Target Field – Field of Dreams
Hi Everyone!
After a very long hiatus, I am back with a post about the new home of the Minnesota Twins. I visited Target Field yesterday afternoon to watch the Twins play my hometown Milwaukee Brewers, in what turned out to be one of the most exciting baseball games I have ever seen (won by the Twins in 12 innings). But the ridiculously crazy game aside, here are my thoughts on Target Field. On the whole, it is a spectacular place to watch a baseball game (especially when the weather is as glorious as it was yesterday). I believe Target Field is already worthy of place amongst the elite baseball parks like Fenway, Wrigley, AT&T Park (San Francisco), and PNC (Pittsburgh).
The unique architecture of Target Field seen from 7th Street facing Target Plaza.
Accessibility – Very Good
Target Field is located in downtown, between seventh and fifth streets, north of first avenue. I would say it’s location is pretty much ideal. It is almost unbelievable how many different, relatively easy ways there are to get to the stadium. The Twins website has more info on this. Here’s a list of the ways to get to Target Field:
Hiawatha light rail, numerous bus routes, car via I-394, I-94, 35W or city streets, bike, foot, Northstar, commuter line.
The Hiawatha light rail and Northstar commuter line stop feet from the field.
The Experience in the Stands – Amazing
Actually finding my seat was a little frustrating (make sure you enter via the gate listed on your ticket, especially if you are in the upper deck of the main stands. If not you may have to hunt for a while to find a ramp or other way to get to the upper deck). However, all my frustration was forgotten the second I sat down and took in the ballpark from my seat. All can say is WOW! What a spectacular place to watch a baseball game! Just look at the pictures:
The view from the upper deck. I wish I had a wider angle lens.
I did walk around almost the entire stadium, and it seemed like almost all of the seats in the main stands offered great views of the ballpark and the city. The bleacher sections also offered good views, but only those in left field and the uppermost levels afford skyline views. Be forewarned that many outfield seats offer partially obstructed views of some parts of the outfield, particularly in right field. Also, know that anyone sitting in the upper outfield levels or in the lower level left field stands are liable to be baked to a crisp during day games, so bring a hat, and plenty of sunscreen, and scope out shady places to cool off.
Concessions – Good
Admittedly, I don’t usually buy much at baseball games because I find it way overpriced. Many items at Target Field seemed very expensive, but there were a lot of less expensive items as well. I was hoping they would sell 12 chocolate chip cookies for $5 as they did at the dome, but didn’t see them. The brat I had was decent, but far from spectacular. The only vendors that came by my section were selling beer and Mike’s hard lemonade, neither of which I drink.
The view through the right field gate on Target Plaza
Overall – Outstanding
I loved watching yesterday’s game at Target Field. The stadium feels like it has been there for 100 years, like it was always meant to be there. I don’t mean that it feels old or worn, but that it has everything that makes classic stadiums like Fenway and Wrigely great – the cozy feel, the character and charm, the nooks and crannies, even the classic stadium smell of hotdogs and pretzels, beer and peanuts. However it also has the luxuries and amenities of the best new stadiums, including a skyline view to rival PNC park in Pittsburgh. The stadium may be new, but the team has a rich and storied tradition, and it is omnipresent at Target Field. Legends are honored inside and outside the park with statues, plaques and banners.
Legendary outfielder Kirby Puckett. With a bat like that, it’s no wonder he hit so many homers!
Bottom Line – An absolute must for all baseball fans!
Go to Target Field. Even if you can’t get a ticket, hang out at Target Plaza and share in the excitement, or peek in through the numerous “knotholes” around the park. Come when there is no game and just walk around the stadium. Bottom line, Target Field is a great, great place to watch a baseball game, and even at a mere two months of age, this beautiful ballpark already holds its own with the hallowed elysian fields of Wrigley and Fenway, and the sparkling newer yards in New York, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh. Target Field is a must-see for all baseball fans. Everything about watching a game at this spectacular stadium is a reminder of why people write poetry about baseball.
Have you been to Target Field? If so what did you think?
