While some Twins fans fondly remember watching outdoor baseball games at Metropolitan Stadium, the majority associate Twins baseball with the indoor confines of the Metrodome. However, with the opening of Target Field in April 2010, fans of all ages were given the opportunity to once again enjoy baseball outdoors. The journey to build Target Field was a lengthy and challenging one, spanning over a decade as the Twins struggled to secure funding from the State of Minnesota. Discussions of contraction, potential relocation, and persistent support from fans eventually led to a breakthrough. In May 2006, the Minnesota state legislature approved financing for a $545 million ballpark. Under the terms of the agreement, Hennepin County contributed $350 million to cover construction and infrastructure costs, while the Twins organization provided nearly $195 million.
Nearly a year after state approval, the Twins officially unveiled their plans for the new ballpark. On September 15, 2008, they announced a 25-year partnership with Target Corporation to name the venue Target Field. Although the financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, the partnership solidified the stadium’s identity as a cornerstone of Minneapolis.
Target Field opened its doors on April 12, 2010, when the Twins played and won their inaugural game at the new ballpark against the Boston Red Sox. Located in downtown Minneapolis’ vibrant Warehouse District, Target Field seamlessly blends Minnesota’s urban sophistication with its love of the outdoors. The ballpark’s façade is constructed from Minnesota limestone, and a canopy covers much of the upper-deck seating, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Fans typically enter Target Field through Target Plaza, a welcoming, park-like area outside the right-field gate. This beautifully landscaped space features several iconic attractions, including a 1,500-pound bronze glove, statues of Twins legends Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, and Kirby Puckett, a tribute wall to past Minnesota ballparks, and the original flagpole from Metropolitan Stadium.
Inside Target Field, it quickly becomes evident why the ballpark is often ranked among the best in baseball. The stadium has a seating capacity of just under 40,000, with 18,500 seats in the lower deck. The main three-tiered grandstand stretches from the right-field foul pole to home plate and down to the left-field foul pole. Between the lower and upper decks, fans will find 4,000 club seats, 60 luxury suites, and the press box. A double-decked grandstand is located in left field, with additional seating in right field.
One standout feature of the ballpark is the Budweiser Roof Deck, located in the northwest corner. This space includes a fire pit, bar, 150 bleacher seats, and standing room for another 150 fans. From here, fans can take in stunning views of the Minneapolis skyline alongside the ballpark’s action. Additional social spaces include the Legends Club Lounge, which pays homage to Twins Hall of Famers; the Met Club, available to season ticket holders; and the Town Ball Tavern, a celebration of Minnesota’s amateur baseball tradition that is open to all fans. The ballpark also offers themed concessions such as the Taste of Twins Territory, Hennepin Grille, Senor Smoke’s, and Frankie V’s Italian, ensuring that every fan can enjoy a wide variety of dining options.
One of Target Field’s most distinctive features is the home run celebration display in center field. This installation features the Twins’ classic “Shaking Hands” logo, used from 1961 to 1981. When a Twins player hits a home run, the iconic characters Minnie and Paul light up, creating a memorable celebration. Open-air concourses throughout the stadium are twice the size of those in the Metrodome, ensuring fans can follow the game from nearly any spot in the ballpark. The main grandstand offers breathtaking views of the downtown Minneapolis skyline, while the main scoreboard, located in left-center field, serves as the centerpiece of the game-day experience.
Another unique feature of Target Field is the inclusion of “Knotholes” along the 5th Street side of the ballpark. These allow fans to catch glimpses of the action from outside the stadium without purchasing a ticket. Recognizing Minnesota’s sometimes unpredictable weather, the Twins have included heated concessions, restrooms, restaurants, and lounge areas on every level of the ballpark. Additionally, one of the largest sun screens in baseball provides added protection for fans on sunny days. Target Field’s accessibility is enhanced by its 20,000 parking spaces within a block of the stadium and a light rail stop directly at the ballpark.
The Twins carried their success from the Metrodome into Target Field, winning the American League Central Division Championship during their inaugural season in 2010. Since then, the team has continually improved the fan experience. Before the start of the 2011 season, the Twins installed a 28-foot-high by 50-foot-wide video board above the right-field grandstand and a 100-foot-high LED-illuminated Twins Tower adjacent to the video display. In 2016, the Twins reimagined the center-field seating area, creating a multi-level fan gathering space. This renovation added a Twins-themed pub with Minnesota-branded food options on the upper level, while the lower level, named CATCH, offers a premium experience for 120 season ticket holders.
Target Field continues to provide a world-class experience for fans and a picturesque setting for baseball in the heart of Minneapolis. The Twins and their supporters remain optimistic about bringing another World Championship back to Minnesota in the coming years.
Target Field Pictures
