Field: Target Field
Official Site: https://www.mlb.com/twins/ballpark
Year Completed: 2010
Capacity: 38,500
Covered: No – Postponement/Rainout Policy
Mascot: T.C. (a bear) – If you want a photo with TC, Ballpark Chasers on Facebook suggest looking for him near Section 126 and in the kids section starting at the top of the third inning.
The Game We’ll See: Friday, August 18: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Minnesota Twins (see all 30 here!)
Parking & Transportation:
Target Field does not have its own parking. It recommends using SpotHero to find a convenient parking spot near the stadium. If you plan to arrive early and stay late, consider the 7,000 parking spots in the ABC and Hawthorne Ramps.
Oversized vehicle: There is no oversized parking at the stadium.
Fans can also attend the game using public transportation. There is a trip planning link on the Twins’ website, here.
Stadium Tours:
Rated one of the MLB’s top ten stadium tours, Target Field tours visit the Clubhouse, batting cages and dugouts, among other highlights. They cost between $10 (for children 14 and under) and $20 (for adults). Advanced purchase is highly recommended.
General Information:
Bags: Target Field allows single-compartment bags, medical bags, diaper bags, and clutches no larger than 16” x 16” x 8”. Lockers are available for guests who have an oversize bag. Bag storage is free, and lockers are located next to Gate 6 and Target Field Station.
Food & Beverages: Fans may bring their own food, hard-sided containers are prohibited. Fans may also bring in one, factory-sealed bottle of water that is 32 ounces or smaller.
Cashless transactions: All transactions are cashless.
Signs: Signs are permitted if they are baseball-related, don’t block views, interfere with the game, contain advertising, or contain offensive materials.
Foul Balls: Fans may keep foul balls, as long as they don’t interfere with play or enter the playing area to retrieve them.
Gates: Gates open 60 minutes before first pitch for Monday through Thursday evening games, 90 minutes before afternoon games, and 120 minutes before evening games on Friday through Sunday.
Cameras: Cameras are permitted by Target Field, but monopods, tripods, and multi-compartment camera bags are not.
Umbrellas: Umbrellas are permitted, but may not be used in the seating area once the game has started.
Where to Sit:
For shade, Baseball Road Trips recommends the first base line for day games. The back row of the Infield Box, in sections 105 – 107 are a good value and have shade. Alternatively, try for Sections 206 – 209.
If you aren’t on a tight budget, Twins Daily recommends looking for seats behind Home Base in sections 109 – 119. You can save some money by grabbing seats in the adjacent sections, 108 or 120. You can also try for the first and third baselines (with netting in your view), Sections 101 – 108 or 120 – 127.
For the best value, The Ultimate Baseball Road Trip recommends Sections 201 to 228.
For a bargain seat, try the third base line (316 to 322) for a view of the Skyline.
Section 302 is a family section where alcohol is not allowed.
Food:
- The Ultimate Baseball Road Trip calls Mac’s Fish & Chip’s Walleye on a Stick the trademark food. The hand-battered, fried walleye with salt and jalapeno lime tartar sauce is available at Townball Tavern in Section 229.
- Twins Daily recommends the brats and polish sausages served up by Kramarczuk’s in Sections 101, 112, and 312. These fried sausages are served up with sauerkraut and onions.
- The official hot dog is Schweigert’s Jumbo Dog. It’s available in many stands throughout the stadium.
- Eater echoes other endorsements of Kramarczuk’s sausages and Mac’s Walleye. They also recommend Official Fried Chicken (Section 133), Union Hmong Kitchen’s light but filling savory Hmong sausages (Section 127), and cheeseburgers at Red Cow (Sections 126 and 233), among others.
- Ballpark Chasers on Facebook recommend the cheese curds! You can find them in Sections 109, 232, 305, and the Delta Sky 360 Club.
First Time Visitors:
There is no mention of any special first-time visitor traditions. However, a Ballpark Chaser on Facebook said she was able to get a certificate from Guest Services.
Autographs:
Target Field permits autographs. However, players are not allowed to provide autographs during batting practice. One Ballpark Chaser recommend Sections 13, 14, and 15 for autographs.
Other Stadium Tips & Highlights:
Be sure to take some time before entering Target Field to wander around Target Plaza. Check out the oversized bronze glove, statues of the Twins Hall of Famers, and a wall that lists every player who has ever played for the team.
Twins Daily recommends stopping by the Twins Pub at Terrace level behind home plate to meet Sue Nelson the Organist. A friendly fan, she’s happy to pose for photos if she’s not busy playing for the crowd.
One Ballpark Chaser said that the opposing team often throws balls from their dugout into the stands in Section 13 and sometimes Section 14.
The Twins’ retired numbers include:
- 3 – Harmon Killebrew
- 6 – Tony Oliva
- 7 – Joe Mauer
- 10 – Tom Kelly
- 14 – Kent Hrbek
- 28 – Bert Blyleven
- 29 – Rod Carew
- 34 – Kirby Puckett
- 36 – Jim Kaat
- 42 – Jackie Robinson (retired by the MLB)
