Target Field Open House: The Photo Essay
by Jon Marthaler on Mar 22, 2010 1:00 PM EDT
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PrintLike a lot of other Twins fans, I got my first chance to see Target Field over the weekend. After the jump, my photo essay - lighter on the architectural details and heavier on the jokes.
NOTE: If you view full screen and click "Show info" in the top-right-hand corner, you can see my descriptions / jokes. Otherwise, you'll be stuck with a rather confusing collection of photos.
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Nice pictures
Especially of the overhang in right. That thing is going to be a really funky thing to play. The difference in the rebound if it hits the limestone overhang versus just missing and going to the padded wall has to be gigantic, let alone if it takes a funny bounce or something. Looks like an inside-the-parker machine to me.
I bet a lot of time
will be spent by the outfielders trying to see how balls will play off of that thing
by John Veldhuis on Mar 22, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions
They'll need orange balls
But it might actually play better for GB pitchers.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
Food
After my tour Saturday, I have a few thoughts:
Yes, you are correct: I had the same issue with the condiment pumps. I’m not too particular about my ketchup and mustard (the more the better), but I can see how someone wanting a nice clean line of either will have some problems.
Also agree that the Schweigert dog is roughly 70-90% as good as the Hormel dogs were. Sigh.
With the Murray’s Steak Sandwich priced only $1.25 more than a cheeseburger ($10.50 vs $9.25), I don’t think they’ll sell very many cheeseburgers. To wit: the wait at the stand I visited for a steak sandwich was 20 minutes.
Berenguer’s specialty mexican stand is only located in one spot behind the right field foul area (sec 109/309?). I found that curious. Likewise, that the State Fair stand only has one location (center field).
Stands
There are so many more different stands now that there will only be room for one of some of them. Also, we didn’t have all the little booths in operation on Saturday, but there are dozens of smaller booths, mostly selling staples like popcorn, beer, soda, hot dogs, etc, which will shorten the lines at the bigger stands, and also a few specialty booths like coffee, asian good, sundaes, etc. It seems to me like there will be a little more variety, but you’ll have to be more specific about where you go. They may have to recalibrate next year if a partiulr item proves to be very popular compared to the others and they have to make it more valuable.
Truth to the Murray’s sandwiches. I got a Vincent Burger instead, but I wouldn’t again. The only thing for the Cheeseburger is that comes with a big side of fries, which cost several more dollars by themselves. There’s several plaes to buy the steak too I think.
I really like how there are a bunch of random food items from local landmark restaurants, like the Loon Cafe chili, the Murray’s Steak Sandwhich, Vincent Burger, etc.
"You can't sit on a lead and run a few plays into the line and just kill the clock. You've got to throw the ball over the damn plate and give the other man his chance. That's why baseball is the greatest game of them all."
~ Earl Weaver
"In God we trust. All others must provide evidence."
~ Billy Beane
Yep
I agree the variety is awesome. The local nods ARE very cool (I also like the Lunds/Byerly’s wild rice soup). Also, with respect to the scarcity of some of the concessions, I was amazed during my walkabout as to how quickly one travels around the concourse. I don’t know if it’s just a perception thing, or if the circumference is actually much shorter, but I don’t think a quick trip out to CF for something-on-a-stick will take all that long.
All in all, it will be fun to learn the intricacies of the new stadium. Despite my good season tickets (partial), I located “my favorite spot” in the cheap seats. With the difference amenities and all the different nooks and crannies, I imagine many people will come to different conclusions as to their favorite spot.
I love this park.
by stuntmonkeys on Mar 22, 2010 6:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Torii Hunter always talks about how awful it was to play on the artificial turf in MN.
And how glad he was to come to Anaheim to play on natural turf in the outdoors and sunshine. Maybe this new venue will help to attract players to want to play for the Twins.
The 2009 Pregame Picks Winner and Iron Man of Halos Heaven.com
Two things
1. Jon is not wrong about Ramp B’s proximity to the field. I expect LNP to hop over from the clubhouse to one of the gates there after games and getting after it for extra CA$H MONEY.
2. I’m amazed that Jon didn’t spend the entire tour trying to figure out where they’ll put an outdoor rink on the field.
Great stuff, Marth.
Rink location
If they’re smart, they’ll put it at TCF Bank Stadium, not at Target Field. More seats, and fewer truly awful ones like there would be for a Target Field game. Plus: No dead grass!
by Jon Marthaler on Mar 22, 2010 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Target Visit
Hey, what happened to the stanless steel single flushes that can handle 20-25 guys at a time in the men’s room. The land of 50,000 flushes, now…if people bother.
An enormous amount of seating for people in wheelchairs or unable to handle steps in all price ranges, which is nice.
With the large indoor concourse, no need to fill the plaza with all the junk they normally have out there. You can wander the stadium and enjoy baseball lfie for the price of your ticket.
Speaking of ticket prices…how dare they show us how the otehr half can live. I want to dine in the Metrpolitan Club ($29 pre-game buffet) or the Legend Lounge (is costs a grand to belong). Hrbek’s is standing room only. Bud fans can stand waaaay up in one of the towers and be warmed by a fire pit.
I want a suite.
I found it interesting that the two bullpens are basically sharing a single space. Will the teams fratenize too much down there!?
The Tradition Wall wasn’t up yet.
The Pro Shop was crowded. How much money did they make selling jerseys and caps!?
It was a wonderful time to explore every knook and cranny.
Though there is plenty of parking, or the light rail…the line-up at the tracks will be mind-boggling, and I can only imagine exiting the ramps (especially the one we parked in that exits on the light rail tracks) and the traffic jams that will happen for a good 30-45 minutes after the game. Better to park at the only Metrodome and hike in! The HCMC ramp has some game packs for $3 a game for a reserved place, for example.
The advertised food is absically in the “better” (i.e. mroe expensive) eating palces. Same old burgers and dogs and Pepsi products now.
We are up in the cheap seats and just wish they had added a couple of inches of butt room to each seat. You will overlap with your neighbor, but at least be facing the correct way.
The real joy, you can see the game and walk around inside the ballpark. You can stand at any number of places and have a palce to set your Brew.
Visit www.TwinsCards.com and check out "rosters" to see my collection!
The pictures do not show up for me. I can view the full screen, but It does not say “show info” anywhere. Pounding angrily on the keyboard is not working. Asking the IT guy is not an option. That exhausts my knowledge of how to fix things on computers. All of you smart people on the internet must know something. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
If you just view the album photo by photo
The commentary shows up underneath the picture.
RonGarde: Target Field is going to be exactly like Progressive Field, except you'll have a chance to die of frostbite in the middle of July
by fischean on Mar 22, 2010 6:25 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Anyone know why the Twins switches benches?
My working theory is that the home team wants to be able to see the big screen. Anyone know better?
I might be wrong...
but I believe that most home teams actually take the 1st base line. The metrodome of course being the exception. I’m sure the scoreboard helps too.
I believe it also had to do with the location of fascilities like cages and weight rooms
The Twins wanted their clubhouse to be next door to the lion’s share of workout facilities. And I believe those are more extensive down the first base line than the third base line.
"You're thinking too much. Just have fun." -- Bennie "The Jet" Rodriguez in Sandlot
My best guess
Day games. When the sun is out, it’s going to be shining right into the visitors dugout.
You both are wrong
Of the two clubhousese, the Visitors Clubhouse is actually smaller, and the train makes its stop at Target Field near the clubhouse which means there is a homefield advantage for the Twins. Their clubhouse is bigger and isn’t affected by the train.
Sadly, my favorite picture is of the bathroom
No more troughs! Now I only have to deal with troughs at the Wabasha Street Caves…
by what_would_gil_thorp_do on Mar 23, 2010 12:11 AM EDT reply actions
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