/ peterson combo are going to break records....the guy is a winner...and why shouldnt he be given another chance. pacman got a chance, lenard little who was drunk and killed another driver got a chance

Back on topic:

Do you beleive that Target Field will be a hitter's park, a pitcher's park, or neutral?

Back on topic:

Do you beleive that Target Field will be a hitter's park, a pitcher's park, or neutral?

The dimensions are about normal, but maybe just a little, tiny bit deeper than most and the walls appear to be 10-15 feet tall in some places. Throw in the colder weather that will make it tougher for the ball to travel and I expect it to be a pitcher's park, but not to the extreme of a place like Petco Park.

Much of the Twin's history was played outdoors for home games (in Metropolitan Stadium). The ball carried fine and plenty of home runs were hit.

Much of what I have heard regarding how Target Field will play hints at it being a hitter's park. Target Field is built on an incredibly small site for a major league baseball stadium and that reality shows in small foul ball territory and a short right field porch. Many foul balls that would be outs in other parks will be in the seats at Target field. Some warning track fly balls from other stadiums will be off the wall for a double in Target Field.

Much of the Twin's history was played outdoors for home games (in Metropolitan Stadium). The ball carried fine and plenty of home runs were hit.

Much of what I have heard regarding how Target Field will play hints at it being a hitter's park. Target Field is built on an incredibly small site for a major league baseball stadium and that reality shows in small foul ball territory and a short right field porch. Many foul balls that would be outs in other parks will be in the seats at Target field. Some warning track fly balls from other stadiums will be off the wall for a double in Target Field.

I wonder if HOK Populous could've saved some square footage by not building a separate tier for club seats and instead opting for a two-tier bowl like they did for PNC Park in Pittsburgh?

This is a most attractive ballpark. Its modern design, locally-quarried limestone facade stonework, glass curtain walls and the cantilevered "wing" covering the upper deck are unique, contemporary designs that will make Target Field different enough from the newer ballparks to stand out on its own. I also appreciate the effort to locate the park where various forms of public transit meet up. Well done, and well thought out, Minnesota! You should be very proud of this facility. I think it stands out as one of the better designs in recently built baseball parks: (Baltimore, Houston, Seattle, Denver, Detroit, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, San Diego, Phoenix). Well done!

This is a most attractive ballpark. Its modern design, locally-quarried limestone facade stonework, glass curtain walls and the cantilevered "wing" covering the upper deck are unique, contemporary designs that will make Target Field different enough from the newer ballparks to stand out on its own. I also appreciate the effort to locate the park where various forms of public transit meet up. Well done, and well thought out, Minnesota! You should be very proud of this facility. I think it stands out as one of the better designs in recently built baseball parks: (Baltimore, Houston, Seattle, Denver, Detroit, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, San Diego, Phoenix). Well done!
If only they didn't have to built it next to the incinerator...:(

Here are some very nice pics (as usual) by forumer MidwestProduct at Minnescraper.com. (http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=247&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=2040)

The main entrance plaza:

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/8821/mpballpark061409r.jpg (http://img150.imageshack.us/i/mpballpark061409r.jpg/)

The entry plaza includes 50-foot topiary frames that look like baseball bats, which will eventually be vine-covered. The parking ramp wall to the right will be covered by a kinetic wind sculpture:

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/6051/mpballpark061409q.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/mpballpark061409q.jpg/)

The main lighting bank is recessed into the flying canopy:

http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/1790/mpballpark061409m.jpg (http://img199.imageshack.us/i/mpballpark061409m.jpg/)

At the northern corner is the multi-modal transit station that includes stops for the Light Rail, Commuter Rail, Bus and a connection to the city's extensive commuter Biking trails:

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8002/mpballpark061409g.jpg (http://img25.imageshack.us/i/mpballpark061409g.jpg/)

The facade is nearing completion on the west side:

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/9561/mpballpark061409d.jpg (http://img23.imageshack.us/i/mpballpark061409d.jpg/)

http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/6081/mpballpark061409e.jpg (http://img401.imageshack.us/i/mpballpark061409e.jpg/)

View inside the bowl:

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/268/mpballpark061409n.jpg (http://img196.imageshack.us/i/mpballpark061409n.jpg/)

I love the Light wing!

I love this stadium :)

I would change the airplane wing to something better looking like Busch stadiums roof

I would change the airplane wing to something better looking like Busch stadiums roof

Busch Stadium's entire 'look' is along the lines of the retro parks. It looks old fashioned (which is great because that of course is what they were trying to do).

Target Field has a much more contemporary plan, from the exterior, to the "airplane wing" shield. Putting a throw-back retro canopy on Target Field would look just as odd as putting a contemporary, light laden canopy on Bush Stadium.

The innovative light ring on Target Field is a great feature.

http://www.publicroutes.com/images/topattraction/busch-stadium.jpg

I would change the airplane wing to something better looking like Busch stadiums roof

why? Theres nothing unique about Busch Stadium's roof.

why? Theres nothing unique about Busch Stadium's roof.

Um, it looks unique to me and I love it but thats just my opinion. Target fields roof makes it look like a modern art or areospace musuem from the outside.

I would change the airplane wing to something better looking like Busch stadiums roof

then it would be like 3/4 of the baseball stadiums in the US

Um, it looks unique to me and I love it but thats just my opinion. Target fields roof makes it look like a modern art or areospace musuem from the outside.

Thats the whole point, to NOT look retro. A flat, black roof...what a concept.

Busch is unique? Doubtful.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2758796380_d50e72e806.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3194/2967932301_57d15db25b.jpg

http://www.bostonspastime.com/stories/det_comerica.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3651/3590060329_59db9b8e9f_o.jpg

I could keep going, but I really dont feel like posting a picture of every ballpark in MLB.

Thats the whole point, to NOT look retro. A flat, black roof...what a concept.

Busch is unique? Doubtful.

Hell, if anything, the old Busch Stadium's roof was more unique than the new one's.

http://www.charlesculp.com/baseball/buschtour/BuschStadium2005.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2560/3709047085_9bafdc4e9a_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3524/3709074873_15df44eafe_b.jpg

From www.twinsballpark2010.com:

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/P7090112a.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/P7090163a.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/P7090154a.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/P7090103a.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/P7090127a.jpg

Amazing photos

i love it. It slaps New Yankee stadium in the face and says "This is how u do AMAZING!"

I think they fit their respective clubs nicely. The new Yankee stadium is cold, fancy, imposing and self righteous. That seems to fit the Yankees organization like a glove. This isn't out to proclaim itself, a clean lined, unique, and a comfortable relaxed place to watch the game.
I think I'm the only one, but I have much less problem with the new yankee stadium than the new Busch stadium, for me the new one is a fair bit of a downgrade. St Louis had the one great cookie cutter from the multipurpose era, and now they have a mediocre Camden nock off at best.

Found some new photos at baseball-fever.com and thought i would share them here...

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_1199403902808_1159857150_30591142_2013062_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_1199403942809_1159857150_30591143_2402505_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5974_1199395262592_1159857150_30591104_353854_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5974_1199395342594_1159857150_30591106_6841623_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5974_1199395382595_1159857150_30591107_6135815_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs160.snc1/5974_1199396942634_1159857150_30591113_7296365_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_1199397022636_1159857150_30591115_2322430_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_1199399502698_1159857150_30591120_279842_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_1199399542699_1159857150_30591121_3879271_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_1199402422771_1159857150_30591137_3627139_n.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/P7090173a.jpg

Found some new photos at baseball-fever.com and thought i would share them here...
http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/P7090173a.jpg

fans in the 2nd & 3rd decks won't be able to see the warning track area of that side of the field, thats a bad design.

Thats true with the majority of parks in the majors, Citi Field, new Bucsh, Progressive, Coors, ect. Atleast here the seating is really close in.

man i love this place. I think its going to be the inspiration for new parks...the first place that does modern the right way.

unfortunately not that many teams need new parks anymore.

Thats true with the majority of parks in the majors, Citi Field, new Bucsh, Progressive, Coors, ect. Atleast here the seating is really close in.

So bad design is a trend in MLB stadiums. I've been to a MLB game before where you couldn't see part of the field from my seat and it sucked. Nothing is worse than missing a robbed homerun or a missing a ball take an odd bounce off the outfield wall to create a triple or inside the park homerun because you couldn't see if from your seat.

man i love this place. I think its going to be the inspiration for new parks...the first place that does modern the right way.

unfortunately not that many teams need new parks anymore.

I would say that Dodger Stadium was the first to do Modern right, and that was in 1962. Kaufmann is from the 70s, certainly not retro and absolutely wonderful (especially post renovation). The more recent examples have been lacking; neither Nationals Park or the Great American Ballpark are anything special in my book. This is really nice, up there at the top with PNC for more recent parks in my book.

So bad design is a trend in MLB stadiums. I've been to a MLB game before where you couldn't see part of the field from my seat and it sucked. Nothing is worse than missing a robbed homerun or a missing a ball take an odd bounce off the outfield wall to create a triple or inside the park homerun because you couldn't see if from your seat.

Here there was a need to fit 40,000 seats on an abnormally small site, outfield seats elsewhere seem to rarely have a view of the track for what ever reason, it is nice to be up a little bit for a better view of the infield I guess. US Cellular, Dodger stadium, Turner Field, Kaufmann and maybe Wrigley are the only ones I can think of where all the outfield seats can see the track.

This stadium, along with PNC Park, will have the best skyline view in Major League Baseball.

Petco Park (I think that's the name) in San Diego also has an impressive skyline view.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs140.snc1/5974_1199399502698_1159857150_30591120_279842_n.jpg



Thats pretty cool. Where is that going to be?

^^
I believe that is just inside one the entry points behind homeplate and by one of the pubs that will be in the ballpark. Maybe someone from the area knows for sure?

I also found this awesome picture on Twinsballpark2010.com and again thought i would share it here...

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/tf_night_small.jpg
Click link for high res version
http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/tf_night.jpg

does anybody else get reminded of paul brown stadium everytime they see the angled center field seating stand.

Yup

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/090730_pano1.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/090730_pano2.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/090730_0042a.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/090730_0025a.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/090730_0030a.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/090730_0050a.jpg
twinsballpark2010.com

i'm just waiting for the opening of this amazing stadium :popcorn:

I have a feeling that this stadium will join Pittsburgh and San Fran in my mind as the top class of the new era stadiums.

Really and Really? not a fan of both those examples.

PNC is definitely the nicest I've seen

^^

I would have to agree with you there. I think PNC is one of the best ballparks of all the modern examples. Its hard to beat its amazing skyline view. Im not a huge fan of SanFran's park but it does have an awesome setting.

Really and Really? not a fan of both those examples.

Do tell then, what are the major negatives you find in AT&T Park and PNC?

Do tell then, what are the major negatives you find in AT&T Park and PNC?

They arent in Texas.

^^
LOL:lol:

Do tell then, what are the major negatives you find in AT&T Park and PNC?

neither one is really that impressive, just Camden Yard knock offs. Sure, PNC has a great view of Pitt and the bridges but so do allot of other cities. AT&T park looks like a theme park in the out field and you hit things into the bay.... whoopedy do!

Ganis how do you feel about the Ballpark in Arlington?

neither one is really that impressive, just Camden Yard knock offs. Sure, PNC has a great view of Pitt and the bridges but so do allot of other cities. AT&T park looks like a theme park in the out field and you hit things into the bay.... whoopedy do!

I think of PNC as being on the far end of the spectrum from Camden Yards. Its Its about 9,000 seats smaller, has two tier layout with a lot of cantilever and perfect sightlines as apposed to the more typical 3 with minimal overhang and stands that are more square to the field at Camden Yards. They have totally different outfields and exteriors interms of design, meterial and scale. Besides the little faux early industrial roofs that every throwback park uses I don't know how they could be more different.

I'll agree with you on AT&T though, its Camden Yards mk IV in a great location or whatever, and the concourses are pretty tight, the sightlines could be better. Although its not any more gimicky than Comerica Park or Citi Field or the Ballpark at Arlington.

I agree PNC is a great ballpark. Very unique.

Once you peel away the facade of Rangers Ballpark is a very nice stadium design. The concourse is huge and soaring. Even the upper concourse is open and soaring. You can really get around this place. Shame it is seen as such a Disneyland because of the exterior.

Once you peel away the facade of Rangers Ballpark is a very nice stadium design. The concourse is huge and soaring. Even the upper concourse is open and soaring. You can really get around this place. Shame it is seen as such a Disneyland because of the exterior.

I like the exterior, it's dominating as you drive buy it and has an outpost look. But the internal detail is where Ballpark in Arlington is amazing. Next time im at a game ill take some pics and post it on the stadiums thread... if there is one.

AT&T park looks like a theme park in the out field and you hit things into the bay.... whoopedy do!

Yes, being in a visually stunning location is a REAL detriment.:ohno:

Let us not neglect to mention that the stadium has been a BOON for development in the area and has light rail access to the rest of the city.

neither one is really that impressive, just Camden Yard knock offs. Sure, PNC has a great view of Pitt and the bridges but so do allot of other cities. AT&T park looks like a theme park in the out field and you hit things into the bay.... whoopedy do!

As opposed to the visually stunning office building in Arlington? Please.

You want to talk about the internal detail in Arlington? It doesnt match San Francisco, a place i doubt you have ever been to.

Looks like Egyptian temples at Luxor or Thebes, awesome design.

I've been to AT&T as well as Arlington and the ballpark in San Francisco is far superior. The sightlines, the location, the accessibility and the intimacy are all superior in San Francisco. I've been to a lot of ballparks and Arlington is in the bottom half for sure. I think Target Field will be near the top when finished.

Yes, being in a visually stunning location is a REAL detriment.:ohno:

Let us not neglect to mention that the stadium has been a BOON for development in the area and has light rail access to the rest of the city.

As opposed to the visually stunning office building in Arlington? Please.

You want to talk about the internal detail in Arlington? It doesnt match San Francisco, a place i doubt you have ever been to.
Agreed. Both parks are Camden lookalikes but at least the Bay gives Frisco's some character.

I've been to AT&T as well as Arlington and the ballpark in San Francisco is far superior. The sightlines, the location, the accessibility and the intimacy are all superior in San Francisco. I've been to a lot of ballparks and Arlington is in the bottom half for sure. I think Target Field will be near the top when finished.

if you're just talking about the actual ballpark, not the surroundings, they're the same bowl design, except Arlington is bigger, therefore has more outfield seats. The concourse in Arlington kills AT&T. But then again, that's part of the difference in location. AT&T doesn't need the grand concourses that parks like Arlington or NYS have. They are more internal ballparks than Camden or AT&T. If Rangers Ballpark was in AT&T's location it would be considered constricting. If AT&T was in Arlington it would be considered horrible for having outfield views of the GM plant and tight concourses that don't allow airflow in a very hot place. They are what they are, but I hate it when the design is only looked at based on environment when the environment is scenic.

Yeah, the setting is not all that makes AT&T a better ballpark. I don't buy the same bowl design. The slope, number of rows and overhang are different. It's better at AT&T and makes it a better place to watch a game. The sightlines are superior. That's why it's a better ballpark. The setting is just the icing on the cake.

I love how AT&T is probably the only legitimate retro park around. They dont mow a patern into the grass, the bullpens were built down the foul lines, theres a lot of public transportation to the park. Then of course theres the brick construction and all that stuff.

AT&T IS retro.

Here's a shot of the new Light Rail Transit station on the 5th Street side of Target Field, visible in the near background. This line connects the ballpark to the rest of downtown, Cedar-Riverside, the Mall of America and the MSP International Airport. Below this platform is the Northstar Commuter Rail station, which connects Minneapolis to Big Lake and, eventually, St. Cloud, about 65 miles away:

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8279/leapfroggy0550175.jpg (http://img197.imageshack.us/i/leapfroggy0550175.jpg/)
Photo courtesy of forumer Leapfroggy at Minnescraper.com (http://www.minnescraper.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=247&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=2070)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2601/3801842756_6ce85e06c6_b.jpg (httptos/mspdude/3801842756/)

by MSPdude


You can see the new Target Field ballpark, as well as the green roof being installed on the nearby Target Center.

^^^^Great picture...well not great but good...well not really good either but nice and recent.

Man Minneapolis has allot of surface parking lots... Lots of room to develop. Hopefully if Wilf and the Vikings can get their new football stadium built on the Dome site, allot of that will change. That is if Wilf follows through on his promise to spend money developing all those lots around the dome in downtown east.

That picture does a nice job of showing Target Fields size and location though. Because it’s squeezed into that little lot, so many of the pictures are close up, which makes the ballpark look pretty small and un-dominating. But from that aerial you get a pretty good sense of just how big of a ballpark they squeezed into that tiny little lot. The canopy looks awesome from up there as well.

Also, has anyone heard anything about the north loop village plans lately? Are those plans on hold or have they been trashed? Would be nice to see some condos and retail go in around the new Twins stadium. Besides who wouldnt want to live over there? You have access to the light rail and North Star commuter rail. Its next to the beautiful new ballpark. And a hot skip and a jump from the warehouse district.

Man Minneapolis has allot of surface parking lots... Lots of room to develop. Hopefully if Wilf and the Vikings can get their new football stadium built on the Dome site, allot of that will change. That is if Wilf follows through on his promise to spend money developing all those lots around the dome in downtown east.

Would it be possible to play in the new Minnesota football stadium (TCF) while the new Vikings stadium is being built? the Bears did that with the Illini stadium when Soldier field was getting renovated.


As far as Target Field goes, i like it! :yes:

From what I've understood, if the Vikings get their new stadium, they would play a few seasons at TCF Bank Stadium on the U of M campus. At least thats what I've heard. If the case, it would make for a few fun seasons of outdoor football in MN. I wonder if this did happen, if they would beable to then sell alcohol at the Vikings games, since they wont be for Gopher games.

Also, has anyone heard anything about the north loop village plans lately?

There are two condo projects rumored to be under-development along the Hennepin Ave corridor downtown and one 24-story residential tower in the Warehouse District. Apart from these, I haven't heard much positive about the north loop village or any other significant developments in that area of downtown.

Yes, the Vikings most certainly would play two seasons in TCF Bank Stadium if the Metrodome site was used for the proposed new Vikings stadium. It would be very similar to the Bears using Illinois' Memorial stadium - and for about the same duration.

This plan has been communicated several times over in the Twin Cities. It could also be assumed some temporary bleachers would be added to get the TCF capacity to 60K for Vikings games. It would really be a couple throw back seasons with snowy December and January games for the Vikings.

Here is a late 2008 rendering showing where the Twins Ballpark could fit in the fabric of the North Loop Village

http://i056.radikal.ru/0908/3c/69808a4776d9.jpg

The developer's original plan allowed for at least six new buildings scattered between 5th Street and Washington Avenue that would range from 15–35 stories. At the time the press reported that Hines hoped to start construction in the following 12 months, before the ballpark would have been scheduled to open. Not much is known about the eventual fate of this grand proposal...

Here's a shot of the new Light Rail Transit station on the 5th Street side of Target Field, visible in the near background. This line connects the ballpark to the rest of downtown, Cedar-Riverside, the Mall of America and the MSP International Airport. Below this platform is the Northstar Commuter Rail station, which connects Minneapolis to Big Lake and, eventually, St. Cloud, about 65 miles away:


Is the Northstar Line open yet?

Is the Northstar Line open yet?

no yet, but it is scheduled to open late this year!

Here is a late 2008 rendering showing where the Twins Ballpark could fit in the fabric of the North Loop Village

http://i056.radikal.ru/0908/3c/69808a4776d9.jpg

The developer's original plan allowed for at least six new buildings scattered between 5th Street and Washington Avenue that would range from 15–35 stories. At the time the press reported that Hines hoped to start construction in the following 12 months, before the ballpark would have been scheduled to open. Not much is known about the eventual fate of this grand proposal...
Wow, that plan looks great!

It would definitely help lessen the appearance of the adjacent HERC plant.

Nice Picture. But, I'm curious as to where people park when attending a Vikings game? That seems to me to be a very small parking area considering a stadium of that size.

Nice Picture. But, I'm curious as to where people park when attending a Vikings game? That seems to me to be a very small parking area considering a stadium of that size.

Ramps, ramps, and more ramps. Parking and traffic have been pretty much a non-issue since the Dome's opening in 1982. Now, it is even better since a light rail line runs right next to the stadium. A surprising number of fans arrive via light rail now too, although the mix of ramp parking and surface lots (even tailgating) still take up the bulk of the arriving fans.

downtown Minneapolis will have so much potential when the Metrodome is knocked down in the future and those parking sports are open for redevelopment. I love downtown Minneapolis, but the Metrodome ruins part of the downtown with its requirments for parking.

downtown Minneapolis will have so much potential when the Metrodome is knocked down in the future and those parking sports are open for redevelopment. I love downtown Minneapolis, but the Metrodome ruins part of the downtown with its requirments for parking.

I agree! Maybe I'm a curmudgeon, but the Value Added Development (VAD) offered by ANY NFL stadium is suspect, to say the least. The NFL is little more than a large TV studio that doesn't care one bit about what goes on beyond it's seating chart, and what looks good on camera.

As such, it's silly to depend upon an NFL stadium to encourage ANY development to the city. All the NFL cares about is getting people into the seats so it looks good on network TV. And their model is hundreds of acres of parking lots so people can conveniently drive to their spectacle.

downtown Minneapolis will have so much potential when the Metrodome is knocked down in the future and those parking sports are open for redevelopment. I love downtown Minneapolis, but the Metrodome ruins part of the downtown with its requirments for parking.

Wouldnt a new stadium most likely be built on the Metrodome site?

Wouldnt a new stadium most likely be built on the Metrodome site?

That seems the most likely plan right now, but the Owners also want to build a large entertainment complex around the new stadium too, so that would take care of some development near the stadium.

I agree! Maybe I'm a curmudgeon, but the Value Added Development (VAD) offered by ANY NFL stadium is suspect, to say the least. The NFL is little more than a large TV studio that doesn't care one bit about what goes on beyond it's seating chart, and what looks good on camera.

As such, it's silly to depend upon an NFL stadium to encourage ANY development to the city. All the NFL cares about is getting people into the seats so it looks good on network TV. And their model is hundreds of acres of parking lots so people can conveniently drive to their spectacle.

I totally see where you're coming from, but I don't think it has to do 100% with the NFL. Speaking from experience (I'm from Charlotte, NC, home of the Carolina Panthers) it is the individual cities who decide the parking situation. Charlotte decided against building a massive parking development, and instead decided to rely on the parking lots of nearby businesses who would be closed on Sunday anyways. It works really well, and avoids the nasty massive parking lots that plague many stadiums in the NFL. The center city of Charlotte would definitely have been hurt by this, and I'm glad that they avoided it. I'm sure that this is the case in other cities as well, at least ones with downtown stadiums. I can only hope that Minneapolis sees this as a viable alternative as well as to protect the beautiful city.

I cant wait until its finished :) This is going to be a SICK stadium

The turf is being installed on the playing field today. A graphic from the Minneapolis Star Tribune (http://www.startribune.com/local/54423332.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUo8cyaiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr) shows how the field will be heated in early spring and fall:

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/7447/targetfieldturfdetail01.jpg (http://img210.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldturfdetail01.jpg/)

And here's a great photo of the stadium taken by paulzee: (http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulzeee/3811730327/)

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/7461/targeyfieldflyover.jpg (http://img27.imageshack.us/i/targeyfieldflyover.jpg/)

Excellent. It will be fun to watch the webcam today as the playing surface grass is put down. Thanks for the heads up.

Thanks to mrkrinkle625 for this photo set:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36552988@N03/sets/72157622153911200/show/

From the webcam, it looks like the grass is 100% installed. It looks like a ball park now.

Video footage from the Minnesota Ballpark Authority:

http://www.ballparkauthority.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7b5657CF7A-4E6C-4E0B-A321-77419423F559%7d

As a former Twin City resident, I am super excited to visit and see a game next season. The new ballpark is beautiful, and will be so much better to see games than the dome.

As a former Twin City resident, I am super excited to visit and see a game next season. The new ballpark is beautiful, and will be so much better to see games than the dome.
Personally, I can't wait for the new CWS park in Omaha to open, either.

Personally, I can't wait for the new CWS park in Omaha to open, either.

Yeah, I'm excited for it and the new Omaha Royals stadium as well. It sad for me though because I have seen lots of fun games at Rosenblatt.

Old school logo has been erected at the new park:
http://www.conphoto.net/Ballpark_14b_files/IMG_8552.jpg

Photos of the lights on (from Twinsballpark2010.com):
http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/PA060131a.jpg
http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/PA060149a.jpg
http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/PA060116a.jpg

Putting the old logo up is absolutely class! Reminds me of the Grain Belt sign on Nick island.

Great move by the Twins. Can't wait to try to sneak into a game there...

Good to finally see a ballpark that embraces modern architecture. I'm so sick and tired of all these cookiecutter retro parks.

This has probably been asked already, but once this is done, is the Metrodome going to be retrofitted at all for the Vikings?

Putting the old logo up is absolutely class! Reminds me of the Grain Belt sign on Nick island.

Great move by the Twins. Can't wait to try to sneak into a game there...

agreed, the old logo does look sharp. Plus, I like Target as a naming rights sponsor. They have a good logo and a name---unlike other corporate sponsors such as Petco Park, Quicken Loans Arena, Landshark Stadium, and Minute Maid Park.

Love the stadium, thinking about watching a playoff game in weather like we have tonight though gives me the chills.

This has probably been asked already, but once this is done, is the Metrodome going to be retrofitted at all for the Vikings?

The Vikings' lease with the Metropolitan Sports Commission expires after this season (I think...). They have a proposal to build a stadium on the site of the metrodome and to develop a lot of the area around it in East Downtown. Zygy Wilf (vikings owner) has already bought a lot of land around the dome from the city....

although if you ask me, a retrofit is a much better idea....

agreed, the old logo does look sharp. Plus, I like Target as a naming rights sponsor. They have a good logo and a name---unlike other corporate sponsors such as Petco Park, Quicken Loans Arena, Landshark Stadium, and Minute Maid Park.

My vote was for Puckett Park.

But I guess Target Field will work, too....

agreed, the old logo does look sharp. Plus, I like Target as a naming rights sponsor. They have a good logo and a name---unlike other corporate sponsors such as Petco Park, Quicken Loans Arena, Landshark Stadium, and Minute Maid Park.

Landshark Stadium beats them all in terms of ridiculousness. What the hell is a "landshark", anyway? A shark that can't swim?

The Vikings' lease with the Metropolitan Sports Commission expires after this season (I think...). They have a proposal to build a stadium on the site of the metrodome and to develop a lot of the area around it in East Downtown. Zygy Wilf (vikings owner) has already bought a lot of land around the dome from the city....

although if you ask me, a retrofit is a much better idea....

The Vikings' lease expires following the 2011 season.

Landshark Stadium beats them all in terms of ridiculousness. What the hell is a "landshark", anyway? A shark that can't swim?
http://www.landsharklager.com/

The Vikings' lease expires following the 2011 season.

Thanks

Good to finally see a ballpark that embraces modern architecture. I'm so sick and tired of all these cookiecutter retro parks.
I am, too, but \ion a thread discussing the construction of this park on Baseball Fever, I criticize the exterior as disharmonious and uninviting. It seems like they tried to do too much with it -- just a messy convolution of glass and kasota stone.

I would've preferred a more continuous, free-flowing design as featured by the Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3888238540_ba33bc6464.jpg

I am, too, but \ion a thread discussing the construction of this park on Baseball Fever, I criticize the exterior as disharmonious and uninviting. It seems like they tried to do too much with it -- just a messy convolution of glass and kasota stone.

I would've preferred a more continuous, free-flowing design as featured by the Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2428/3888238540_ba33bc6464.jpg

Some angles of it look like Petco Park in san diego. But petco is way nicer and more consistent throughout .
The exterior looks like an airport terminal or presidential library.
But the biggest problem about this park is going to come from mother nature.

Another bit on the old school logo sign, when the Twins hit a homerun, the players hands will be animated mechanically to move up and down in a handshake.
http://www.conphoto.net/Ballpark_14b_files/IMG_8552.jpg

But the biggest problem about this park is going to come from mother nature.

I find comments like this to show a general misunderstanding about Minnesota weather. There is a very pronounced climate difference between Northern and Southern MN and outsiders often assume the Twin Cities are equally as cold when they pick up the USA Today and read about cold temps in northern MN. Yes, December through February is quite cold. But, the summers are quite warm and early/late seasons are very similar to other open air stadium cities such as Chicago, Boston, etc.

Of course all this isn't even to mention the Twins played at outdoor metropolitan stadium for two decades prior to moving into the Metrodome. The weather was rarely a larger factor than it was and continues to be in other northern baseball stadiums.

Ironically, in terms of weather affecting baseball teams - baseball experts have often suggested the long term steamy Dallas weather has been a greater hurdle for the Rangers than the cool springs in Detroit, Boston, Chicago, etc. for their teams.

Cold is one thing as we saw in ny this week but rain can delay / cancel games.
Isn't minn the land o lakes?
Not critiquing just questioning.
But a late october freeze or april can screw a 162 game schedule. But it should be a better environment than the metrodome.

Cold is one thing as we saw in ny this week but rain can delay / cancel games.
Isn't minn the land o lakes?
Not critiquing just questioning.
But a late october freeze or april can screw a 162 game schedule. But it should be a better environment than the metrodome.

A high frequency of lakes has nothing to do with rain, most are filled by rivers, streams or underground springs. Weather here is not noticeably different than Chicago although there may be less lake effect storm action.

I think one of the big issues is that MLB is just trying to extend the season too long. Even in cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Boston, etc. I think they are running a real risk for a World Seasons or whole stretch of early season games to be effectively ruined by unseasonably bad weather. At least early in the season they could mitigate this by placing most of the home games in the South/West/domes stadiums for the firs few weeks but they seem reluctant to really do this.

With post season TV coverage and scheduling the World Series is now playing well into November which is a recipe for disaster. The solution for that I think getting rid of more rest days within and between series trying to find a way to move up the whole post season a bit earlier.

Here are the daily April and October averages for Minny, Chicago, Detroit, and Boston........

Minneapolis
April
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/USMN0503?climoMonth=4
October
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/USMN0503?climoMonth=10

Chicago
April
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/USIL0225?climoMonth=4
October
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/USIL0225?climoMonth=10

Detroit
April
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/USMI0229?climoMonth=4
October
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/USMI0229?climoMonth=10

Boston
April
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/USMA0046?climoMonth=4
October
http://www.weather.com/weather/wxclimatology/daily/USMA0046?climoMonth=10

I think one of the big issues is that MLB is just trying to extend the season too long. Even in cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Boston, etc. I think they are running a real risk for a World Seasons or whole stretch of early season games to be effectively ruined by unseasonably bad weather. At least early in the season they could mitigate this by placing most of the home games in the South/West/domes stadiums for the firs few weeks but they seem reluctant to really do this.

With post season TV coverage and scheduling the World Series is now playing well into November which is a recipe for disaster. The solution for that I think getting rid of more rest days within and between series trying to find a way to move up the whole post season a bit earlier.

It's the freaking divisional playoffs that are screwing up the season weather-wise. A series that shouldn't even exist. On top of it the division winners call themselves "champions". Divisional play is not a championship, therefore they are not champions of anything.

Having the WBC this year didn't help. That pushed everything back a few more days.

It's the freaking divisional playoffs that are screwing up the season weather-wise. A series that shouldn't even exist. On top of it the division winners call themselves "champions". Divisional play is not a championship, therefore they are not champions of anything.

I gotta disagree, perhaps the divisional series should only be five gams again but I wouldn't scrap it. I remember before the had the wild card it seemed like often that races would be all wrapped up weeks before the season ended. Now it is pretty rare that one of a couple of slots are not played for in the last week of the season. Doubling the amount of kept a lot more cities and fans hopes alive. I would not add any more slots to the playoffs like I heard some talking heads want to do though.

I gotta disagree, perhaps the divisional series should only be five gams again but I wouldn't scrap it. I remember before the had the wild card it seemed like often that races would be all wrapped up weeks before the season ended. Now it is pretty rare that one of a couple of slots are not played for in the last week of the season. Doubling the amount of kept a lot more cities and fans hopes alive. I would not add any more slots to the playoffs like I heard some talking heads want to do though.
The Divisional Series is still only five games.

Personally, I think the MLB postseason is fine as it is. The wild cards (and even some teams missing the playoffs) often have a record equal to or greater than at least one division champion. The only change I'd make is to make the Divisional Series best-of-three, with the wild card playing the first two games on the road, and to make the Championship Series best-of-five.

(Pictures from www.twinsballpark2010.com)

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/aerialmowing.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/steve_mowing.jpg

http://www.twinsballpark2010.com/_resources/bpa_woodchairs.jpg

I love it, looking forward to visiting it when we visit my in-laws next. Maybe this will be my 2nd favorite MLB stadium (1st will always be Dodger Stadium).

I like how they used wood backed seats! With the walls being as tall as they are, I'm sure lots of extra base hits are going to be happening. I'll be traveling up for a game next season for sure.

^^ I love the wood seats as well. Are they only putting them in that small bull pen section? This stadium is going to be absolutely tits up.

time lapse construction video: http://vimeo.com/7413158

The LRT Station serving the 5th Street side of Target Field will be opening next week. This station also connects to the Northstar Commuter Rail station one level down. There are also random detail shots:

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/5128/targetfieldlrt00.jpg (http://img198.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt00.jpg/)

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/6337/targetfieldlrt01.jpg (http://img63.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt01.jpg/)

http://img682.imageshack.us/img682/5159/targetfieldlrt02.jpg (http://img682.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt02.jpg/)

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3867/targetfieldlrt04.jpg (http://img509.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt04.jpg/)

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/6217/targetfieldlrt05.jpg (http://img121.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt05.jpg/)

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/9785/targetfieldlrt07.jpg (http://img524.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt07.jpg/)

http://img524.imageshack.us/img524/targetfieldlrt07.jpg/1/w450.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img524/targetfieldlrt07.jpg/1/)

Nice detail on the gate handles (This wouldn't be effective in a state like Colorado!):

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1203/targetfieldlrt13.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt13.jpg/)

And I didn't realize until I walked right up to them that the louvers are actually wood (teak?) and not metal:

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/9079/targetfieldlrt12.jpg (http://img10.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt12.jpg/)

The first of several planned murals along the 5th Street side of the ballpark:

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/9517/targetfieldlrt11.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt11.jpg/)

One of the walk-up ticket offices:

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/593/targetfieldlrt08.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt08.jpg/)

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/796/targetfieldlrt06.jpg (http://img22.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt06.jpg/)

nice. Very nice

Shaping up to be the number two or three in baseball for me.

^^ I love the wood seats as well. Are they only putting them in that small bull pen section? This stadium is going to be absolutely tits up.
They're being installed in the Legends Club, too.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4078953093_137711b3e7_b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3486/4079710932_aff5179f36_b.jpg

Photo tour of Target Field (http://minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2009/11/13-target-field-tour/index.shtml)

There hve been some amazing parks that have opened recently, but this is the best ballpark in the majors! (IMHO)

Does anyone know when they will be installing the art piece on the side of the parking ramp?

The charcoal gray fences & backstops in the outfield are a little dull. They could spice them up with some greenery, I think.

I have to admit Target Field is looking mighty fine! It looks finished, anything pending?

Target Field will be one of my most anticipated destinations this coming summer. Twins rule!

The first of several planned murals along the 5th Street side of the ballpark:

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/9517/targetfieldlrt11.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt11.jpg/)



That's wonderful. :)

Target Field is officially completed as of yesterday, about 2 months ahead of schedule.
LINK (http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100104&content_id=7870938&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min)

When do tickets go on sale? I'm going to be in town opening week, I will attend a game.

This place has really turned out to be a phenomenal ballpark. It’s going to be great watching Twins home games outdoors for the first time in my life. Hopefully I’ll get into my graduate program at the University of Minnesota and I’ll be able to watch a few games there this summer. Hopefully finding tickets won’t be a problem.

I've only seen it in person last october and it looks amazing. I cant wait to see the whole thing inside and out this summer. The pictures look great but you can never judge the true feel of a place until you experience for yourself in person.

Hopefully the Twins will get Joe Mauer that contract and keep him in Minnesota for a long time. I would really hate to see Joe in a yankee's jersey...

Great read on the features and design of Target Field

http://www.ballparkdigest.com/features/index.html?article_id=2032

The first of several planned murals along the 5th Street side of the ballpark:

http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/9517/targetfieldlrt11.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/targetfieldlrt11.jpg/)

This park looks amazing, but it will be interesting if it plays out as a hitters' park like the Metrodome or more of a pitchers' park. Anyone else notice that the borders of the mural says: "streetcar line inter urban rail" "northstar hiawatha". The architects certainly didn't skimp out on the details!

Nice looking yard. Hopefully for you Twins fans it plays as a hitters park, because if it doesn't...Mauer is GONE!

interactive tour!

http://extras.twincities.com/flash/2010_Target_Field_Twins.swf

Courtesy: Ballparkmagic.com
http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3080026a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3080037a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3080007a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3080043a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3080050a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3080052a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3080057a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3080099a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3080107a.jpg

Photo Update
pics courtesy of ballparkmagic.com

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3130016a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3130012a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3130021a.jpg
^I'm sure someone will rip these off^
http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3130018a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3130027a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3130037a.jpg

http://www.ballparkmagic.com/_resources/P3130043a.jpg

Back in Minneapolis for a while, so I thought I'd snap a few pics on this unusually balmy 65-degree Sunday in March.

Target Plaza (next to Target Field and across from Target Center, in this city of all things Target), is now open to the public. The stadium officially opens on April 12th with a game against Boston.

Approaching the ballpark from the 1st Avenue entertainment district. A long walkway brings you above the side street and onto Target Plaza:

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/1019/entryplaza01.jpg (http://img169.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza01.jpg/)

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/3016/entryplaza02.jpg (http://img9.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza02.jpg/)

As you approach the plaza, you'll pass under one of the existing skyways that connect to the massive "B" Ramp on the right:

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9374/entryplaza03.jpg (http://img692.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza03.jpg/)

The plaza opens up to reveal 40-foot-high topiary "baseball bat" sculptures:

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4742/entryplaza04.jpg (http://img194.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza04.jpg/)

On the right is a 60x248-foot kinetic sculpture installed on the side of the B Ramp:

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/2630/entryplaza05.jpg (http://img686.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza05.jpg/)

While it doesn't look like much in the picture, this video I took today shows the sculpture in action...

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/UmL7h9hVDTg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/UmL7h9hVDTg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>


http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/7056/entryplaza06.jpg (http://img130.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza06.jpg/)

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1733/entryplaza07.jpg (http://img29.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza07.jpg/)

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/431/entryplaza08.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza08.jpg/)

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/7545/entryplaza09.jpg (http://img138.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza09.jpg/)

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/9675/entryplaza15.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza15.jpg/)

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4408/entryplaza11.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza11.jpg/)

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/2055/entryplaza13.jpg (http://img26.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza13.jpg/)

http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/9128/entryplaza14.jpg (http://img651.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza14.jpg/)

The stone is locally-quarried Mankato limestone, which reminds me of perfectly toasted bread :) :

http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/4251/entryplaza22.jpg (http://img697.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza22.jpg/)

The Pro Shop:

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9333/entryplaza21.jpg (http://img69.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza21.jpg/)

http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7467/entryplaza20.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza20.jpg/)

The main ticketing area, with the Wind Veil in the background:

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/8273/entryplaza19.jpg (http://img193.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza19.jpg/)

This glass sculpture is screen-printed with images from past Twins facilities:

http://img687.imageshack.us/img687/8805/entryplaza18.jpg (http://img687.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza18.jpg/)

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/8180/entryplaza17.jpg (http://img683.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza17.jpg/)

And finally, looking back toward downtown:

http://img251.imageshack.us/img251/4716/entryplaza23.jpg (http://img251.imageshack.us/i/entryplaza23.jpg/)

And one shot of the 5th Street side of the park:

http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/9977/5thstreet01.jpg (http://img52.imageshack.us/i/5thstreet01.jpg/)

Wow
This is nice.
Target paid for the naming rights. I wonder how much of a say they had in the design. It almost looks like the exterior of a Target Store from the coloring of the stones to the Bullseye all over the place.

:righton: awesome pics :righton:
Minnesota Twins Announce Partnership with Caribou Coffee at Target Field (http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100304&content_id=8676326&vkey=pr_min&fext=.jsp&c_id=min)
03/04/2010 3:19 PM ET
By Caribou becomes the official coffee of Twins Baseball and Target Field / MLB.com

The Minnesota Twins today announced a partnership with Minneapolis-based coffee company Caribou Coffee. The multi-year deal includes radio advertising voiced by Twins closing pitcher Joe Nathan, with all saves by the closer being "fueled by Caribou Coffee." The multi-year deal also includes in-stadium signage at Target Field, the new home of the Minnesota Twins, among other benefits.

"The Twins are proud to partner with another great locally-based company to provide our fans with quality coffee," said Dave St. Peter, Twins president. "We are proud to be a part of the Twin Cities community and all the excitement around the new home of Twins Baseball," said Alfredo Martel, senior vice president of marketing, Caribou Coffee. "Fans will enjoy the best home town coffee in specially designed "cups of Joe" with Twins inspired Bou-isms".

Fans can learn more about Target Field's concessions and dining offerings at www.TasteOfTwinsTerritory.com.

Awesome Awesome stadium.

That is a great scuplture covering the parking deck. I almost wonder if it moves a bit too fast though, I wonder could get sick if I looked at it too long. :lol: Neverthelss, I really dig it.

I'll reserve judgement at least till I see how this park looks when filled on a game day but I have hard time thinking it will not be deserving of being called a top five ballpark when all is said and done.

Does the sculpture make any noise? I imagine that many metal pieces rubbing against another would make a little noise while new, and a lot of noise as they got dirty. But it looks friggin awesome.

I love the look of the plaza, and the ivy covered bats should look great in a few years. Even when the ivy is brown from the cold.

Are those speakers build into the benches at the base of the Ivy Bats, and in the wooden "dividers" along the seating in front of the golden glove?

se parece a un mall en Guatemala jajajja pero me gusta la combinacion de los materiales

Place looks NIIIIICE.

Does the sculpture make any noise? I imagine that many metal pieces rubbing against another would make a little noise while new, and a lot of noise as they got dirty. But it looks friggin awesome.

The sculpture was totally silent as I was standing there watching it. Since all the parts are stainless steel there shouldn't be much, if any, corrosion over the years.

I love the look of the plaza, and the ivy covered bats should look great in a few years. Even when the ivy is brown from the cold.

The ivy is an evergreen boxwood so it should never brown, even in a notorious Minnesota winter. (I may be wrong about the species though, so someone is welcome to correct me.)

Are those speakers build into the benches at the base of the Ivy Bats, and in the wooden "dividers" along the seating in front of the golden glove?

Yes, I think you are right although I didn't look too closely. The "dividers" are at table height and look to be the perfect place for setting down a beer. :)

I went to the first-ever event held at Target Field this past Saturday. It was a college baseball game between the University of Minnesota and Louisiana Tech. It was a great opportunity to wander around the entire stadium and check out seats in every part of the ballpark.

The food choices and quality is far beyond any other sporting venue in the Twin Cities. Everything was top notch. People used to run-of-the-mill hot dogs and standard nachos as the Metrodome are in for a very pleasant surprise - both in terms of quality, and variety.

The third base side is the place to be with the incredible views of downtown Minneapolis. As the seats get worse for watching the game (as they get higher) they get BETTER for taking in the awesome view. The concourses are open and it is very easy to get all around the stadium. There are waaaay more seating options and price points compared to the Metrodome. There are still affordable tickets, but plenty more options for special seating arrangements if that is the desire.

Since the college game was all general-admission seating, I was able to move around and check out everything from the nose bleed seats to the swanky padded premium seats. One nice feature for the box seating close to the action: fans can slip down nearly-hidden stairwells to get easy access to private clubs, concessions, and rest rooms. They don't have to climb all the way up the stairs to the main concourses. That reminds me of a common theme... the whole design allows fans easy, quick, line-free experiences to buy food, hit the rest rooms, etc. I'm sure besides the better fan experiences, in the end it will sell a lot more product too. There are several in-house restaurants, clubs, and bars available to all fans. The concession stands feature many unique products and everything is just so EASY to do. One really had to be committed to the baseball game to endure a night at the Metrodome. Target Field will thrill hard core baseball fans, but also make the game experience wonderful for the more casual fans.

Not having a retracting roof means the whole place is very open and airy, yet very cozy at the same time. First class fan experience.

I'm going April 16th, will be posting lots pf pics, looking forward to it, hope it's not snowing! It was 80 degrees here in Buffalo today. I got 6 tickets in the "Skyline Deck", we will be in St Cloud for my wife's grandmothers 100th birthday so I figured I would take some of the family to a game.

April 16 can be dicey with the weather but if it is anything like what we have been enjoying for the past month straight... you'll be fine. It was 80 today!

A friend of mine sent me this photo from the open house Gopher baseball game a few weeks ago. Thought I would share it with you. Very impressive views...
Click on the Image for a full res look...
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/786/50797162.th.jpg (http://img707.imageshack.us/i/50797162.jpg/)

The original professional baseball venues were large wooden ballparks with seats mounted on wood platforms. Although known for being constructed out of wood, they did have some iron columns for better support. There was usually one tier of inclined seating, sometimes topped with either a flat roof or, in some instances, a small upper tier. The outfield was bordered by tall walls or fences covered in advertisements, much like today's minor league parks. Sometimes, these advertisements were fronted with bleacher seats, or "bleaching boards". Wood was a short-life but inexpensive material, and there was not necessarily any expectation that professional baseball was going to be a long-term business.

The original professional baseball venues were large wooden ballparks with seats mounted on wood platforms. Although known for being constructed out of wood, they did have some iron columns for better support. There was usually one tier of inclined seating, sometimes topped with either a flat roof or, in some instances, a small upper tier. The outfield was bordered by tall walls or fences covered in advertisements, much like today's minor league parks. Sometimes, these advertisements were fronted with bleacher seats, or "bleaching boards". Wood was a short-life but inexpensive material, and there was not necessarily any expectation that professional baseball was going to be a long-term business.

ok...

The original professional baseball venues were large wooden ballparks with seats mounted on wood platforms. Although known for being constructed out of wood, they did have some iron columns for better support. There was usually one tier of inclined seating, sometimes topped with either a flat roof or, in some instances, a small upper tier. The outfield was bordered by tall walls or fences covered in advertisements, much like today's minor league parks. Sometimes, these advertisements were fronted with bleacher seats, or "bleaching boards". Wood was a short-life but inexpensive material, and there was not necessarily any expectation that professional baseball was going to be a long-term business.

http://thegurglingcod.typepad.com/thegurglingcod/images/2008/02/12/the_more_you_know2.jpg

Target Field has just earned a Silver LEED Certification. (http://wcco.com/local/target.field.LEED.2.1620820.html) Supposedly the highest for any stadium in the US.

Target field is truly a beauty!

The original professional baseball venues were large wooden ballparks with seats mounted on wood platforms. Although known for being constructed out of wood, they did have some iron columns for better support. There was usually one tier of inclined seating, sometimes topped with either a flat roof or, in some instances, a small upper tier. The outfield was bordered by tall walls or fences covered in advertisements, much like today's minor league parks. Sometimes, these advertisements were fronted with bleacher seats, or "bleaching boards". Wood was a short-life but inexpensive material, and there was not necessarily any expectation that professional baseball was going to be a long-term business.
http://thegurglingcod.typepad.com/thegurglingcod/images/2008/02/12/the_more_you_know2.jpg

:lol: nicely done

Just turned on the game to see how the stadium looks on tv and I noticed that Target Field has the same problem that Miller Park has, the shadows. otherwise I love it!

On a side note: The title of the thread needs to be changed to (39,504).

Target Field wind veil at night.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvzexLdu6Fk&feature=related

Twins
-Irj1euti54&feature=related

Skyline view at Target Field
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Twins take the field at Target Field for the first time
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Not a fan of the ball-in-play camera angle at the park. Or how big and dark the outfield walls look, kind of like Citi. Too cavernous looking.

That's the best Twins song I've ever heard it sung.

I was there, I took pics. The stadium is spectacular. Sorry if some are a little crooked or the contrast/color a bit off. I'm 1000 miles away from home using my mother-in-laws computer without real editing software...

Anyway, the weather outside was not that great, winds from the northwest were howling and it was 55 degrees. But inside the stadium there was barely a breeze and the temp felt 10 degrees warmer. Awesome wind blocking design for sure, we were very comfortable the entire game. Every seat is angled toward home, and they are all close to the field. Some of the outfield seats cut off left field a bit but they are close. Too bad for those guys because Kansas City left fielder Scott Podsednik made three spectacular plays out in left, one that earned a standing O from the Twins fans.

It's a great atmosphere and a great place to watch baseball.

Critiques are few, the food sucks, the beer choices suck, and there are not enough mens rooms. At least in our section.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4528274632_6e188e8df2_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4528274864_b8a0c4e934_b.jpg

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http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4527643327_c335d9101d_b.jpg

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LOL, Grain Belt? Yah, I would say the beer choices suck. Otherwise great pics. If it hasn't been said yet by anybody here I'll say it, I think this is the best baseball stadium in the majors. Small but very intimate.

Stop posting pictures, you're making me drool all over my keyboard. This has to be one of the best stadiums in the US, possibly the world. I love the fact that it combines not only steel and glass but stone look to look awesome. My only complaint is that it's a bit small but baseball parks understandably have capacity restraints.

mlb is starting to form as the league with the highest standard of stadiums IMO, higher than the nfl, higher than the premier league, maybe under the bundesliga, but boy do the mlb have some good stadiums.

LOL, Grain Belt? Yah, I would say the beer choices suck. Otherwise great pics. If it hasn't been said yet by anybody here I'll say it, I think this is the best baseball stadium in the majors. Small but very intimate.

I still think PNC Park is better, but only by a little. Only because it's more intimate. That is just my opinion of course, I could see why people would call it the best in the league.

I still think PNC Park is better, but only by a little. Only because it's more intimate. That is just my opinion of course, I could see why people would call it the best in the league.
I'd say Target is no less intimate than PNC.

It was built on a parcel of land roughly the size of Wrigley.

PNC is pretty unique among modern parks. I think it is the only two deck ballpark that has opened up MLB in the post war era. With only one row of skyboxes hanging under the overhang of the upper deck it allows the upper deck at PNC to allow the best upper deck views in baseball. Wrigley also has a similar set up but given that it was built in 1914 the sky boxes impeded a bit of the view of those sitting in the upper rows of the lower deck.

......The majority of the seats, 26,000, are on the first level,[42] and the highest seat in the stadium is 88 feet (27 m) above the playing surface

PNC Park
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/7623/pncparkpittsburgpirates.jpg

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/7623/pncparkpittsburgpirates.jpg

^^ the perfect way to build a grandstand.


The worst offender of seperating the top tier is probably Progressive Field in Cleveland. Impressive rows of luxary boxes but probably brutal to sit in much of the upper deck.
http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/7618/jacobsfield2.jpg

I still think PNC Park is better, but only by a little. Only because it's more intimate. That is just my opinion of course, I could see why people would call it the best in the league.
Although I love the view from PNC, I could never understand why people have rated the stadium so high, as most people say that PNC is the best ball park. Yes it's intimate but otherwise bland. I've always thought the San Francisco Giants stadium was the best among the newer parks. I actually really like quite a few of them.

Probably a function over form thing. Also, PNC Park cost $216 million while Target Field cost $528 million, quite a difference in cost. Taking that into account Pittsburgh proves you don't need to spend half a billion to have a great place to watch baseball. Of course people on an architecture site like this would prefer the flashier stadium.

Probably a function over form thing. Also, PNC Park cost $216 million while Target Field cost $528 million, quite a difference in cost. Taking that into account Pittsburgh proves you don't need to spend half a billion to have a great place to watch baseball. Of course people on an architecture site like this would prefer the flashier stadium.

It's all a matter of opinion. Take the new Cowboys Stadium, I don't really care for it....in fact I think it's one of the worst venues for football. It's a very flashy stadium and a lot of people feel it is the best stadium in the NFL. I would rate it in the bottom 5.

Target Field looks great and I look forward to seeing a game there some day. I think they made the right call i having seating at just under 40,000, which is a good fit for the market. They really made a smart move to have an open concourse.

Probably a function over form thing. Also, PNC Park cost $216 million while Target Field cost $528 million, quite a difference in cost. Taking that into account Pittsburgh proves you don't need to spend half a billion to have a great place to watch baseball. Of course people on an architecture site like this would prefer the flashier stadium.

Some of that I think I would chalk up to the difference in construction commodity prices over the last decade and also Target Field had a far more involved infrastructure, involves various grades and plazas, and transit improvements where PNC which is surrounded by a standard at grade mega parking lot.

Probably a function over form thing. Also, PNC Park cost $216 million while Target Field cost $528 million, quite a difference in cost. Taking that into account Pittsburgh proves you don't need to spend half a billion to have a great place to watch baseball. Of course people on an architecture site like this would prefer the flashier stadium.
I'd say PNC is definitely flashier.

Target Field was built with such tight constraints that there's no room for fancy spiral ramps, ferris wheels, amusement areas...none of that.

IMO, it's the first ballpark, not mallpark, to be built in a while.