Target Field Opens:
"The only thing the ballpark can give a visitor that he cannot get anywhere else is baseball."
– Shannon/Kalinsky
Welcome Visitors From
Story Time
June 24, 2009 01:29 AM
COMMENTThere's a lot happening over at Target Field these days. But later this afternoon (Wednesday, June 24) the action will shift to the downtown library where artist Craig David will be meeting with fans to hear some baseball stories.
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The art panels on the Fifth Street facade as viewed from the top of the Minnekahda building. |
This event, which will take place in the Doty Board Room on the second floor of the library (300 Nicollet Mall) from 1:30 to 3:00, is open to the public. Anyone with a baseball story to tell is encouraged to come and tell it. The idea is that these stories will inform the art, which can only be a good thing.
I'm trying to clear my schedule to be there, mostly to listen to stories rather than tell them. I'm probably like a lot of you in that most baseball stories I might tell (such as the night Harmon Killebrew hit his 500th and 501st home runs) are more about my family than the game. In this case, it's a story about my grandfather's love of the Twins and determination that we all see the moment from the best possible seats at the Met (which we did; they cost $8.00 a piece).
I'm also curious to meet the artist whose work will grace the wide panels on the Fifth Street facade of the ballpark. Maybe I'll see you there.
Drainage
This Target Field update ran on the game broadcast a week or so ago. It's marred by audio problems that lasted throughout the entire game and were caused at the station, not the recording.
In the clip, head groundskeeper Larry DiVito discusses the actual structure of the field itself.
Bolted
I can't confirm this, but a persistent rumor is circulating that a large section of the seats which have been installed already will have to be removed and reinstalled to fix a problem with the bolts used to attach them. It sounds like a major problem, but one which can be fixed in the time available.
I'll report more when I know more (which may be never since nobody seems to want to talk about it -- even to deny it).
Signed
The official Target Field sign went up today. If I can find the time, I'll swing by the place tomorrow afternoon for some pictures. You may have noticed that I'm doing this less often, which is because most of the fun is now happening out of sight of the sidewalks...
More from the Market Pantry
Last time I reported on a bad experience with some coconut cookies at Target. Well, I'm here to tell you that the apology gift certificates were used to acquire some Market Pantry Peanut Butter Fudge Ice Cream that was like a summer dream suspended in a deep chocolate wind which came to rest gently on a silky peanut butter pillow.
Or something like that. (In other words, we gobbled it up.) Thanks, Target, for making good on my bad cookie experience -- and for not tarting up our new ballpark with a bunch of redundant bull's eyes.
Comments
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Ha, first one to report on this post.
Great job as always Rick.
It is a bummer about the seating thing. Don't know who dropped the ball on that one.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 07:04 AM by luke 
1
Just wondering if anyone has snagged any pics of the Twins sign lit up at night?
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 07:10 AM by Josh 2
I don't think they've lit it up yet
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 07:15 AM by Deenels 3
i second what maz said at the end of the last post about the bleacher seats. luckily he knows when he is picking whereas i, because i signed up in april, am one of the last to choose and haven't even gotten my login information yet. i too want sun in my face
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 08:00 AM by annoying customer 4
Rick,
Now that 1st Ave and Hennepin Ave are becoming 2-way streets I think you owe the city of Minneapolis an apology.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 08:22 AM by The Cowabunga Clown 5
would love to make it to the library if possible. also would love to see a post asking us to share our most memorable twins moments thru the years ( i guess that's not ballpark-related though... ).
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 08:24 AM by yeahklye 6
The sign was lighted on Saturday night, I might have a picture on my cellphone.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 08:24 AM by James 7
the jinx is alive & well! joe's on a magazine cover and goes 0 for 5 that night. thanks alot, si!
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 08:29 AM by yeahklye 8
Everybody just calm down now. It was one bad night, well, Sunday wasn't too good for him either...but it's going to be ok. Perhaps we should sacrifice a goat just to be sure.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 08:57 AM by Andrew 9
Rick-
I like the idea of cleaning up the old comments, but would like to be able to see what was posted there between when I posted last and when you updated the site.
Maybe you could put the link below the current comments?
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 09:31 AM by JCTwins 10
JC,
Just go to the previous article (right below the comment box -- click "Continue reading..."). All the old comments are still there.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 09:37 AM by Rick 11
I do have pictures of the Twins sign lit up but I didn't have my memory card in. And cannot find my USB cable. I will try to find it after work and post it on here tonight.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 10:10 AM by jincr 12
Here is a cool picture from the IDS building. Picture courtesy of Beth at http://bethspod.blogspot.com/
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 10:09 AM by Jeff 13
Use webcam 1 and scroll through the pictures from 7am to present to see how fast the outfield seats are being installed.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:01 AM by roadwarrior 14
yeah, they have done an entire section in about 4 hrs, they are installing those seats so fast, that if there is a problem with the bolts on the seats they have already installed, then it's not going to add much of a delay to re-install them, I'm sure that the seats they are adding now do not have the bolt problem, or they wouldn't be installing them
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:33 AM by dirwin7 15
they created a lot more party deck space by building the 'ceiling' on that the bud sign is attached to on the party deck, it's unfortunate but i'm sure they won't let people stand up there, but they should, you could get another 50 people in there, and how cool would a double decker party deck be?
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:38 AM by dirwin7 16
Luke
this is not a strib comments section, we dont give points for first posts...
see everyone on stl!!!!
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 12:16 PM by Mazaratirick 17
Does anyone know what day SI arrives in the mailbox normally? I just subscribed and am not sure if I'll get this issue or not. Thanks
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 12:24 PM by JCTwins 18
Can't help you, but click my name for the Joe Mauer Article for those who are interested.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 12:27 PM by Camden 19
Apologize to Minneapolis? Hmm.
I'll certainly give the city cudos on the Hennepin/First Ave decision (which also extends to Second Ave North, by the way). There seems to be some recognition that mini-freeways are bad for human-scale life at street level.
But there's a ways to go before we can declare Minneapolis to be "thoroughly modern" -- let alone "visionary". In some ways, they seem to be bowing only to the pressures which cannot be denied.
And their support for the ballpark project -- more precisely, the neighborhood enhancements required for the success of the ballpark -- has been tepid at best.
But I should be quick to point out that they are dealing relatively gracefully with some of the deepest financial problems one can imagine for a city this size (mostly at the hands of the economy and Governor MyWay).
Can I have it both ways? I love Minneapolis. It's been my home for close to 30 years.
And sometimes I wish it were different.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 12:30 PM by Rick 20
JCTwins, I usually get my SI on Thursdays. Occasionally it will be delayed until Friday, but that's pretty rare.
Looking at that photo from the IDS Center, does anyone know what that series of buildings are just on the other side of 7th St. from the stadium? Just north of Ramp A. I've never really noticed those before...
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 12:47 PM by Faber College Alum 21
FCA, that's all part of the Mary's Place compound, er... I mean campus.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 1:15 PM by mplsgreg 22
Thursday here too. I think it hits shelves on Wednesday and then I get it the next.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 1:15 PM by TwinsTerritory 23
Whatever happened to Bassett Creek?
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 2:04 PM by Andrew 24
How big is the "TARGET FIELD" sign? It looks small on webcam #1.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 2:08 PM by mike 25
Thanks mplsgreg. I didn't realize that her campus (compound) was so large.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 2:23 PM by Faber College Alum 26
I would guess that the Target O Field sign is about 8 or 9 feet high.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 2:32 PM by roadwarrior 27
Andrew,
Bassett Creek runs past the west side of downtown in a tunnel. If you look at the picture from the IDS center, you can see the spot on Glenwood Ave that is currently torn up to repair that tunnel.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 2:51 PM by David_Mpls 28
Bassett Creek also runs directly beneath the entire grandstand on the third base side. To call it a "creek" at this point in its path isn't really accurate. It's a sewer, and was used as such even when it ran on the surface through this area long, long ago.
Click my name for my original article on it.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 3:27 PM by Rick 29
jincr, I would appreciate that very much. I have tried to look at the webcams to see if I could catch a glimpse.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 3:59 PM by Josh 30
Thanks for the link to your article, Rick. I got a chuckle when I noticed it has generated a grand total of two comments (eight months apart) in the three years since publication. I'd say your readership has grown a tad in the meantime!
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 4:14 PM by Badjuggler 31
badjuggler - i was thinking the same thing regarding the comments on that old 2006 article? i wonder what ever happened to craig in mn and dave stack?!?! :-)
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 4:32 PM by Betaband 32
Seats on the LF Home Run Porch looking nice.
Can't wait til we start seeing some green on field level!
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 4:32 PM by luke 33
I thought that was funny too. Back in those days I was pretty much writing for myself, just hoping maybe it would catch on with a few other ballpark geeks like myself.
It did! Woo hoo!
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 4:35 PM by Rick 34
Rick -- The jump to the Basset Creek article has a Basset Creek & Proposed Ballpark map. This map shows the flow of the south fork of the two tunnels. Is there a map around that shows the north tunnel? Thanks.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 4:46 PM by IANatlChamps 35
I was just thinking: won't it be (initially) really hard for the umpires to tell if a ball hits off the foul pole vs. the limestone wall in left field?
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 5:00 PM by Deenels 36
Anybody know when they'll fill in that little section in the outfield lower deck that they've been using as an entrance for the equipment?
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 5:14 PM by TwinsTerritory 37
Deenels, I don't think it's going to be that difficult. There will only be a very small "window" on the pole that would resemble the same deflection off the wall. And if it does look the same the pole really isn't that close to the wall. Originally, I thought the pole was going to be attached to the admin building at the corner but there is quite a bit of space between the two.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 6:04 PM by jojo 38
I just got off the phone with my friend who has a USB cable for me to use to upload the pictures of the Twins sign lit up. She should be here before game time tonight so I hope to have them on here by 7:30.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 6:12 PM by jincr 39
...waiting for jincr's 'aha moment'
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 6:22 PM by yeahklye 40
Thanks jincr, I cannot wait!
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 6:48 PM by Josh 41
Ok sorry so late. Click name to see logo lit up. Also more stadium pics on there. Thanks
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 8:06 PM by jincr 42
Sorry again forgot to put the link. Now click on my name to see logo in lights.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 8:07 PM by jincr 43
Not sure if this is true, but a friend of mine who works for a local corporation tells me Target Field is slated to host the 2013 NHL Winter Classic...I have found no confirmation of any of this but this is what I was told based on some rumblings going around.
I am not sure how much to think of this as I have not even heard the 2010 classic announced yet. I just wanted to throw it out there even if it is pure speculation because I know the Twins have expressed interest in hosting this event.
It was mentioned that the 2012 and 2013 games still have no opponents but the NHL would like a Canadian team in 2012 or 2013. Depending on NHL realignment, the Blackhawks and Stars appear to be the two favorites for the Wild in 2013.
Again, I have not been able to confirm this news, but its very interesting to say the least.
2010 - Fenway Park (Bruins vs Flyers)
2011 - New Yankee Stadium (Rangers vs Capitals)
2012 - Invesco Field at Mile High (Avs vs TBD)
2013 - Target Field (Wild vs TBD)
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 8:31 PM by Mike Brumley 44
Mike I would think it would be at TCF stadium and not Target Field.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 8:39 PM by jincr 45
link to winter classic http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4284883
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 8:41 PM by firedog 46
I've also heard that Target Field is interested in the Winter Classic - given the success of the 2009 Classic at Wrigley, and never mention of it at TCF Stadium.
The Gophers might be interested in something...
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 8:54 PM by luke 47
PS - nice pix jincr.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 8:56 PM by luke 48
i have heard that both are interested in hosting a WC nhl game. personally, i think tcf stadium would be a better fit for a hockey game. i know they did wrigley last year, but tcf still seems to make more sense to me.
either way i hope one of them gets it. minneapolis should defintely be hosting one of these game before a lot of other nhl cities get a shot at it.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 8:58 PM by Betaband 49
okay - that was the dumbest play by blackburn in the bottom of the eighth inning. what were you thinking blackie?! just wow.....
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 9:26 PM by Betaband 50
beta has his favorite compy next to him while watching the game. i'm impressed (and a little scared...).
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 9:29 PM by yeahklye 51
Brewers and Packers suck!!!
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 9:30 PM by firedog 52
well that game couldn't have ended any worse...Blackburn goes from pitching a gem, to being the goat...WOW!
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 9:44 PM by Vikeologist 53
Thanks, jincr. Those close-ups look fake...which means that's gotta be a great sign to see in person.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 10:24 PM by jojo 54
The Gophers and Badgers are playing hockey this winter at TCF Bank.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 10:56 PM by Eric 55
love the winter classic games... i think NHL should set a date in late January where they plyay the classic in as many markets as they can... make it a big event...
TF or TCF... either way I hope the Wild will play one outside soon given our pond hockey tradition
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:07 PM by CJ 56
btw... rick... dunno if i love the pages of comments helps break it up which is nice... but the "comments" thing doesn't seem to work when you click it now...
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:08 PM by CJ 57
Oops! I'll get right on that!
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:14 PM by Rick 58
I agree with CJ. Not a fan of the comment pages.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:15 PM by MATT 59
That little bug is fixed.
The idea was to make the home page shorter. What don't you like?
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:19 PM by Rick 60
When I clicked the comment button, it didn't go anywhere. I would have to click on the 1st page and scroll down to see the latest comments. If that makes sense.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:33 PM by MATT 61
It seems to be working fine now though..
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:34 PM by MATT 62
eric - the gophers and becky will not be playing an outdoor game at tcf stadium this winter. becky asked the gophers to come to camp randall this winter to play one of their reg. season games which would normally be at the kohl center, but the U of M rightfully said no because they want the first game that they play outside (if/when they do that) to be in minneapolis and at the gophers football stadium. after minnesota said no to coming to madison for an outdoor game becky then asked michigan if they would play the game instead, which michigan agreed to. michigan has already played michigan state in an outdoor game a few years back.
the gophers and becky are playing a game at target center this winter however. perhaps you were getting that game confused with thinking there might be an outdoor game at tcf stadium this winter.
i would look for the gopher men's team to try and schedule an outdoor game in minneapolis for the 2010-2011 season. hopefully against michigan, wisconsin or UMD.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:48 PM by Betaband 63
Saw this photo of Oriole Park on Wiki and noticed the "walk-way" between the ballpark and the warehouse...
I definitely see some Target Field in that picture with the walk-way and the high right-field wall along with the Eutaw Street/Target Plaza areas.
It's a little interesting looking at the upper deck design of Oriole park compared to today's "split-deck" design that we will see in Target Field.
I think we can all agree that the Twins made a good choice in going with the smaller, urban, and intimate ballpark design.
Fairly confident this ballp
Target Field is definitely going to be a top ballpark along the likes of PNC, AT&T, Petco, Wrigley, and Fenway.
All of those ballparks are urban ballparks built into their surroundings, just as Target Field will be.
Posted on June 24, 2009 at 11:54 PM by Mike (aka Mike Brumley) 64
Mike (Brumley) - that walkway is only used by the catering staff to transport food to the suites and club level. I tok the tour last time I was at OPaCY, and they told us that the ballpark didn't have space for the "executive kitchen," so it was built in the B&O Warehouse, and they built that skyway to allow the service staff to transport the food to the suites and club restaurants.
Moose
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 07:48 AM by Moose97 65
Any ideas why there would be a bunch of scaffolding around the foul pole (web cam 1)?
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 08:50 AM by Dale 66
I'll bet they're welding on the rest of the foul pole. It was missing the "mesh" extensions before.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 09:01 AM by OG Jeff 67
i wonder if the peat from elk river will be soaked with schlitz malt liquor...
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 11:37 AM by yeahklye 68
I'm sure a lot of you on this site have already discovered the great site www.ballparksofbaseball.com but if you haven't, it's worth a long perusal. I especially like reading up on the past ballparks and seeing the photos. Also interesting to see the evolution of some stadiums like Angels Stadium and Kauffman as they've changed over the years.
Click on my name to get to the site.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 08:22 AM by Faber College Alum 69
Other teams have stadiums?
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 2:49 PM by Dave T 70
Regarding the NHL Winter Classic, I pity the fans going to Fenway Park for the Bruins vs. Flyers game on 1/1/10. The lower deck, where most of the seats are located, is incredibly shallow and there are lots of posts blocking the views. Because of how the boards will be set up, it's hard to tell how a huge amount of fans will have any view of significant portions of the ice at all.
Closer to home, one thing I like about the ballpark is that the dimensions are not unnecessarily quirky and have largely been dictated by the lot on which the park stands. Too many of the ballparks built post Camden Yards have asymmetrical dimensions and odd quirks for the mere sake of it rather than for any logical reason. That hill in center field in Houston just irritates the hell out of me. Kudos to the Twins for avoiding such things. The 367 foot alley to right could cause some trouble, but at least it's that way for a reason.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 2:52 PM by Jorge 71
This is interesting regargind the metro club area. Click my name for link.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 3:17 PM by jincr 72
I guess I don't know if I should have posted that link. Please do not submit the survey when you are done looking at it.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 3:35 PM by jincr 73
interesting link jincr. i wasn't sure if it's a survey for potential season ticket buyer, or current season ticket holders. in any event, i didn't submit it, cause i was afraid i'd get a call from the Twins, asking if I want to buy season tickets...
it was fun to go through, and get an idea of the different price points the Twins are considering. I liked question 58 with the seating diagram. i wasn't sure if that was a season ticket price, or single game price. either way, the Twins seem to be making good on the promise to keep it affordable, albeit being in a shiny new ballpark.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 4:38 PM by luke 74
I went to an Astros game today and there was one thing I noticed that I'd like us to stay clear of(I'm sure this has already been discussed). There is an absurd amount of advertisements there, not just that but lots of "brought to you by" type of things such as the Coca-cola deck, the Landry's crawford boxes, the Chick-filet "eat more fowl" pole(probably the most obnoxious), the Lexus bullpen, the Corona out of town scoreboard, the Bubbles car wash grounds crew(I wish I were joking), The Kraft singles K counter, The Citco homerun counting gas pump. There were also lots of things on the big screen too like the AT&T call to the bullpen(I think it was AT&T) and others of that nature. I'm sure there are more but you get the point. It's overboard and it makes the ballpark feel like Six Flags rather than a baseball park. I really hope we abstain from going too far like the Astros. Plus their park sucks more and more every time I go.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 4:48 PM by Eric in TX 75
agreed!
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 5:34 PM by Deenels 76
Well, i'm not so sure Eric. It seems like that in the Dome right now.
Delta is sponsoring the season, "Farewell to the Metrodome"
Samsung sponsors our Lower G/A / Home Run Porch section (yeah, I know they're reserved seats now, but it will ALWAYS be lower G/A to me - and USBank has dibs on the Home Run Porch at TF).
LifeTime Fitness sponsors the Family sections in 214-215.
Remember the two or three seasons we used to have that huge Land O Lakes milk carton out in right field...
And let's not forget the Stanley Hefty Bag (unofficial name of course).
Chik-Fil-A "Eat More Fowl" pole...ah, someone has WAY too much time on their hands to come up with that one. I agree, "Whatever-they-call-it-this-season" Park in Houston isn't really that great.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 5:37 PM by luke 77
plus the Minute Maid Park logo looks like it's from a cartoon.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 6:44 PM by Eric in TX 78
Note that the survey mentioned above was sent to existing season ticket holders and group leaders. (I got two invites to take the same survey). Here is the bulk of the related email:
"Dear Twins Group Leader,
As you know, construction at Target Field is rapidly advancing as we make our way to Opening Day 2010. As part of the overall development process, we are soliciting feedback from our Group Leaders on various conceptual products and areas in the stadium. As such, we would like to invite you to participate in a brief online survey. Your input is greatly valued, and we hope you see this as an opportunity to help shape the overall fan experience in our new state of the art ballpark, Target Field.
As mentioned above, many topics in this survey are conceptual in nature, and are only under consideration at this point. Because plans for the topics covered in this survey are continuing to evolve and be refined; your opinions are extremely valuable.
Your time, insight, and advice are deeply appreciated."
The Season Ticket holder email was the same, except said Season Ticket Holder instead of Group Leader :)
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 7:32 PM by jfh 79
Follow up on the survey - it asks how often you might use certain seating options
- Metropolitan Club, bar only, buffet, buffet with view of field.
- Budwiser deck, as group option, single game seating or SRO.
- Super suites, group and single game with buffet (like Coors Field)
- Event suites, group and single game options
- What you thought day of game pricing should be for all the seating areas in the park.
Most of the questions asked how likely you were to purchase x if the price was $y and used 2 or 3 different values of $y from high to low.
This was similar to a survey sent out in February, but that was more "would you use these options?" as opposed to "how much would you pay for them?"
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 7:39 PM by jfh 80
There is now an updated Target Field video tour for June with very cool commentary about all sorts of different progress going on with the project. The Twins just showed this video to Moorhead MN fans during a caravan promoting the ballpark. It is not the original June video- if you are on the Ballpark Authority website click where there is a link where they are talking about the Moorehead visit.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 7:55 PM by Tom D. 81
Does anyone know if the "TARGET FIELD" sign will be able to be lit up at night? I hope so.
Posted on June 25, 2009 at 8:53 PM by Michael 82
I wish the target sign was neon that would be cool but oh well who does neon anymore.. That video tour showed some close ups of that plaza and wow that looks tight. Dont know how you gonna fit alot of people there but hey maybe its bigger than it looks.
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 12:27 AM by Leroy 83
If it's not neon - how are they backlit then? Are they LED lit now?
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 07:58 AM by luke 84
Luke,
There's this other way to light signs where you use a translucent colored plastic and put any light source behind it. Presto! It lights up at night. What modern technology has done for society!!
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 09:03 AM by mplsgreg 85
Do you suppose they will have the temerity to call the old flagpole anything other than "the old Met flagpole"?
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 12:36 PM by B.W. McEvers 86
I wonder if the toilets will have a foreceful flush or not....
c'mon people!!!!
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 12:37 PM by kevin in az 87
mplsgreg and kevin in az, lords of sarc
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 12:44 PM by yeahklye 88
LOL man you guys are ruthless when it comes to Luke.
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 12:47 PM by moda253 89
Does anybody know what color the sinks will be? Will the faucets be chrome or brass finish? What kind of cleaner will they be using to clean pigeon shit off of the seats?
All these unanswered questions keep me up a night!
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 1:03 PM by kevin in az 90
Ha! We are terrible. But not so much because I like to poke fun, but because I probably do care what the bathroom fixtures will look like and how the sign will be lit up.
My favorite activity is going to the site and bugging the workers.
Me: "So, is that 1/2" rebar you're reinforcing that concrete with?"
Worker: "Nope, 3/4."
Me: "Good choice."
Worker: "Go away and let us finish the park."
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 1:18 PM by mplsgreg 91
Green roof planting starts at Target Center
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 2:20 PM by common man 92
Nice to see some grass finally showing up on a webcam.
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 3:12 PM by Nick in CO 93
well, my comment was kind of a leer at Leroy's comment above.
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 3:47 PM by luke 94
Don't blink now - but the webcams are out.
"There is currently no image for this time" is the message I get.
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 4:47 PM by luke 95
webcams down? I just clicked on both of them and both said there were no images to be viewed or something like that. Are others having the same problem?
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 4:48 PM by Brandon 96
works just fine for me
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 4:51 PM by some guy 97
Had a blast at the two games I went to, even with the unfortunate ending to wednesday's game, and the fact that it was unbelievably hot and I was sweating buckets through both games. When I was sitting down the third base line, I sat back and imagined what it would feel like if it were a year later and was at miller park. I replaced the right field bar/patio they have with the overhang and view of downtown, the center field area with our scoreboard and trapezoid, and bernie's dugout with the admin building. I know people don't like miller park because of the roof, but I personally feel it's a great place to watch a game.
Also, I realize that the brewers only got one out of six games on us this year but do brewers fans really need to say "twins suck." to me and my friends after they've walked three feet past us and we can't tell who said it? And do you need to chant "F the twins" in front of a bunch of kids during the next game? For shame people, for shame. Then again there were a lot of people who saw us and said good game, so you take the good with the bad i guess.
On the flip side I had three conversations with brewers fans who were wondering about the new stadium. It seems like they were just as excited about it as we are!
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 5:48 PM by billymayshere 98
It appears as though the webcams are once again operational.
You'd think in that downtime, they might have, maybe, relocated webcam 2 - but they didn't, dammit.
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 6:49 PM by luke 99
Speaking of webcam 2, am I seeing seats in Section 1? (Dugout box at the RF end of the moat)
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 6:54 PM by BB 100
BillyMays,
I was at the Miller Park this week also and completely agree with your assessment of Brewer Fans. I've been to 8 other stadiums and have never run into that many dumb shits willing to yell "Twins Suck" and then run away. It's not like it was a really fair fight between eight of their drunk college buddies and against all 180 punds of me and my pregnant wife. I had to remind myself that there are some jerks at the dome that would do the same thing to opposing fans. In addition a frat house of drunk guys sat in front of us and made a plethora of "Dickey" jokes thate were completey unoriginal and that pissed off many of the families around us and then one of these Brewer fans kept grabbing his own balls and shaking them up and down like he was shaking dice at a craps table. That was impressive. I did meet many fans that were decent and are excited about TF.
As far as the ballpark I noticed that there was little to no breeze in Miller Park. This was my second time attending a series there and I decided that it felt more like watching a game in some guys garage with the door open. I am so glad the Twins won't have a retractable roof. It is so hard to get it right without that hangar feel.
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 7:35 PM by Jim 101
it looked like it to me too BB, I'm curious. it looks like something's been down there covered up under a white tarp for a couple weeks at least...
Posted on June 26, 2009 at 8:56 PM by luke 102
Well Jim, they don't make them too bright in Milwaukee. It's no wonder that city has always been 50 years behind everyone else. Madison on the other hand is a complete 180 from Milwaukee.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 12:12 AM by kevin in az 103
While Miller Park is not the greatest stadium, its not hard to beat the Metrodome as we all know.
I have been going down there each year since this "interleague rivalry" started in 2001. I also went to visit the old County Stadium on occasion when the Twins played the Brewers during the American League Central days. I still wish the Brewers had not moved to the NL, but that is a whole other issue in itself.
Yes, the roof is gigantic and makes the park feel enclosed, but overall, the sightlines are great in this park and the seats are affordable.
Each and every ballpark has its own unique features and the roof is one of those things that makes Miller Park unique, along with the parking lot/tailgating experience.
I always be sure to sit on the first base side during day games so I am in the shade as it can get very hot along the third base line.
Even though the stadium feels enclosed whether the roof is open or not, its still a decent ballpark with REAL GRASS, wide concourses, great concessions, affordable seats, great sight lines, great atmosphere, great sound system, and of course the infamous sausage races and beer barrel polka. I believe Miller Park was rated the #6 best ballpark in baseball (overall ballpark design/experience) in last years Forbe's ballpark ratings. Much better than the Metrodome's 29 (or whatever they finished, 30?)
I was happy just to see "outdoor" baseball on green grass with blue sky and sun shining. Just to be able to sit and watch a baseball game with sunglasses is something we have not experienced in Minnnesota since the 1981.
I absolutely enjoy the "loge level" at Miller Park as you can get very affordable seats which are equivalant to the club level in most other ballparks, including Target Field.
Every ballpark is going to have its pros and cons regardless.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 02:14 AM by Mike 104
I didn't realize - but this is the Twins' first trip to the new Busch Stadium. They said that on the news last night. I thought for sure they'd been there...
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 07:45 AM by luke 105
Mike, I was in the club level on the first base side on Thursday. It was an awesome experience. The ballpark was amazing and I would put it right there with Coors Field. I had low expectations after reading a few of the comments of this blog, but the place was GREAT! Especially with the roof open. I echo your comments.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 09:17 AM by Locker 106
I put in a link for an article that made me wonder something. How tall are the railings going to be at Target Field? Hopefully taller than Busch Stadium...
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 1:17 PM by BB 107
ugh!!! once again scott ullger costs the twins some runs with his piss-poor third base coaching. i just think the guy is way too timid when it comes to sending runners. cuddy would have scored easily on crede's hit that last inning and instead the twins didn't get any runs. annoys the crap out of me because he makes a call like that almost every game.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 1:18 PM by Betaband 108
wow! i think some of you might have touched a small nerve with mike by bashing on the grand canyon like hole known as miller park. his seemed like a rather impassioned plea for the stadium. however, i don't think anyone here was comparing the virtues of the metrodome to those of miller park, which would make no sense, so not sure why you are, which makes even less sense.
a closet sconnie fan/ex-patriot on a twins board perhaps (wink)?!
just playin' with ya.....well sort of! :-)
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 1:28 PM by Betaband 109
Milwaukee missed an incredible opportunity. The ballpark should have been built roofless and built downtown and perhaps tied to the historic district where the good bars, clubs and restaurants are. What an amazing area that would be right now. But drinking beer in a parking lot is more important to Brewers fans instead of having an authentic urban ballpark experience.
Mike, I admire your enthusiasm for Miller Park, but you really need to get out to more ballparks. Many here who have never been outside the Metrodome have gone to Miller Park and have been wowed. Then they'll go to Wrigley, PNC, AT&T, Comerica, Dodger, Camden Yards, Fenway, etc and Miller Park is a complete afterthought.
Mike, I would encourage you to go to Kansas City...Now that is a REAL ballpark which has stood the test of time....And you can have your beer in a parking lot as well.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 1:35 PM by kevin in az 110
kev,
I've been to The Cell, Wrigley, Coors and on Thursday, Miller Park. It was a glorious day on Thursday in the afternoon sun with a nice breeze coming through the open panels in centerfield. We stayed a good hour after the game marveling at the open concourses and spaces. NOW, the roof was OPEN thank goodness, but I'd rank Miller right up there with any of those other parks. It was awesome. Tell us the real reason you hate Miller Park? Bad experience with some drunkun idiotic Sconies?? :-)
Here is two reasons I think Miller Park is in the perfect location. The first is the sight of the Miller Brewing Co from the parking lot as you are tailgaiting. The second is the awesome view of the place when you first drive in from I-94 over Moreland Ave. Pretty Cool! unless you are the world traveller and have seen everything else outside the Midwest, unlike the masses is MN. :-)
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 1:52 PM by Locker 111
all of that would have been great in regards to miller park... but all impractical Kev.
the reason MP was built where it was is that the ballpark authority already owned the land... moreover downtown Milwaukee is not really a draw... in addition, MP exists as Locker says, at a crossroads of several major highways.
as for the roof... Selig's folly if you ask me... but he REALLY wanted it, and seemed to feel it was the wave of the future, consider that many of the parks that were in development at the same time all have roofs... Safeco, Chase, and Enron were all designed at about the same time. (remember that MP was delayed over a year because of the Big Blue accident) only 3 parks opened up with no roof in the 99-02 era (PNC, AT&T, and Comerica...) the success of those three led to the 03-04 era parks being all outdoor (Citizens bank, GABP, Busch, Petco)
at the time... Selig really thought he was part of a movement that would continue toward retractable roofs everywhere... that and the Wisc. legislature demanded a roof if they were going to build it.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 2:17 PM by CJ 112
That might be it Locker...I was born and raised in Mpls but I've been to and lived many other places besides the midwest. Miller Park is probably the shit to many up there. I much prefer old County Stad to Miller Park - but that's the purist in me. I'll probably be sitting at TF next year and while enjoying the experience, I'll be wishing it was Met Stadium (I'm sure Rick and others old enough will also).
As for the drunken Sconies, nah, never had a bad experience with them...I just nod and smile at their sick behavior. Besides, if I had to live in such a dump like Milwaukee, I would probably be a drunk too.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 2:19 PM by kevin in az 113
CJ,
Nowhere was I reaching for practicality...I am no fan of practicality (or someone's definition of practicality) if it means losing the true baseball experience. Of course, we could go into what is "true baseball experience?" Everyone probably has their own definition. I'm an open air guy at all cost, you're a practical guy...Luckily with regards to TF, we have open air and practicality all in one.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 2:23 PM by kevin in az 114
I'm not really one way or the other... I've spent the last decade or so researching publicly financed stadiums around the country (wrote my senior thesis on it in college) and politicking for TF - I'm mostly just going in to the "how and why" of Miller Park... if it were up to me, I'd have put MP on the lakefront...
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 3:20 PM by CJ 115
The real reason that Miller Park was built where it is was because the Selig family owned the team and did not want to share parking and concessions revenues with downtown business owners. The original development deals put in place with the county and city officials had the ballpark right in downtown near the waterfront (summerfest grounds for those who know where that is). Selig wanted the money for himself and was greedy. They missed a fantastic opportunity.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 4:00 PM by Eric 116
As if anybody needed any more reason to hate Selig. The only good thing he's done is interleague play. I know some markets hate it, but I love it.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 4:07 PM by kevin in az 117
it looks like construction workers have put in all the seats in the left field upper deck. Doesn't it according to webcam #1?
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 4:30 PM by michael 118
Not to mention the Selig's pocketed the profits and slashed payroll when they first moved into Miller, then took of advantage of the stadium franchise value surge and sold high.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 4:30 PM by Elston Gunn 119
Gee --- a greedy owner?
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 4:33 PM by B.W. McEvers 120
The most impressive thing about Miller Park was its profile on the horizon as you approach.
After that, it was all downhill for me -- starting with the tiered prices for parking. Basically, I felt like I was being bled from the moment we drove onto the property.
We had good seats, but I would bet that about 1/3 or more of the seats in that place are terrible -- nosebleed style.
I've never really written a full review of the place, but it falls somewhere in the "passable" range.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 5:19 PM by Rick 121
There are things I like about Miller Park, but in general I think of how much better it could have been in a different location and without the airplane hanger effect.
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 6:38 PM by Mudcat Grant 122
Just got home from millwaukee, i do see the airplane hanger of miller park but all and all didn't think it was that bad!
and BillyMays,i also know what you mean about the brew fans, after the loss on wed walking out i walked by people who said "Twins suck dick" and "sorry you drove all the way out here to see your team lose" but the person next to me was actually cool as i left the stands saying "good game" to me but the majority were really rude!
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 8:12 PM by The Sooj 123
wait that one said "sorry you drove all the way to see your team suck" i love how they win one game out of the entire brew min series and are such assholes we got 5 and we aren't as bad i just did the joke jeering with some and they were laughing along with me
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 8:21 PM by The Sooj 124
All of the Minnesotans should have worn Purple Favre jerseys...LOL!
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 10:25 PM by kevin in az 125
that woulda been sweet. :)
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 10:42 PM by Jax 126
I kid you not, I saw a guy wearing a twins hat and a brett farve jets jersey on wednesday!
Posted on June 27, 2009 at 11:37 PM by billymayshere 127
why is everybody fighting about miller park? its just a baseball stadium who cares where its at or what it looks like. the only thing that matters is just having a good time while watching your team kick ass......... Now, im not too happy with were TF is but it dosent bother me....because i simply could care less about the location of TF as long as we are ditching the toilet. thats all i care about!!
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 02:46 AM by dickey 128
Maybe at TF just for the fun of it sometime they could have A few planes fly over so us old people can remember the good old days when planes would fly over met stadium. Safeco has their trains we used to have planes. Ahhh maybe in these times they will find something else. Doesnt matter since next year we are back outside. What could be better than that.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 06:14 AM by Leroy 129
I agree with dickey. Also, I love where miller park is located since it provides a great tailgating experience. It's so much fun to head out to the park a couple hours early, fire up the grill, have a couple beers, play some bags, and have a good time before you're even in the stadium. You can say that if it was down town then you could go to restaurants and bars and do the same stuff but it would cost a hell of a lot more. I've been to Miller Park four times now and had a good time every time I've been there. Miller Park definitely gets a thumbs up from me.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 11:23 AM by billymayshere 130
billmayshere...did you hear that Billy Mays was found dead in his home this morning?
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 11:37 AM by Vikeologist 131
Wow. That's true. Click my name.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 12:08 PM by Rick 132
Bad week for celebs
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 12:14 PM by Eric 133
hey everybody, who do you guys think will open target field with us next year? im thinking the white sox. anyone else?
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 1:17 PM by dickey 134
There's one less commercial I'll have to mute.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 1:26 PM by kevin in az 135
Dickey,
I don't think it is arguing or fighting...just a healthy debate. That's what sites like this are here for. Don't get too hot and bothered by it.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 1:34 PM by JIm 136
Cleveland Indians
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 1:35 PM by Vikeologist 137
JIm, im not bothered by it. I just think that miller park is perfect where it is........
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 1:54 PM by dickey 138
If we hadn't played them this year, I would have said Seattle. But I'm gonna go with...Cleveland too.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 2:01 PM by BB 139
Vikeologist
I did hear that he passed away. Most depressing of the celebrity deaths this week in my opinion.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 2:26 PM by billymayshere 140
Twins home opener opponents from previous seasons...Judging from this list, there does not seem to be any consistency, so its difficult to predict who could be the opponent next year in Target Field.
2002 - Detroit
2003 - Toronto
2004 - Cleveland
2005 - Chicago White Sox
2006 - Oakland
2007 - Baltimore
2008 - LA Angels
2009 - Seattle
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 3:46 PM by Mike 141
None of them repeat, so I'm gonna go with a team not on there, like the the royals or the rays
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 4:04 PM by Deenels 142
It's bound to be a southern team like Texas or Tampa...That way we can hear their players and media member piss and moan about how cold it is and how they should have put a roof on the ballpark.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 5:08 PM by kevin in az 143
Does anyone have new pictures of the ballpark construction? Things have really come to a crawl as far as construction updates are concerned. Most of the real work is going on now is at the interior areas, so we the general public are left in the dark about that progress to preserve a-ha moments which is complete BS.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 5:50 PM by NewGuy 144
I do. But, I don't know how to put them on this site.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 6:43 PM by Michael 145
rick or anyone - has anyone been able to confirm if the whole "issue" with the anchor bolts on some of the installed seats was in fact true or not? i haven't seen a single seat being removed or re-installed since that was brought up almost 2 weeks ago.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 7:38 PM by Betaband 146
Michael,
Email to me (rick at this domain) and I'll post. Or if you have a flikr account, you could upload them there and link to it.
Betaband,
Can't confirm that story -- the official word is "no comment". But I did learn how inspections can uncover things like that, and what the procedure is for fixing them when they show up.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 9:11 PM by Rick 147
Michael, build an album on Flickr or Photobucket (or some other photo sharing site) and then place a link to that album in a post.
Posted on June 28, 2009 at 9:31 PM by jojo 148
No comment = True
If it wasn't true, they would easily say so. The "no comment" makes them look like whiny little brats.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 09:06 AM by kevin in az 149
drove past target field yesterday on my way to wisconsin (needed to buy some "stuff" for the up coming weekend). it was kinda of a last minute decision to drive by it so we didnt have a camera, but i have to say it's looking great. I was really worried about the elevated walkway taking away from the clean look of the ballpark, but it wasn't as bad as i thought it would be. fyi for those who haven't seen the twins sign coming in on 394, i highly recommend a trip through there.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 09:31 AM by pawelk 150
Went to St. Louis Friday. It was great seeing all the Twins fans everywhere I went. Seeing a Twins victory, Pujols striking out against Nathan, being outside and dreaming of future Twins home games made it a great day. Sweating my nuts off at the Zoo on Saturday not quite as enjoyable.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 10:11 AM by crtwinsfan 151
If you look closely at webcam2 you can see the Met Stadium colors through the class of the Metropolitan club. That is a REALLY cool tribute to Met Stadium and will bring back lots of memories for fans.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 10:25 AM by JIm 152
crtwinsfan-what is the scalper situation at Busch? I'm going to be in STL in a couple of months when the Cards are in town and thought I might go see a game if I have time. I don't want to get tickets ahead of time though.
Also going to try and do a Busch tour while I'm there on an off day for the team.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 10:44 AM by JCTwins 153
Rick, how do I e-mail them to you? What's your e-mail?
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 10:46 AM by Michael 154
The Rays rejected plans for a $471 million dollar rehab of The Trop. I'm not sure how you spend nearly half a billion dollars and still come up with crap, but looking at those renderings, that's exactly what they would get. Personally, I want to see the Rays move out of Florida and to Portland, even thought they already have plenty of teams in the West.
Click my name for the Link to the Story.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 10:56 AM by Andrew 155
JCTwins,
I saw plenty of scalpers while walking to the game. I don't know what they were charging at all.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 10:57 AM by crtwinsfan 156
I hope Herbie is right: New stadium gives Hrbek 'chills on my spine'
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 11:16 AM by common man 157
Actually, moving the rays to Portland wold be perfect. They would be the 5th team in the AL West. Then you move the Pirates to the AL East. Then you would have 5 teams in every Division. Am I correct?
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 11:18 AM by Andrew 158
I went to the games friday and sat, we had tickets for sat game already but a scalper sold us behing home plate 5 bucks each in the 2nd inning then we walked down and sat in the first row behind the twins dugout for all of the game per whoever was sitting there was to hot! i will post pics when i come back from kc!!!
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 11:42 AM by Mazaratirick 159
Michael (or anyone else),
You can always reach me by email at: rick at this domain.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 11:47 AM by Rick 160
andrew,
then having 15 teams in each league would cause one team in each league to be off every night. they need an even number in each to make it work.
i would love to see portland get a team seeing that i grew up there. they were just awarded an mls franchise (my dad is very excited about that) but i am concerned about having two al teams in such close proximity. look at chicago and milwaukee, plus the mariners fan base isn't massive.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 11:56 AM by annoying customer 161
The trouble with 5 teams in each division is that, unless you were ALWAYS doing one interleauge series, one team in each league would be idle at all times.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 11:58 AM by CJ 162
as for the rays... spend 450 mils and get THAT??? woof. you could build a very nice park for 450... I loved what they were proposing last year.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 12:00 PM by CJ 163
If the A's can't make it work in the N. Calif, look for them to try Portland. Some have mentioned Salt Lake City, but I think one MLB team playing in a high-elevation bandbox is enough.
Portland has been an extremely successful minor league baseball town...I have no doubt that they would support MLB and create a great rivalry with other AL West teams.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 12:45 PM by kevin in az 164
annoying customer and CJ, thanks for doing the math on that one. I never would have assumed that that would happen. Good thing there are smarter people out there than me writing up the schedules!
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 1:19 PM by Andrew 165
about 10 years ago, Bob Costas advocated for doing the 15 in each league thing with an interleague series at all times in "Fair Ball" of course he also advocated contracting I think 6 teams... (twins not among them)
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 2:09 PM by CJ 166
Portland would be an interesting MLB town. It's perfect for minor league ball, but I'm not sure if the city would embrace it - they backed off the Nationals offer pretty early in the process. That being said, there is a contingent to try to bring MLB to Oregon. Clicky.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 2:30 PM by OG Jeff 167
OG - David Kahn was one of the original guys behind this back in 03-04...
you'd be hard pressed to get support in Portland for MLB... there is something quirky about Oregonians that makes me think the MLS franchise is going to be a huge hit... but that MLB might struggle
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 2:33 PM by CJ 168
The unbalanced schedule, combined with interleague play, has really disrupted the whole concept of "league". Look at this quick chart of the Twins' 2009 opponents:
AL Central - 72 games (44%)
AL West - 40 games (25%)
AL East - 32 games (20%)
NL - 18 games (11%)
It's difficult to argue that this type of a schedule will effectively determine which is the best team in the so-called "American League". In reality, it doesn't even determine which is the best team in the "AL Central". It's a neither-fish-nor-fowl approach.
Even worse is that revenue is not evenly distributed across the "divisions" or "leagues", meaning that if things are kept this way, the rich will always get richer, and the poor will always get poorer. The gap will continue to grow unchecked. (Notice that I did not say "the rich will always get better" or "the poor will always get worse", though I think that could be the net result if this system of scheduling -- without full revenue-sharing -- lasts for a few decades.)
There's no question that the best way to determine the quality of teams in a league is to have them play each other in a fully balanced schedule. A short 6-game detour into interleague play (against natural "rivals" only) doesn't disrupt that terribly, and does benefit the game. Likewise, packing division games into the final few weeks does allow for some excitement as teams jockey to get into the post-season tournament.
I think there are signs that the MLB is going to come around to this conclusion, but any type of change takes a long time to bubble...
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 2:46 PM by Rick 169
Is it just me or have they stopped construction on the canopy, since they have not moved any of the scaffolding and construction materials for days.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 2:56 PM by NewGuy 170
I heard that they used the wrong kind of metal in the canopy and they have to start over...
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 3:28 PM by hunch 171
I thought that the last piece to go on blew off with the wind during one of the storms last week.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 4:57 PM by Pikachu 172
I was wondering the same thing, it begs to be finished
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 5:42 PM by Deenels 173
Rick, is that your e-mail? Do I type that in the "to" box on my e-mail with the spaces?
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 6:13 PM by michael 174
I would guess the canopy is on hold until the scaffolding goes beneath the unfinished part, so they don't back themselves into a narrow corner with materials and equipment. Also, it seems they try to avoid setting things on the finished surface.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 6:25 PM by Brian 175
Michael,
Sorry for being indirect about this, but if I put my actual email address in a post the spam engines will pick it up and I'll be inundated.
So it is NOT the following, but it's close:
rock@twansbillperk2101.net
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 7:32 PM by Rick 176
hilarious rick! hilarious! something about that just made me laugh.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 8:58 PM by Betaband 177
note to gardy: please don't play buscher, punto and young at the same time ever again. talk about no offense tonight. blackburn pitched a decent game, but once again did not get much run support.
Posted on June 29, 2009 at 11:04 PM by Betaband 178
Found something kinda interesting sbout the ballpark financing and stuff if you didnt know it already hope the link thing works.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 01:34 AM by Leroy 179
why is delmon young still in there? he sucks i remember watching him at the dome a couple weeks ago....he cant even run! but i still have a little faith......go twins!
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 03:50 AM by dickey 180
so i'll be in chicago next weekend while the cards are in town playing the cubs (including a day/night double header on sunday). if we choose to go to a game, how would it be getting tickets on the street?
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 07:35 AM by annoying customer 181
Hey Everyone,
I shot this image from near the Walker Art Center while I was at Rock the Garden. It shows just how much of a presence the scoreboard has on the Minneapolis skyline.
Click my name for the link.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 09:37 AM by Andrew 182
thx andrew for posting the picture of the skyline. it's strange that two prominent buildings in mpls (the halo bldg and target field) are facing the south.
wonder why nothing's facing north mpls...
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 10:16 AM by yeahklye 183
Some activity on the front of the press box. Where they covered the yellow material with gray material it now looks almost limestoney-
Best viewed on webcam 2.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 10:40 AM by JCTwins 184
the park opens up to the northeast, not the south.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 10:40 AM by tim 185
AC - be prepared to pay 2 or 3x face value, and be on the lookout for fake tickets. Wrigley is awesome, but getting in the door can be a ha$$le.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 10:51 AM by Elston Gunn 186
AC,
I would check craigslist before you go. This may be your best bet. You will pay through the nose from scalpers for that game...if you can find tix at all. There is a broker across the street from Wrigley if you get absolutely desperate but there is no guarentee they will have any.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 11:06 AM by Jim 187
Rick, did you get my pictures?
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 11:31 AM by Michael 188
C'mon Twins. Give us some kind of interior updates.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 12:53 PM by OG Jeff 189
tim, the large scoreboard sign is readable only from the south. those on the north side will see 'sniwt.'
north side shafted again.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 1:39 PM by yeahklye 190
the plaza looks nice now that they got most of the construction crap off it
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 1:55 PM by Deenels 191
JUST got back, went to Sunday and Monday games, lots of fun. Fans were terrible in KC though, and not just the drunk Frenchie. Constatly blocking the way in the middle of AT-BATS. One guy got up and kept standing in front of me two pitches into the inning, he just had five minutes to get up and he chose THEN. Sign.. Not everyone is as nice as St. Louis I guess.
*End Rant*
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 2:10 PM by Camden 192
Camden - St Louis has awesome fans.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 2:30 PM by OG Jeff 193
Nice shot Andrew.
I would like to see some kind of comparison of the total height of T.F. (not counting the scoreboard) compared to other ballparks.
Our park sure doesn't appear very tall. For those that have seen T.F. in person, does it feel squat?
I remember Rick's entry "But Can it Soar" from a long time ago. I think the canopy helps make the ballpark soar, but it definitely doesn't command as much attention in the skyline compared to most new HoK parks. Maybe that's a good thing.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 4:40 PM by Lafferty 194
Our ballpark I believe is 116 feet to the top of the canopy. Most of the new parks but not all are built into the ground so that the main concouse level can be entered just as you walk in at street level. The field grade at Target field after everything is installed under the grass will be roughly at the grade of the old parking lot. So even though Target Field appears not tall when looking at it -it will be at least as tall as most modern ballparks if not taller.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 5:07 PM by Tom D. 195
Click my name for some pictures from my trip on flickr. Went to the Sunday game in St. Louis and Monday and KC.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 5:23 PM by Camden 196
I took these photos June 28th. Click my name.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 5:32 PM by Michael 197
nice pics--both camden and michael
I think the halo looks really good
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 5:43 PM by Deenels 198
nice work, both of you guys. I didn't realize the "Target Field" sign was silver, I thought it was white.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 7:05 PM by some guy 199
got a question bout the outfield seats. above the entrances to the outfield sections there seems to be a couple of seats in what looks like a 4 seat row...what exactly is this for? just because the Twins can? click link to see
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 7:24 PM by BB 200
Good eyeballs, BB. That's bizarre. Those would be horrible seats -- you'd have people walking on either side of you all game. Bizarre.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 8:52 PM by Elston Gunn 201
Has anyone heard anything about a Pipe Organ for the new ballpark?
Early on in the process there was talk (Sid Hartman & Dave Mona) about installing one. If true That would sound Awesome!! Like a real Ballpark
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 10:54 PM by Hans 202
Thanks for the great pics everyone! Simply amazing!! Some of these pictures look so good that its hard to imagine they are REAL!! They look so good that it gives you the impression of some of the same renderings/virtual tours we have been seeing over the last 24 months...
Hans - It would be nice to see a pipe organ at TF, that is for sure! That is one thing I want in this ballpark is a REAL organ. To me, the organ is one of the most underrated features of a true ballpark experience, especially when it comes to sitting out in the sun and enjoying pre-game tunes and enjoying the true baseball experience.
On another note, does anyone have any insight or know what the difference is between plans C,D,E, and F for next year? Since the schedule has not been released, I am assuming you are just taking a gamble with what plan offers what games when selecting seats. I am sure the Twins will do their best to offer a fair balance between all four plans as far as dates/opponents but it makes you wonder if one plan may be better than any other.
Posted on June 30, 2009 at 11:38 PM by Mike 203
the sandstone and the structure with the right field poll on it really reminds me of petcos western metal supply(beautiful but an epic fail for that missed opportunity for a view but thats another story)i wonder if that was the inspiration?
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 04:06 AM by avgjoe360 204
There was a pipe organ in the Minneapolis Auditorium (before the current convention center), and I heard it was still in storage somewhere. I imagine it would take some $$$ to have it restored, but it has to be cheaper than a brand new one.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 05:32 AM by David_Mpls 205
BB,
At St. Louis in the section I was in there was one row of three seats right about the entry to the concourse.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 08:00 AM by crtwinsfan 206
Wrigley only has organ? Is that true? I'd love it if they did that at TF. Screw the rap music when the players come up to bat.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 09:03 AM by JCTwins 207
Screw the rap music when the players come up to bat.
And get off my lawn!
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 09:30 AM by strategery 208
I'm pretty sure this has been mentioned before, but I can't remember where. Is there always going to be that gap in the second deck of the third base side, or will it be filled in eventually?
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 09:37 AM by crtwinsfan 209
Forget a pipe organ, I heard they're just going with a 1/4" floppy disk midi sampler and drum machine. Flavor Flav will announce who's up to bat...
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 09:39 AM by cheepcheep 210
Screw the rap music when the players come up to bat
And get off my lawn
And you kids stop skate boarding on the sidewalks!
I like the personalized walk up music.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 09:46 AM by billymayshere 211
crtwinsfan - that gap in the second decl (club level) is by design and seperates the Legend's Club premium seats from the Skyline Deck seats. The Skyline deck seats are apparently going to be used by the Twins for group and day of game sales, but don't have access to the Club level amenities.
As for an organ - I sure hope TF has one. Nothing like real organ music at a ballgame!
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 09:52 AM by jfh 212
I think it would've been cool for this year if, at least on the days the Twins wear their throwback uniforms, they play some 80's intro music tributing when the dome opened.
"We built this city!..."
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 10:15 AM by cheepcheep 213
Getting tired of waiting for the announcement about next year's uni change...the Twinks must want to wait till the season is over, because it's been decided for a while now.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 12:31 PM by uniform bird 214
yeah, they are only hurting themselves by delaying the uni change cuz a lot of people who want to buy one will just hold out til they see the new ones
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 12:51 PM by dirwin7 215
I'm more concerned about who they put in those unis next season...and the bullpen needs an overhaul.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 12:54 PM by kevin in az 216
Like they said it will just be minor changes. My guess just the newly tweaked font, otherwise I think it'll be the same. I believe this is something they do closer to the end of the year or off-season.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 12:55 PM by Camden 217
looks like the seats are finally being installed in sections 101-104. seat crisis averted??
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 12:55 PM by twitt 218
Uniform changes are unveiled in the off-season.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 1:12 PM by strategery 219
Crisis? What Crisis?
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 1:27 PM by Sir James Callaghan 220
looks like the seats are finally being installed in sections 101-104. seat crisis averted?
also somewhat depressing i cant watch the game on tv today. looks likes its only being broadcasted on mlb.tv
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 12:52 PM by twitt 221
FYI: You CAN indeed watch today's Twins game on Channel 720-1 on DirecTV via the MLB Game Mix on the Royals FSN feed....
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 2:06 PM by Max 222
Do you have the MLB subscription?
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 2:10 PM by JCTwins 223
This is with the MLB Extra Innings Package on DirecTV. The MLB Game Mix channel has 8 games on 1 screen, so you can follow a bunch of games at once. It is pretty sweet.
Ok I just checked out WebCam 1. Anyone know what they are doing between the Metropolitan Club/Ticket Offices and the Team Pro Shop? The concrete is dug up and it is down to the dirt which I don't recall being the case before today....
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 2:20 PM by Max 224
I don't think they dug up any concrete, they're just adding on top of the existing concrete. They did the same thing when they finished the right field bleachers/overhang area. Probably to add steps/ramps or simply more of the big Target logos.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 2:30 PM by some guy 225
Seats are being installed in the area behind home plate.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 2:33 PM by roadwarrior 226
I thought the seat crisis was only for the seats they were installing in the RF corner....That's the only place where installation came to a screeching halt and hasn't resumed. Left field pavillion looks to be nearly complete on the upper tier.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 3:05 PM by kevin in az 227
It looks like that "ad" board in right center to cover the view from the parking ramp is complete too.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 3:08 PM by TwinsTerritory 228
after going 0 for 5 today, crede is now only 2 percentage pts ahead of carlos. time to take the medicine, all: crede is a bust.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 3:50 PM by yeahklye 229
Crede's the best defensive third baseman in the league. he's hit some bombs. Everyone knew he was on-base deficient. Twins had money to throw around. Considering all the circumstances, I wouldn't call him a bust. Yet.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 4:00 PM by Elston Gunn 230
Crede is a career .250's hitter....what do you expect? Like Elston said, he is stellar on defense and has some pop in his bat...i am not disappointed with him at all so far. Plus...he has 45+ more at bats than Gomez does.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 4:10 PM by Erik 231
Crede isn't a bust...Crede is as advertised....If there's a bust in any of this, it's Billy Smith and believe me, I would rather not see his bust!
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 4:11 PM by kevin in az 232
"the best defensive third baseman in the league." clearly you are high.
i'd take inge, zimmerman, figgins, and hell even teehan over crede. all have a ba over .275 and almost as good fielding pct as crede and all have played 70+. crede? a measly 57 games an a punto-like avg.
a bust is as a bust does my friends.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 4:20 PM by yeahklye 233
I wouldn't call him a bust. It's not like he's a .300 hitter. he was and still is a streaky hitter. if he's a bust your expectations were unrealistic, imo.
Posted on July 1, 2009 at 4:27 PM by some guy 234
Crede has some situational experience unlike the other half of the infield though- that was worth something once or