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So Long, Baseball FriendJanuary 5, 2009 4:48 PM No matter whatever else you (or I) may have ever thought, today is a sad day for Twins baseball. It's not an exaggeration to say that Carl Pohlad saved baseball in Minnesota -- repeatedly. Yes, he made some money while doing it, and there were some very close calls, but that's neither a sin nor a crime. We got something, he got something. That's how business works, and Carl would probably be the first to acknowledge the simplicity of that equation. He ran the team as a business, to be sure, but he was also a true fan. I think this is undisputed. I'll have more to say later, but for now: So long, great baseball friend. CommentsTo utilized enhanced comment features, please enable cookies in your browser. He certainly did save baseball for MN in 1984, brought us 2 championships in 87 and 91...But tried hard to kill this franchise in the mid-late 90's. Most of the time during his quest for a new ballpark, he was his own worst enemy. RIP Carl...Eloise and Kirby are waiting for ya....So Pohlad boys, can we spend some of daddy's money now????? I think, if I remember right, the Twins were almost destined to move to Tampa, FL if Pohlad hadn't stepped in. Wasn't there a stipulation on Pohlad's part about the attendance figures that year? I remember reading something about the "2.4 in '84" campaign. The Pohlad sons ought to be thanking Judge Harry Crump right now. If it weren't for his ruling, the Twins would have been contracted and Carl Pohlad's name would be mud in this town. The fact that he offered them up for contraction to Selig says a lot about his 'fandom' and respect for us fans. I can't forget that. RIP pohlad!!!!! no matter what i thinkabout the penny pinching...thanks for giving me the twins! I hope the Pohlad's are comforted in their time of loss. Best wishes to the family. That being said, Carl was a business man - and a good one. He made his money by making business deals, and he treated the Twins the same way. I'm not willing to jump on the "Carl saved the Twins/greatest MN owner/blah blah" train. He and his family have made positive impacts in our community - but they've reaped benefits at the fans expense over the past several years. His willingness to contract the Twins for a cheap buck will always overshadow the prior goodwill he generated with winning teams. Thank you for your contribution to our community, Carl. Your MN legacy is a bittersweet one. Death does not excuse people for their actions. I have much respect for Carl as a family man and those who are close to him in this time of grief. In fact, my dad used to be a currier for Carl back when his offices were on the blocks of hte IDS and Wells Fargo buildings. Mr. Pohlad was not only a crutial figure in the Twins organization, but in the shaping of Minneapolis as we know it today. Having said that, I would like to expound upon a statement Rick made in his reflection above. Though making money is definitely not a sin, piling up endless amounts of money to continually pad your own wealth at the expense of others is called greed. Greed is one of the seven deadly sins. I know he did contribute to numerous charities, put many Pohlad pennies into the current stadium, and that he actually didn't contract the twins. But he tried as hard as he could. And then he tried to hustle the entire state by making us think a deferred loan was his "personal contribution" to a new stadium. I don't doubt he was a fan of the Twins, much like I am a fan of my current job...I love it as long as the money's good. I believe it was Dwight on The Office that said, "Look, I'm all about loyalty. In fact, I feel like part of what I'm being paid for here is my loyalty. But if there were somewhere else that valued loyalty more highly, I'm going wherever they value loyalty the most." Funny how familiar this is the the subject at hand. Posted on January 6, 2009 at 09:53 AM by JohnK 9 the man loved the team but it seems his wife loved them even more and persuaded him to buy them in the first place. i think its presumptious of you to say he only was in the business of owning a baseball franachise to make money. do you remember the minesota twins circa early 80's? they were the low of the low of major league baseball and thats what he bought into to keep them here. none of us knew the man but from what i've read of his personal history i don't think he operated the team in the manner you describe. and they went out and won two world championships under his ownership with a bunch of class players. what have the vikes done since the 70's besides make headlines for off the field behavior? Posted on January 6, 2009 at 4:14 PM by Tim 11 Jim Caple states it clearly. This is the Carl Pohlad I will remember. Posted on January 6, 2009 at 10:41 PM by OG Jeff 12 Lets not make Carl out to be anything more than a businessman. He had nothing to do with "Keeping the Twins here." (Unless it was financially prudent to do so.) If he could have made money shipping them elsewhere he WOULD have. "Pohlad claimed he was close to selling the Twins in 1997 to North Carolina businessman Don Beaver, who would have moved the team to the Piedmont Triad area of the state. The defeat of a referendum for a stadium in that area and a lack of interest in a move to Charlotte killed the deal." I pulled that quote from Wikipedia. I am a Twins fan. Pohlad was a businessman. Let's keep in mind how different each one is. I think and act towards the Twins with emotion. Pohlad didn't become what he was thinking like a fan in business. I just can't get past giving a guy that Forbes ranks tied for the 107th richest person in the United States, with a net worth of 2.6 billion dollars, a brand new stadium, mostly at our cost. Then what happens? Johan Santana is gone. Tori Hunter is gone. (Fan Favorite) Carlos Silva is gone. (Ok, I'm not really all that bummed about Silva, but let me make my point anyway.) How much money in player income does that free up? Did we get anything return? Did we get any big name players to fill their shoes? Not a thing! My gosh! the biggest splash the Twins made in the hot stove this winter so far is the re-signing of Punto! Punto? Why don't you drive right up to my home, knock on my door, and slap me right in the face! I think our future is much brighter. Dain The canopy got another horizontal support today. Smilin' Carl would be happy with the progress. That's a good post Dain. I'll remember him as a greedy cheap guy. Pohlad loved baseball, and loved the Twins. Go ahead and call him cheap, because he was. But look at the pictures of him with Kirby Puckett and Kent Hrbek. He wasn't JUST cheap, and to call him that is to disrespect his memory. I disagree, Dain. Though I have certainly done my share of cursing of the Pohlad name through the years, we need to keep Terry Ryan/Bill Smith decisions separate from Carl Pohlad decisions. Pohlad created the financial structure in which the team works, and it has had brilliant and also maddening implications. But financial recklessness is not an issue -- how many major league teams can say that? Financial restraint (which can certainly be read as "cheapness" or "greed") will mean that the Twins can continue to be both competitive and profitable every year into the foreseeable future, rather than having to lay low for a few years periodically to let bad contracts work their way through, or simply losing lots of money. As for the stadium, talk to Milwaukee. They were the first big city to cave to stadium threats. Once they did, it was inevitable that every other one would fall in line -- which essentially they have in every sport! That's a Selig legacy, not a Pohlad one. I just don't understand the reasoning that says, "Pohlad has billions so he could have kept Santana and Hunter and built his own stadium at the same time if he wanted to." That's just BS. It's like saying that I should take $85,000 out of my IRA and buy a really nice car just because I can. That's just crazy. In any event, I'm a little shocked at how harsh people have been toward this guy. I mean, I didn't know him, but I think I understand how his business decisions were made. They were quite sound, and pretty cold at times. But the net is that the Twins are still here and about to move into the most amazing ballpark built in recent memory. That's a legacy I, as a fan, can live with and even celebrate. And he loved baseball. (People who knew him, say that he really did love the game. Gotta trust them.) Even if he was Scrooge personified, the guy was still human. He was somebody's husband and brother and father and son. Hate him if you want, but what's the point? Let it go. Posted on January 7, 2009 at 12:22 PM by Rick 17 Well then, according to you, I guess I disrespected his memory. The funny thing is that you say "Go ahead and call him cheap, because he was." So I guess you also disrespected his memory. Well done. Almost everyone is a brother or husband or son or father to someone else. Everyone is human. It's no excuse. We rip him 'cause we can. This is a discussion board. We calls em as we sees em. Everything about Pohlad loving baseball and saving the Twins is completely moot after recognizing that he volunteered the team to be contracted. My last post was for Dave T and not Rick. But for Rick I love your quote here "But the net is that the Twins are still here and about to move into the most amazing ballpark built in recent memory." Rick, Yes, Pohlad was a human and I think everyone respects him as a fellow human....Yes Pohlad was someone's brother, father, husband....But he wasn't our father, brother, etc. People have an opinion and peception of Carl Pohlad because of Carl Pohlad. He wasn't personable at all with Twins fans. When he did show his face during tough times, it was to threaten the state of MN and for all intents and purposes, threaten Twins fans...For that I will NEVER forgive him. May Carl rest in peace because I do respect him as a fellow human being, but I detest what he tried to do, MULTIPLE TIMES during the 1990's to kill this franchise. I only hope Jim has a little more enthusiasm of seeing his team succeed on the field as much as on a spreadsheet, but I won't hold my breath. The apple rarely falls far from the tree. Cannon Gannon wins for spotting the 11th horizontal canopy support lifted in place today. The workers are busy this week! My guess is #12 goes up early next week. I love the competition we have for who spots the next support first. Whisky Wade Wilson and Cannon Gannon have been two of our winners...pretty cool to have two ex-Vikings QBs frequent this site uh Rick!!? Locker....Perhaps Two-bottle Tommy or Carl "I prefer classic coke" Eller will be the next winner!! As their prize I feel they should be sent to listen to our favorite motivational speaker - Brad Childress. It seems as if no one has considered the possibility that if Pohlad had been a little more loose with the purse strings, the Twins wouldn't be the same disciplined organization with a deep minor league system that they are now - they'd be the Orioles, or the Rangers, or some other team that spends money (but never enough to beat out the likes of Boston, New York, LA, etc). I think they'd be the Pirates or the Nats. And I should clarify that I was speaking mostly about what I've read in the various media, and not primarily about what I've read here. Click my name to see one writer return coldness for coldness, which may be fair, but it's a terrible way to go through life. Posted on January 7, 2009 at 1:21 PM by Rick 26 I can just as easily see two or three more world championships in the past seventeen years with just a LITTLE more cash spent... Yeah, a little more cash spend and perfect hindsight. The reality is that spending cash on payroll is a risky proposition in baseball if you're measuring it against wins and losses. The Twins could just have easily won two more WS titles without spending another dime, too. More likely, they would have spent a few extra dollars here and there and not changed the results much at all. Rick, I would't liken the Twins to the Nats. The Nats have money. They're just cheap. They're admittedly trying to build up the farm system, but they're also downright cheap. Say what you will about Pohlad, let's not forget that he made Kirby the highest paid baseball player at the time... Alex B., You could also include Seattle and Detroit as two horribly run franchises that spend for the sake of spending. Thank goodness for Terry Ryan and not some of our other good friends on this site you just want "a LITTLE more cash spent..." I'm so happy the Twins are not adding someone this off season just for the sake of spending more without upgrading anything on the field. Sorry fellas, I got sidetracked there. I'll go back to being Rick's unofficial host of the who can spot the next horizontal canopy support contest. Man! I love Target Field. If you have a facebook page, type in "Target Field" in the search box and you too can be a fan of it. I don't think the Twins would be like the Rangers or the Nats if they spent. They'd be like the Twins - WITH JOHAN SANTANA. (who was last year's runner up for Cy Young) Rick, you're right: It's not a good argument to say "Carl's rich so they should spend a bunch". The correct argument is "Carl banked over $30 million off the team last year - Why isn't he spending that?!" Maybe if the Twins spent a little more with the idea of breaking even, they could generate a little more excitement in the offseason. Look at the Giants, who paid for their own stadium. They essentially "break even" each year. That's the goal of the SF ownership. Sometimes the GM makes bad free agent decisions, and sometimes they don't. They've had a tough streak for a few years, but every team does. The point is they FILL SEATS in SF because their fans get excited about the moves they make, along with bringing up young talent like Lincecum and Matt Cain. This is the legacy Carl has left behind: A lean, mean operation that's one or two players away from being a legit threat in the playoffs. I've been needing to say this for awhile. If you spend as much time looking at the webcam and frequenting this site as I have, you are a total loser!! Just look at my last pathetic post! GEEK CITY BOYS!! Back to the stadium: I see the upper deck steel structure is starting to go up. It looks good. Way up there. Rick, I'm enjoying my calendar. My girlfriend got it for me for Christmas. We all had a good laugh about what a nerd I was for obsessing about the stadium. As for Carl, all I'll say is that except for contraction (BIG exception), I have no issues with how this team has been run. Edit to my previous post: LEFT FIELD upper deck steel structure. The other thing to remember is that players are seldom signed to one year deals. You can't look at payroll for one year and get an accurate picture of a team's salary situation. Case in point - the Yankees and Carl Pavano. Jeff, would you rather have the Twins spend that money fruitlessly last season? Or bank it and be in position to make a meaningful splash in the FA market once the new park is open and the revenue is flowing? locker - so which one of your family members works in the twins front office?!?! ;-) I'm pleased to hear that the Twins banked $30 Million last year. They'll be able to get a good start on paying off their bank loan for their portion of the stadium. If they can get off to a good start there, perhaps they'll have the freedom to sign and retain some of their better, young players when they become free agents. The key for the Twins to show steady improvement will be to keep the players they developed and who they know are a good fit in the locker room and on the field. The free agent market is often a crap shoot, with mixed results for everybody who signs big-name players. Players the Twins developed are a known quantity, and have been developed "The Twins Way." Posted on January 7, 2009 at 9:01 PM by Winona Mike 36 ummmmmm......ummmmmmmm......man, that twins front office kool-aid (a.k.a. same old excuses) sure tastes good! drink up everyone. get your fill. I cringe every time I hear that "good fit in the locker room" baloney. As far as I am concerned, it is the GM's job to get the best talent in the clubhouse, and the manager's job to maintain the "fit in the locker room". If a team is short on talent, blame the GM. If the players don't "get along" blame the manager. That's why they make the big bucks. To do their job. Look guys, lets stop with the "dont spend for the sake of spending" or "we would end uplike Seattle or Texas How about this crazy notion... Have a GM do is job good and balance payroll with risk and return...Billy smith is awful... you will not end up like the O's if you make good deals and give players like Casey freakin Blake a 3rd year???? so now we have punto at 3rd this year...over a third option year.. So please dont say anything aout CC or Texiera... nobody in minnesota wants them.. that is not what I or the others on here think... but dont take your vacation during the off season like Terry Ryan/Billy smith has done for years. So here is the Twins motto, let the homegrown players get big... dont sign sizable but affordable extentions when they can, let them get a year b4 FA then claim "there is no way we can pay one player that amount"... Just mark my words boys, there will be no room in minnesota for Joe mauer after he wins the MVP in the next 2 years...if he stays its cuz hes a homedown boy and gives the twins a huge discount...he should already be resigned until he dies..... If he stays justin goes......im just saying... andif you can pay cuddy 7 mill a year to do card tricks and magic in the clubhouse pay casy blake a 3rd year to play solid not HOF baseball but solid.... i just want to see them do something other than brining back an identical team from last year. there's still time so i'm hoping to be suprised. Posted on January 8, 2009 at 3:50 PM by annoying customer 40 forgive me for going a bit off topic, but what's the concensus around here about Bert Blyleven being inducted, finally, into the MLB HOF? I was a Pohlad, "doing it the Twins way" apologist for many years. Not anymore. Maz is right, we're not asking for A-Rod or Teixeira. But when the Twins had the chance to get Jim Thome, the didn't even bother. Thome wouldn't have killed them financially and he loves to tee off on pitchers in the Metrodome. Unfortunately, it will continue to be Twins pitchers. This team is almost there. It has almost been there for a few years. Adding a big bat in the lineup would help that cause, especially when Morneau goes into one of his mental funks or just plain decides not to show up at crunch time like last year. We almost had that other bat in the lineup but he was sent packing too....oh...what was his name??? Oh yeah, DAVID ORTIZ. on another topic...I see Macy's closing at Brookdale. This is probably the nail in the coffin for Crookdale Mall. I hope Zygi is paying attention. Nice area for a football stadium with no roof. Or if he decides to pass up another good opportunity, I hope the Hennepin county board thinks about re-locating the trash burner to the Crookdale site. hey, nice moniker for Brookdale kev. Crookdale, I like that. No way the Twins let hometown Mauer go. It won't happen. Don't be too sure about that Matt. If there's a team out there willing to trade enough to Billy Smith he may just pull the trigger. It all comes down to how many compensation dollars, players to be named later and used baseballs that Billy is able to recoup in a deal. haha true that. I think the Twins know they would loose a lot of fans if they get rid of Mauer. That would be the last straw for Twins fans. Kinda like Mchale and the Wolves. Matt, I'm not sure of your age but I'm willing to bet I'm the oldest crony on here....Your suggestion of fans going crazy at the departure of Mauer brought back a memory. It's a memory of Carl Pohlad trying to decide whether or not to re-sign Kirby Puckett. It took him quite a long time and the fans were beyond panic. I remember attending a rally downtown to re-sign Kirby. After the rally, Pohlad signed Kirby to a $30 million contract over 6 years - this was the richest contract in all of baseball at the time. I doubt we'll see that kind of response again, not even for Joe Mauer. As much as Mauer is loved by Twins fans, it's not to the extent that Kirby became a household name across the uppper midwest. Besides, if Carl had not re-signed Kirby, he would have had his funeral much sooner than today. Yeah I'm 19 years old, so I don't really remember that. I thought I herd something like Boston was offering Kirby more money but he chose to stay with us. Thank God he did not choose Boston, I really hate Boston sports. I find red sox fans to be the smuggest of em all. luke, I appreciate your limited posting as of late. For that I thank you. oh matt....you're so young....all the fun you have missed...but just be happy that you'll be able to enjoy target field for your adult life. The generation previous to yours has had to grow up with the Metrodome as well. Luckily my generation grew up with Met Stadium, hot humid nights of baseball and soccer (MN Kicks), fun tailgating parties in the parking lot with 8-tracks of Alan Parsons, ELO and yes LSD.....what were we talking about again? Holy crap, Matt, you weren't even around for the Twins first World Series title. That makes me feel "old". I was in grade school then and was just young enough to not fully understand the magnitude of the moment. Their second one in '91 I was in high school and felt every bump along the way. But I digress... While I don't totally remember the hoopla that went on to sign Puckett, I will say Kirby was a far bigger household name than Mauer is now. Kirby was the core: Kirby, Herby, Bruno and Gietti (and Roy Smalley and Laudner and, well, maybe not) Which reminds me, does anyone here remember the song "Talkin' Baseball" (Terry Cashman) done in the mid-80s. I can only find the "90s" version. And I KNOW there was an 80's mix done because my buddy and I would play the small vinyl on our Fisher Price record player over and over and over... And finally...I noticed a platform being installed today where the Metropolitan Club expands out towards the right field line. It's amazing how fast all that steel can go up too! A couple of new construction pics on flickr courtesy of dwallick. Posted on January 9, 2009 at 07:15 AM by Mo 53 Adam Dunn is a free agent. I would like to see what he could do as a DH in the dome's final year. Yes, he strikes out a lot, but he hit 40 HRs and drove in 100 runs and drew 122 walks last year. And he could spell Morneau at 1B to keep him fresh. Kevin - I remember that Thome opportunity, and how he even said he preferred to come play for the Twins in an interview. Thinking about that gives me a headache. Those left field bleachers are going up quick! This upcoming summer is going to be a lot of fun, guys... Grass is coming soon! dunn is left-handed of/dh; we need a right-handed 3b. i wonder what year the nhl will want to play an outside game on new year's at either target field or tcf stadium? Posted on January 9, 2009 at 10:19 AM by annoying customer 56 just and f.y.i ...they have started to put up the supports for stadia on the main grandstand now in right field...you can see it on webcam2 Looks like the first layering of canopy skin is beginning now. Is it me or does it seem like Mortenson is turning it up a notch? This is great! The next canopy support is up. BOOM goes the dynamite! I would have had it, too, but I was busy folding under pressure. Am I a "Former Viking Quarterback" yet? Uh, Warren nice job for spotting that 12th one. Locker, What do I win? Fellas, Wow! Could one of you at least gotten us to a Super Bowl? If you guys would have spent as much time preparing for Sundays as you do on the webcam, maybe you could have gotten them there. Archie, You do not win anything. Warren, you win the autographed photo of Maz in front of his boyhood apartment complex not far from TF. Congrats! What many people seem to miss is that the whole contraction thing was simply leverage against the MLBPA during a time of tense negotiation. I don't believe anyone every seriously considered contracting teams. There's too much money involved. In my opinion, this kind of back-room collusion by owners to strongarm players is exactly why baseball's antitrust exemption needs to be avoided. Remember that Wellstone and Dayton cosponsored legislation to revoke the exemption when MLB threatened contraction. The owners know that if they actually contract a team, such a bill would have a greater chance of passing. So don't blame Pohlad for trying to contract the Twins. He simply agreed to play a necessary public role. Blame him for unfairly using his monopoly position. Interesting tidbit I read over the holidays....With the Philadelphia Phillies winning the 2008 World Series, Minneapolis-St Paul is now tied with Washington DC as the two sports markets with the longest drought without a championship going back to 1991 (Twins and Redskins) - Ironic that both of those championships were clinched in the HHH Metrodome. K.C, Seattle, Cinci, Cleavland, and Oakland aren't 4 sport towns, which i believe is where that stat comes from Cleavland Browns, Indians, Cavs, and Columbus Bluejackets. Those two cities are pretty close to the 4 sports. And since pro football and basketball are garbage, we should be looking at colleges in those markets too. *ducks* I'm curious as to why you think pro football and basketball is garbage? Is it because you don't like watching black athletes, who are extremely athletic? David, you are sooooooooooooooo lucky you didn't include hockey in your list of garbage pro sports. Oh, and I don't think we should look at college sports at all. They all suck (relatively speaking)!!! Posted on January 9, 2009 at 6:52 PM by Robot 75 J, You mine as well dislike all sports if you hate football and basketball. I could care less if he's a racist, but would like to know how he thinks football and basketball is garbage assuming he likes baseball. Yes, I meant to say sports markets with four teams (or more), Minnesota and DC are tied for the longest drought without a championship in either of the four "major" sports. So, Special thanks need to go out to Kevin Smith, the Twins Executive Director of Public Affairs, and Al Schoch, Sports Director of the Minnesota News Network for their help today in answering so many questions of mine today and showing me around. Here's what I got answered for you guys today: 1) The canopy will be made of metal. Not aluminum, but some sort of steel/metal product, and certainly not fabric. The only answer I got on color is the generic "champeign" that has been discussed before. Even Kevin Smith didn't seem to know exactly what color that was... 2) The main grandstand supports (lower level) will not be installed until the crawler craines are completely done with their work. The ballparks size really has limited the work (even more than perhaps was initially thought), and the main bowl will be one of the last things constructed. 3) The Target Plaza renderings leaked on the net were "first drafts," and the final design won't be revealed for at least a month. When I asked why they wouldn't be available for Twins Fest, Kevin Smith said that he had pushed for that, but that the Twins are working, in some cases with a multi-million dollar corporation (Target), and a State agency (Ballpark Authority), and that doesn't always get things done on time. 4) Speaking of "leaked" renderings, the "shaking hands" logo in CF is in the plans, but it may not be in centerfield. They want to make it anamatronic, so that the twins shake hands after home-runs, but things are in the early stages right now. 5) Back to renderings, and seeing new ones (especially the interiors). You can expect to see some new stuff at Twins Fest, but interior renderings are a ways off. They have some drawings in the club sales brocures, but they are more artest-conceptions than official renderings. 6) The NorthStar Rail line is set to open later in 2009 ( no specific date was given). If that part of the ballpark is ready by then, it will be used as a train station before the official opening of the rest of the park. If not, a temporary station will be constructed. The light rail station will likely not be in operation until the park opens in the spring of 2010. 7) Dont expect every seat in Target Fielf to be entirely green. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be public knowledge, but Kevin Smith never told me it was a secret, so, here you go - the club seats (the excelsior level between the upper and lower level) will have green padded seat bottoms, but wooden backs. Every other seat in the main bowl will be entirely green. Also, the pavilion seats (right-center field in front of the B parking garage) will have the green seat bottoms (with no padding), but also wooden seat backs. They had examples of the club versions at the Marketing office in the multi-Foods building, and they looked sharp. You can see (and sit in) seat examples at Twins Fest. That's about it. Hope I answered a few questions for you guys! It was agreat day for me. I also got a chance to walk around (but not in) TCF Bank Stadium, and that place looks amazing too. This state is getting two phenominal facilities in the next year and a half... Moose I forgot to mention - they have the pieces of the old Lakers floor, and haven't decided if they will be used in the Town Ball Tavern or not (as Kevin Smith noted, you never know, it may be more apropriate that the Timberwolves have them). Another concern is wear on the floors. I suggested that they put them on the ceiling, rather than on the floor, so that folks could see them, but they would not be destroyed be people walking on them. If that happens, I've got my contribution to Target Field design... Also, the area in CF above the batters eye is still a work in progress (where the "Minnesota Twins Ballpark" sign is on the model, and where the shaking hands logo shows up in those renderings leaked last week). That may become a kids area, but again, it's a work in progress now, and no final design has been worked out (this is why those interior renderings may be a ways off - they still don't know what some areas will look like - and frankly, they've got time to figure some of it out. They're not too worried). Moose aw, bulls*#t Please, you missed me and you know it. Moose97, Kevin Smith is a great guy to talk to, he's so excited about this ballpark. I interviewed him a while back for an article I was writing about the ballpark. Just remembered my last comment. First, luke is correct, Kevin is very excited about this park. Great guy to talk to. I did want to comment about the web-cams. First, web-cam 1 will stay on the Multi-Foods building until the first pitch, as they want to eventually put together a time-lapse from that angle of the whole project. Web-cam 2 will likely get moved, and Kevin acknowledged that the angle was good for only about the first month it was up. He indicated that he would like to put it on top of the scoreboard, but the big problem is that you need power and an internet connection to run the camera, so moving the web-cam may take a while. As to the long-running comlaints here about Dave St. Peter and getting the second web-cam up and running; it should be noted that Kevin Smith personally physically placed both web-cams in their places, and seems to be the guy who would move it in the future (which makes sense for a Public Affairs guy over the team President)... Moose Moose, Thanks for the update !! I have one question. You described the club seats and the pavilion seats as having "wooden backs". By that, do you mean they are stained wood (walnut(dark)/maple(light) etc). Thanks again. Thanks Moose. It's nice to see the shaking hands logo will be in the outfield somewhere. animatronic "twins" shaking hands after a homerun or a win, that's going to be awesome. thanks for your updates. Posted on January 10, 2009 at 11:46 AM by Tim 86 Metal sheeting is going up onto the canopy! ...And supports for the main bowl stadia in RF corner! JohnF - the seatbacks are a light maple stain. They had a couple in the Marketing office (examples with the padding, so club seats), and Kevin said he had to take them to Twins Fest. Check them out there. Like I said, I think they looked sharp, and should make the seating bowl look quite unique with mostly green seats, and the wooden ones contrasting in the club level. Moose passed by the park going westbound on 94 today. looking better every day. i hope that shaking hands logo comes to fruition. i think that's going to be a great centerpiece for the ballpark. Moose, so these seats you're speaking of will have a slightly different finish then the rest of the seating bowl? and, just so I'm understanding you correctly, they just have a simulated look of wood, correct? "Speaking of "leaked" renderings, the "shaking hands" logo in CF is in the plans, but it may not be in centerfield. They want to make it anamatronic, so that the twins shake hands after home-runs, but things are in the early stages right now." all i can say is sweet! sure hope it happens and that it is huge in size. moose - thanks for taking the time to do this and for the info! Thanks for the info Moose. You asked a lot of great questions. I am really excited that they will have wooden backs on some of the seats. The contrast should make the interior look more interesting, and I bet it will blend in very well with the limestone. So excited for next year. luke - not faux wood backs, the ones at the marketing department were actual wood. They were similar to the ones in my link (click my name) but had the green plastic on the bottom (with padding). Moose Posted on January 10, 2009 at 1:59 PM by Moose97 93 "Speaking of "leaked" renderings, the "shaking hands" logo in CF is in the plans, but it may not be in centerfield. They want to make it anamatronic, so that the twins shake hands after home-runs, but things are in the early stages right now." I'm all tingly!!!! thanks Moose. the link helped me envision it a bit more. those would be a different look. I totally slacked on pictures yesterday (sorry), but snapped this one from the skyway over Target Plaza. I have a few more of TCF Bank Stadium, but this is the only one I took of TF... Moose Posted on January 10, 2009 at 6:58 PM by Moose97 96 ok i took the friday off for twinsfest...if u see me around the target field display then holla at pimp. i might bitch about the pholads, terry ryans, billy smiths... i bleed red white and twins baby blue like no other... lets do this... there is only one thing better than tailgating.. that is winning the pennent with a team full of overochevers....which is what it is gonna take this year... and waht we are gonna do For the record i am drunk and still find time to go to my fav online site!!!!! sorry for the spelling... i will sign your pic of my childhood home project anyday!!! Hey Moose, do you happen to have a Flickr account or another website that you could redirect us to for a depository of those TCF pics? Thanks I have them in my photobucket account - click on my name for a pic of the Memorial Stadium entrance/arch inside the McNamara Aluni Center. Then, there are these: An arch on the end of TCF Abnk Stadium, The Beltrami County stone, and a wide angle shot of TCF Bank Stadium from the top floor of the McNamara Alumni Center. Hope that works... Moose Posted on January 11, 2009 at 09:08 AM by Moose97 101 thanks for those pics Moose. very nice. Posted on January 11, 2009 at 2:56 PM by luke 102 I saw that too, Luke. The interesting thing is that they're not allowed to have a corporate name on their uniform. So our patch can't have the word 'Target' on it. I'm sure they'll think of something better than citifields patch though... Went down yesterday to check out the ironwood on the circulation ramps, but it wasn't there! Another thing I hope the Twins don't copy from the Mets is having the corporate name platered everywhere on the ballpark. I swear every time you turn your head inside that ballpark you'll see CITIFIELD. I hope to god the Twins don't do that with Target....YUCK! Hey Rick how bout some new pics to quench the thirst of the masses?? Lower bowl stadia started to go in this morning. Check out webcam 2 by the twins pro shop You beat me to it MOJO! It looks like the first stadia for section 101 was installed this morning. I'm sorry for obstructing your view of the TF webcam, but I should be gone by around 4 pm. Yay shaking hands Twins guys! As for pro football and basketball, there are a couple of things I find I like better in college: 1. College players actually want to win. Half the time it seems the pro players just don't care. I know this is true to some extent in all pro sports but seems to be worse in football and basketball. 2. The play is too "perfect." It's too easy to throw for major yardage in pro football and too easy to take 4-5 steps for a layup in pro basketball. I like the reduced skill level of the college games. It makes them much more unpredictable and interesting. 3. The fan atmosphere at college games is totally different. That's unfortunately changing somewhat as the college game is starting to get just as expensive as the pros but it's still the case that a good college crowd can out-rowdy the best pro venues. With hockey, I find that the accurate passing in the pro game makes it a more enjoyable experience and college baseball just doesn't even compare. Aluminum bats? C'mon! More info on train hub next to stadium attached from Downtown Journal. Posted on January 12, 2009 at 12:49 PM by Badjuggler 110 I am glad to hear that we might get an expanded platform for boarding trains. The current platform's design is ridiculously small, and will become even more inadequate as more rail lines are opened. Somehow I doubt the solution will involve purchasing air rights from Hines! what in the HELL is that giant white box in the Downtown Journal image showing the rendering of the "New Transit Station Concept"? Oh that's really cutting edge and abstract, a white rectangle. How much do you figure they paid for those, pretty sure I could have done those renderings on my Apple IIgs. Jeeez. And thank God there are people out there who brave Minnesota snow storms to get our ballpark ready for Opening Day 2010, right on schedule. They had a real doozy today. This Bud's for you construction team! The stadia on sect 101 was being worked on last week. It's actually 141 that has stadia, they have supports in for 101, but it is yet to be installed. Posted on January 13, 2009 at 11:31 AM by Camden 116 hey - has anyone here been watching the great mid-90's pbs documentary "baseball" on the new mlb network? it is channel 272 on the comcast-st. paul system for me. they show an inning/episode every tuesday at 7pm central. this week was the 2nd inning (1900-1910) of 9 total innings/episodes. it focused a lot on the creation of the american league in 1900 (out of what was the western league) by ban johnson. this is when our st. paul saints owned by charles comiskey at the time moved them to the south side of chicago and changed their name to the chicago white stocking. the white sox still suck! they also talked about what an absolute prick ty cobb was. man was he a racist punk. sounds like he was a pretty "dirty" player too. last tuesday was the first inning - from baseball's inception in the early 1800's up to 1899. this is great stuff. you just get so lost in the moment watching this unrivaled history from sooooo long ago. i love it! brings back memories of the wonderful pictures i saw in my youth of my great-grandfather on my mother's side who played semi-pro base ball back in the early 1910's. can't wait for spring training to start. go twins! Calling Ty cobb a prick is an understatment... The guy once beat up a fan who had no hands. Here's a link. Posted on January 13, 2009 at 10:40 PM by ManBearPig 118 I wasn't aware that the MLBtv was showing anything interesting yet. All I kept seeing were replays of the WS that was played THIS YEAR....ZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz... not that they're showing interesting things, I'll tune in again. See I told you hes real. God no one takes me sereal. Posted on January 13, 2009 at 11:50 PM by Al Gore 120 You can actually see the outline of the playing field now on Webcam 1 half man, half bear, half pig.... mlb network has been great so far; they even have a series called "cathedrals of the game" where they do a 30minute show all about one ballpark. hopefully they skip the dome and go straight to target field. Posted on January 14, 2009 at 08:30 AM by annoying customer 122 Ya, and the chick on "Cathedrals of the Game" isn't too bad either! From baseballlibrary.com: "[Ty Cobb] would ceremoniously pick out a prominent location in the dugout and start sharpening his spikes in full view of suddenly nervous opposing infielders" I don't know how to link, or I would. There is some great info about Cobb on this site. He was a total prick. But an AWESOME ballplayer! I wish I could have seen him! after they display all their good shows, it will eventually turn into the New York Yankees tribute station....I just know it. there was actually a documentary about the '82 brewers that i recorded a week ago (haven't had a chance to watch it though) and i haven't seen much, if any, yankees films. so far from watching the channel they have a pretty good variety of topics. cuddy was even on there talking about playing balls off the wall and rickey henderson was a riot last night. Posted on January 14, 2009 at 11:13 AM by annoying customer 126 Is mlb network on basic cable? Or do you have to pay for it like nfl nework? A few more pictures added here today. They are starting to build the form for the stairway from the plaza to the skyway. Posted on January 14, 2009 at 12:19 PM by Badjuggler 128 jason, Posted on January 14, 2009 at 1:24 PM by annoying customer 130 Damn, I have comcast and for some reason have bigten network but not mlb network. I'll have to find out why. Jason, I'm in Mpls and in the same situation. If you learn of any valid excuses, I'd really appreciate you sharing them. The channel is just a blank screen on my tv As far as MLB Network, I've got Charter here in Bemidji, and was told that we'll start getting it "sometime" in February (it's going on a channel that currently has other programming - Fox Soccer Channel), but I've been given no answer as to why we didn't start getting it on 1/1/09 at launch... Moose No mlbtvhd in Charter country either, and we have the B10 network. I have 25 channels I never watch, but the one channel I want, MLB network, I don't get. Injustice. I'm in MPLS and I'm calling Direct TV tonight. Their basic 150 channel pkg($30) includes MLB network. Comcast just told me it was a $5.95 upgrade to my package that's already got a ton of channels. I did not post any new pictures of Target Field, but i did post some other pictures that some of you might be interested in on my Flickr account at Twinsfan33. I'd love to go take pics of Target Field but it is too damn cold out! Regarding Pohlad, do you think the Twins will have a memorial jersey patch for him, as they did with Kirby, and Herb and other front office people that have died in recent years? they'll certainly have some sort of patch on their uniform. They had one when Eloise Pohlad passed. If you have digital cable and the comcast box thing, you should get MLBtv. It's 733 in Minneapolis. It was a blank screen for a long time, and I had to call and bitch, bitch, bitch to them.. but they finally sent someone out and fixed it. I'm excited. The Twins will have two patches next year in 2010 as well. One for Target Field Inaugural Season and the second one for the 50th anniversary season. Speaking of patches...The New York Mets Citi Field Inaugural Season patch has to be one of the worst patches ever! (click link to see it for yourself) Posted on January 14, 2009 at 9:39 PM by Luke H. 140 $850 million + and they didn't spend a dime on a patch, great job! I have a link from the Wake Magazine (U of Minnesota publication) of a tour earlier this year of TF (circa October). Interesting to see, but mostly rehashes what we know. Come in three parts. Posted on January 14, 2009 at 10:07 PM by Reckoner 141 As far as MLB Network goes, any cable network in the US carrying MLB Extra Innings is required to carry MLB Network as a part of the deal. If the cable network wouldn't, they didn't get MLB EI. That said, MLB Network is considered the same type of channel as is NFL Network. You have to buy the sports package in order to get it. If you don't buy the sports package, you're not getting it on basic. Comcast is required in their agreement with the Big Ten to offer BTN on basic cable for 1 year. After that period is up, I believe they both look at the ratings and will determine whether or not it stays on basic cable or goes to the sports package like NFL Network, MLB Network, and NHL Network. Hope this solves any questions. Completely off topic....click my name for a 7 min clip of the NFL TODAY live from the Met in 1975....Someday I hope the Vikes are back outside where they belong. Posted on January 15, 2009 at 12:44 AM by kevin in az 143 I wish I could have seen the Vikes play outdoors... But the Vikings most certainly will not have an outdoor stadium. To secure the public funding they 'need', the venue will have to have a roof, so that it can host a myriad of events on a regular basis, like the Metrodome does. That's what makes the Metrodome the only public stadium to be financially self-sustaining. As much as we all hate it, the Dome has been a quirky and remarkably utilitarian structure, serving the state and its inhabitants well. Except for the Vikings and Gophers. They failed. Thought this was pretty interesting on the ballpark authority website- since we're always complaining about how poor the communication is. Come on, $52,000 for a weak monthly website update with the meeting minutes and construction report? That is why these projects cost so much. A contract is in place with Leer Communications providing communication and public relations services to the MBA. This contract was originally approved in 2007, and is budgeted to continue through 2009, at a cost of $52,800. The adopted 2009 Minnesota Ballpark Authority Budget reflects continued budgeted amounts for these contracts. Edit...I misread mplsgreg's comment and understood "52,000, for a weak" for 52,000, for a week. So please disregard my last comment. I'm loving the MLB Network. We have Direct TV...which I completely recommend. The package we get is Choice Extra (35/mo for 12 mo, 58/mo after that) and that gives us FSN, Big 10, as well as MLB and a bunch of other crap. I highly recommend it. The MLB Network is great now, but it will be AWESOME in April. They'll have studio coverage from 6 pm until the last game ends EVERY NIGHT. They'll be doing live cut ins to games, special at bats, etc. It's going to be an amazing way to watch a season. I can't wait. Thanks for that vid Kev. I wish I could have seen the Vikes played outdoors. It is -19 degrees right now, I would love to see a vikes game played at -19 degrees. Also in that video was Irv Cross, the same guy that is on fox9 vikings post games, damn that's funny to see Irv Cross on NFL Today back in 1975. La Velle E. Neal III mentioned this site on KFAN this morning when he was co-hosting the Paul Allen show, so that was nice to hear! ML's comments above about having to subscribe to the "sports package" on comcast in order to receive the mlb network are incorrect and false. i have regular comcast digital preferred level of service, do not subscribe to the additional fee sports package, and i get the mlb network (started getting it on 1/1/09). comcast-st. paul network: channel 272 hope that helps! Does anyone know if they've suspended work on the park while it's been so cold. I haven't seen guys out there the past couple mornings. I don't blame them - it's brutal outside. great, now we'll have a bunch of kfan dolts on here....nice In that video you can get a good look at the flag pole that will be at the new ballpark. It's at 5:53 in the video - smack dab in the center of the batters eye bleachers. OG Jeff - the workers are likely inside the "plastic wraped" parts on extremely cold days. They closed off parts of the concourses and heat them so work can continue year-round, even when it's as cold as it's been. I wonder if they might combine the 50th Anniversary and the Target Field inaugural into one sleeve patch perhaps? Betaband, I apologize if I posted some inaccurate info. Everything I posted was what I had been told, read, and been dealing with. I don't have the sports package and do not have the channel. I'm also not a basic cable purchaser. From people I talked to and posts I've read on other cable/TwinCities televsion websites, I was told I had to have a sports package. So everyone, I ammend my comment about MLB Network. IF you don't have the digital preferred service, you don't get MLB Network on cable. As for the other info about MLB Network, I am correct that if you wouldn't carry MLB EI, then you didn't get MLBNetwork. I know that's 100% true. Only 30 days until spring training opens! ah, spring training. sounds really good when it's below-zero outside. Just to clear up the Comcast MLB network fiasco... We have our 2nd partner for Target Field. And the winner is......U.S. Bank. Click on my name for more. Posted on January 16, 2009 at 08:52 AM by Pikachu732001 159 From the story that Pikachu provided, where and what is the U.S. Bank Home Run Porch??? I believe the homerun porch is the name that was given to the left field bleachers...was it not? You are correct Kev, it will be the name of the left field bleachers. It will be interesting to see how they will be incorporating the U.S. Bank name into the left field bleachers area. They will probably put their logos on the sides of the seats. I'd also imagine they'll have logos on the left field wall/fence, and maybe something on the scoreboard. Let's hope it doesn't turn out like the Dodge Baggie at the Dome, or the Pontiac Zone at New Comiskey. U.S. Bank received bailout money, so we're technically paying for this partnership. Haha! Excellent point, Lafferty! We're funding the company that is helping fund the stadium that we're funding...Priceless! Love the site, Rick, can't wait for 2010!! Posted on January 16, 2009 at 4:18 PM by Margaret Thatcher 165 I read about that this morning. I thought I remembered seeing something here a long time ago about that right field "overhang" section being a special seating area - are you sure that area isn't going to be the US Bank Home Run Porch? It's supposed to be the only section in the outfield to have a limestone facade - and seems more like a "porch" than an entire section of the left field grandstand. Posted on January 16, 2009 at 4:33 PM by CedarRapidsViking 167 well the seating diagram refers to the homerun porch being left field - click link. Posted on January 16, 2009 at 5:26 PM by kevin in az 168 Ballpark Authority update (no, really, i mean it) Start Date/Time: January 16, 2009 Location: 6th Street (Target Center Side) - From 2nd Avenue N. to 1st Avenue N Work Performed: Extension/Construction of Twins Ballpark Pedestrian Bridge to 1st Ave N. Target Center: Closure times & impacts to be coordinated with Target Center as well as the City of Minneapolis on an on-going & case by case basis to not overly disrupt events at Target Center. By God, you're right Kevin - one man's "porch" is another man's double decker grandstand. Posted on January 17, 2009 at 09:06 AM by CedarRapidsViking 170 Has anyone noticed the blurry 2nd webcam, just wanted to throw it out there for some who msy not have noticed it. Posted on January 17, 2009 at 09:56 AM by NewGuy 171 Actually, US Bank is one of the only banking companies that's fairly solvent and not in need of bailout money. Stockholders would have gone nuts if they did. U.S. Bancorp received $6.6 billion. Posted on January 17, 2009 at 4:42 PM by Lafferty 173 Can a bank be "fairly solvent"? Seems like you either are or you aren't... Posted on January 17, 2009 at 6:04 PM by Margaret Thatcher 174 wuw, why we talkin about banks. No need to talk about banks. Posted on January 18, 2009 at 12:09 AM by really drunk guy 175 I don't want to threadjack this or anything, but I find it very interesting how the Twins are delaying the sale of single game tickets until March 7 this year. I asked some Twins employees when I was buying Twinsfest tickets about this and they said they have an extraordinary amount of season tickets this year and want those people to have their games locked up before general public single games go on sale on March 7. They also said they are getting a new ticketing system and there will be some changes. It was also mentioned to me that most other teams have their single game tickets on sale around this same time (late February, early March), so it appears the days of single game tickets on sale at Twinsfest in January are over. They also got rid of the "free upper club ticket" with the purchase of a Twinsfest ticket. It's now "buy one, get one free" which really is no surprise to me. It also comes as no surprise that these are not valid for the premium games or on 4/6, 10/2, 10/3, and 10/4. what kind of changes are they making to the ticketing system? The Twins ticketing system is a joke. More than a few times, I've been searching for tickets and found some really strange things happen. Let's just say the system and how it disperses "available" tickets is very antiquated.... the guy I spoke with said that it's more of a league-wide MLB ticket system. I'm just glad it's not ticketmaster. but yeah, now I have no reason for going to twinsfest. Link to Star Trib article which says Target Field is half way--in dollars spent to date--towards completion. Posted on January 18, 2009 at 4:44 PM by Brian 180 Agreed haasertime - i'm glad the Twins don't use TicketDisaster either. haasertime- It'll support their charity. But if I remember from a letter I got from the Twins a while back the league is working on getting something set up to handle re-sale of season tickets. In the meantime they recommended just using Stub hub. It' masked me feel that it might be something that may not even be implemented by the start of the year. I think the main reason does have to do with giving season ticket holders priority on the home opener and the last reg season game at the dome. They just had the deadline for renewal on Jan 9th, and they obviously have a ton of work to do with that in conjunction with putting everyone in order for seat selections in target field. That questionnaire was due the 9th as well. The Twins revenue stream is going to be extremely healthy this year, with all the season ticket holders. I hope we see some interior images soon. Also, weren't they going to decide on the 2 art pieces for the exterior? OG Jeff, They did select the artists, but they aren't announcing them until they have contracts with them. There is supposed to be some sort of community open house in February. Can someone please go wipe down the lens for camera2??? Is someone going to clean the lens of the 2nd webcam or what? I thought I read one time that there will be one or two exhibition games played at TF before the first regular season game. Does anyone know if season ticket holders will get first dibs on those tix? Steeks: I am sure STHs will get their seats for the 2 exhibition games on the Sat/Sun following Spring Training in 2010. This is a common practice for teams opening up a new ballpark. See: Yankees, Nationals, etc. The Twins would then start the season on the road in 2010 for about 10-14 days to allow for any glitches to be fixed at Target Field which are discovered during the 2 exhibition games. This could be anything from parking logistics to electrical problems to crowd control and anything in between.... BTW: Just out of curiosity, how many people who read or post here at Rick's fantastic site are Twins Season Ticket Holders. If so, where are your seats (Section and Row)..... currently two 20 game packs first row homerun porch (actully the 3rd row the 1st two are roped off) TF im leaning to the left field bleachers... good price, nice lil community..... Dave St. Peter updated his ballpark blog today. Here are some interesting tidbits. jeff - i hope along with the "in the works" carl & eloise pohlad tributes the front office wants in the new ballpark there is also going to be a nice big tribute area to us hennepin county tax payers as well. that way the visitors from around the rest of the state & region can come and pay homage, and maybe leaving and offering!! :-) or "leave an offering". whatever works! long day..... Mazaratirick - Where are your seats? I'm in 100 row 3 seats 14&15. It's the all star package. My season tickets are in section 115, row 15...some of the best seats in the Metrodome since they actually face the infield. I am still trying to decide if I want first base line (101-103)or third base line (125-127) in Target Field. I may actually end up going with the LF bleachers too, most likely section 128 or 129. As maz stated, its going to be a nice little community out there in the LF bleachers. Anyone have any suggestions for first base line or third base line in TF? I know the third base side will get most of the sun as well as the skyline views, but the first base side is nice too with better views of the scoreboard. I hope the statue of Carl has him holding a stack of eviction papers from the 1930s and wearing an evil grin of course. I agree - go with the LF bleachers. and the first base side is where the Twins' dugout is. so that would be cool too. Sect 115 is one of the best in the Dome. 114 and 113 are pretty good too, but I like 115. Luke H, I would go with the 3rd base line because of the skyline, that's just me though. Also I wouldn't worry about the scoreboard view from either side, its in left field where you're not even going to see it. kev in az, whats it like down in az with the Cards in the superbowl. I bet that area is going nuts. All I can say to Cards fans is your welcome for Larry Fitzgerald. Luke, didn't you say you were 19? How do you have money for season tickets? When I was 19, I hoped I had enough for pizza at the end of the week. Kids these days... Posted on January 19, 2009 at 10:24 PM by old and grumpy 201 old and grumpy, matt, Here are some of the "tribute options" the Twins are mulling over for the Pohlads: 1. Custom engraved meters that charge users a quarter every time they need to use the bathroom 2. A statue of Carl sitting on a stack of $30 million that reads "The Twins Way" 3. A giant golden sign, costing $140 million (Carl's share of the park), that reads "THANKS SUCKERS" Sad state of affairs for Minnesota sports fans when you have teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccanneers, Oakland Raiders, Anaheim Ducks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Rays, Colorado Rockies, Florida Marlins, Arizona Diamondbacks, Illinois, Northwestern, Purdue, and Wisconsin all being in Stanley Cup Finals/Super Bowls/World Series/Rose Bowl games since 1991... When was our last trip to the Super Bowl? im in sec 101... not sure of the seats i misplaced my letter.. but i do have the bobblehead pick up i got saturday for twinsfest!!!! Luke, for me i will wait a few seasons and sit in diff areas b4 i invest the dough in infield area... maybe sit there once the first year...but the LF bleechers look like they will be insaine, screw the scoreboard i dont mind not seeing it.. i will look at it from my view at the Met club drinking a beer! i would like to sit in the first row any section out there but i dont think that will be possable since this my first year of priority (I took a 2 year break from season tickets when i was disgusted with the payroll) sad reality, Markets such as Cleveland, New Orleans and Buffalo have suffered much worse and for much longer than the Twin Cities. And to answer your questions in order... When was our last trip to the Super Bowl? 1977 When was our last trip to the Rose Bowl? 1961 (but i will say 6 national championships for the gophers compared to wisconsin, northwestern & purdue's giant ZERO) When was our last World Series appearance? 1991 When was our last Stanley Cup Finals appearance? 1991 i feel bad for the pacific northwest (especially seattle who lost a team). between seattle/portland they combine for 2 nba championships in the 70's and that's it. there has been some college success (oregon state beavers won the college world series twice in a row) but in general the sports fans up there have gotten screwed. if you live up there and like hockey your choices are minor league or the canucks - hooray. Posted on January 20, 2009 at 2:09 PM by annoying customer 208 Getting close to the time to GRILL Kevin Smith as he holds court at the Target Field exhibit at TwinsFest. Ask the Tough Questions people. Not everyone has to drink the Kool-Aid..... Sweet Chad Hartman is no longer employed.... he sucks a big one... Hi Rick. I was wondering if the Twins have offered you an exclusive viewing of the Target Field display at Twins Fest before the masses get to see it. New pics!!! Posted on January 20, 2009 at 4:07 PM by Lafferty 213 I can't believe it's the same team that the Vikings absolutely embarrassed in Week 15. half the crowd was purple! Very nice pics Lafferty. even better than webcam 2 on the Twins site...lol. Dan M, I agree, the Vikes did it last year also. When they went into New York and embarrassed the Giants, who as everyone knows upset the pats. I am glad you guys like the pictures i took today....i am twinsfan33 on flickr...i forgot to post on here that i posted more but am glad someone found them I hear that the first 1000 people thru the gates each of the three days of TwinsFest receive a "Metrodome Memories" wall calendar. that should be...interesting. I can think of...at least three that should be included in the calendar. You guys make me jealous when talking about season tickets. Even more so now with TF being built. I guess I'll have to settle with watching games and TF on MLB Extra Innings (that is, when I get it). Good thing I live out of the local market to get all the games.....I think? Word up, I'm excited too for all you guys. What's worse: living in the area but can't afford season tickets or able to afford them and not in the local area? Even with the fog today, you can see the site better from webcam 1 than you can from 2. Apparently nobody at the Twins ever checks out the webcams. WCCO reported on their morning show that at 11:00 the Twins will be unveiling the 6 different seating types that will be used at Target Field. WCCO said they would have pictures posted on their website. i just saw this comment on the jason kubel signing post (linked) on mlbtraderumors.com when someone asked about target field: "My only complaints are the field level seats behind the outfield are bleachers and the obvious omission of a retractable roof - anyone remember the 6-8" of snow warning from last year on day 2? Otherwise it's pretty sweet." how many opening days have the twins had snow? last year was an anomaly but everyone wants to use it is as the norm. i know there will be many nights this summer when it will be 75-80 degrees outside and instead of going to a game, i will want to be outside. but at the same time, i'll know that in just one short year, i will be outside enjoying a twins win on a night like that. hooray for bleachers Posted on January 21, 2009 at 07:57 AM by annoying customer 222 Where are these pictures??? C'mon CCO! Anyone know where to find them? Posted on January 21, 2009 at 11:36 AM by I love bleachers 223 Kare 11 has a short story on the seats. The images they have aren't all that great. Posted on January 21, 2009 at 12:21 PM by Jeff 225 Poster claiming to be the 2nd Webcam, or LF Tower Crane. Posted on January 21, 2009 at 12:41 PM by You're not funny 226 Seats Posted on January 21, 2009 at 1:50 PM by OG Jeff 228 They have updated the photo gallery on the Ballpark Authority website for the month of January. Sorry i could not create a link. Posted on January 21, 2009 at 4:05 PM by NewGuy 229 Link for the update pics at the MBA site. Posted on January 21, 2009 at 4:32 PM by Mo 230 Thanks NewGuy. Click my name for the link to the updated pictures on Ballparkauthority.com. There are some great shots. Posted on January 21, 2009 at 4:10 PM by Jeff 231 Maybe we should get the same guys that fixed Hubble to work on webcam#2. From the webcam where there is a clear view it looks like they have started installing the stadia on the main seating bowl of the grandstand. It can be seen barely since it is in right field where the view is partially blocked. Posted on January 21, 2009 at 8:42 PM by NewGuy 233 is anyone going to TwinsFest this weekend to take a peek at the interactive Target Field display? Yeah I'll be there on Saturday, they're going to have a private part of it going on for Season Ticket holder's. I'm thinking someone will be there to pick their brains when it comes to the new ballpark and seat selection. Rick, Are you going to be snapping pics at this weekends' event? I like the idea of you getting media access to it early! Walleye spots #13...for you newcomers that's the 13th horizontal steel canopy support that has been installed. I'm a bit surprised our former Vikequeens QBs did not win this time, but they're probably all taking time off this time of year if you no what I mean. Hint: Superbowl Homeboy! The Twins has a seat by selection page on their site that provides a lot more information on where the seats will be installed. Click my name for the link Posted on January 22, 2009 at 10:31 AM by Jeff 238 Thanks Jeff. Is it just me, or do the general seats look just as uncomfortable and tight as the Metrodome's? Not a big deal I guess. They do look more stylish and I love the TC on the side. Let this be a lesson to myself to read the entire web page. I guess they are an inch wider than the Dome's. I didn't realize TCF is going to have such a large proportion of bleacher seating - yuck. I was hoping that the typical seating had cushions like the dugout box seats have. It would be nice to see more wooden backed chairs incorporated into the ballpark sections. I also hope they incorporate some kind of drink holder for the bleacher section. Looks like the webcams for TCF Bank Stadium are having problems too. I love how they continuously have the TC logo mowed into the center field grass. I hope its there opening day. Is there any difference at all between the legends club and the pavilion seating? I think its just location. Kind of odd that there is cushion seating in just right-center field (1%) but I like it. I'm interested to hear opinions on what park has the best field, meaning, the coolest mow job and infield design... I like the oversized checkerboard at Fenway, but my hat is off to San Francisco. They mow a stripe then lift the blades up, turn the mower around, drive back to the starting point over the grass that hasn't been mowed and continue that process, mowing the entire field in one direction. It takes twice as long, but is one-of-a-kind in the MLB and has a cool vintage look. Posted on January 22, 2009 at 1:23 PM by OG Jeff 244 I don't care so much about seat width (though an extra inch or so is nice), but the extra 2" of legroom will be much appreciated. I am only 6'0" but still have trouble keeping my knees out of the back of the person in front of me at Metrodome. not only that juggler, but it's 2 inches farther for those little snots who love to kick their legs in the row behind me - while mommy an daddy are oblivious of course. Sorry Jeff, according to the seat selection page you linked to, there are no cupholders in the bleacher seats :( Thanks for pointing that site out to us Jeff. Very informative. The Fenway grandstand has had the same wooden seats since the 1930s, and all they do is pull a group every once in a while during the offseason and refurbish them. But their seats have wooden backs and bottoms and have many narrow slats (a lot of surface area for those dastardly 'assorted elemets' to work their magic on). Ours seats have fewer and more substantial slats, they won't have been sitting outside for 80 years, and I'm sure they will be well-treated with protective stains/varnishes/poly finish coats that Fenway's seats haven't been hit with. I don't think we need to worry about the wooden seats. My only complaint is that they aren't using more of them! well evidently they'll have them on display at TwinsFest this weekend, so i'll be anxious to see what they look like. luke, we had wood seats at the Met for many years and had no problem. Just bring a pair of needlenose pliers in case you get a splinter. They should all be wood seats - bottoms and backs. Plastic sucks!!!! Why is the 2nd webcam still foggy, I know the economy is bad and all, but can't someone get off their duff and whipe that thing off? I'll bust on Kevin Smith this weekend about that Web Cam. You know if a roof was included with Target Field we wouldn't have to worry about the elements playing havoc on the seats, or any other amenity for that matter. I think I read somewhere that Mortenson poured footings for a roof to be potentially added later. Oh yeah, it was on this blog : p Hey, anybody up for tailgating Opening Day 2010? PNC Park always has great mowing patterns. I love that ballpark the most out of the "modern" parks. I hope TF can surpass it. why the hate people, I give nothing butt support and this is the thanks I get? Chuck in ak, Man, I'd really like to be there, Locker - but I'm out of town for the weekend. When are they going to get that whole transport portal technology worked out?! Are you going to get some pics for us slackers that can't be there? Also, I'm finally getting a new camera in a couple weeks. Since I live next door to TF, I'll start a Picasa account and get a semi daily stream of photos going. Locker, Would love to be there, but, alas am a die hard Twins fan deep in the heart of Georgia. This site and the Twins site are the ways I've been keeping tabs on the progress of the new stadium. Locker, if you can talk my fiance into going to Twinsfest, I'd be there. I really don't want to go alone. I'm getting married in June 2010, any thoughts we could have the ceremony at home plate of TF? omg steeks, you're not even married yet and she has you that whipped. take it from this old geezer...unless you want your life to become a string of "yes dear, yes dear" after June 2010, you'll put your foot down and say hey, a bunch of us guys are getting together at twins fest...i may or may not be home for dinner but you can bet your petootie that we'll be doin it when I get home. I'll be there, probably not right away but maybe around noon- 1 o'clock tomorrow. Anyway, it looks like not just Supports but the Stadia is in now installed in sections 101 and 102. The pictures are still blurry but you can kind of make it out now. Posted on January 23, 2009 at 12:37 PM by Camden 263 I'll be there, probably not right away but maybe around noon- 1 o'clock tomorrow. Anyway, it looks like not just Supports but the Stadia is in now installed in sections 101 and 102. The pictures are still blurry but you can kind of make it out now. Posted on January 23, 2009 at 12:36 PM by Camden 264 Steeks, Kevin is trying to share sage wisdom with you. I fully back his recommended course of action. If you don't, you will pay, m'boy. You will pay. Thanks for the advice guys. Just talked to the 'ol lady and she is interested in going. She says it would be something "different". I follow a lot of amateur baseball and she tags along to the games (I ump amateur games too, and she sometimes tags along with to those), so no complaints from me - she likes baseball. Hard to tell for sure with the foggy webcam, but I believe the 14th canopy support is now in place! Glen Perkins tours Target Field, writes about it in his new blog. Posted on January 23, 2009 at 4:24 PM by Lafferty 268 i will be at Twins Fest tomorrow, first thing in the morning. looking forward to it. is it usually pretty crowded, or is it pretty easy to get around on the Dome field for Twins Fest? Sorry boys, not going to be able to make the Fest. I'm looking forward to the reconnosance, though. But I like where your mind is at, Locker, I think it would be hilarious to put a face to these monikers! Maybe someday we'll all gather over a frosty beverage before catching some rays at a day game... Enjoy Twins Fest! Just to let everyone, FS North will be featuring Target Field at 5PM on Saturday (1/24) during "Under the Lights". This is a recent tour so it should give us a good look of the progress since the last FS North tour last summer. I am sure it will be replayed a few times as well over the next couple of weeks, but who knows for sure. My middle son and I will be at Twins Fest early tomorrow. He really wants to get Morneau's autograph. It does get pretty crowded there Luke, but not terrible. If you're trying to spot me in the crowd, I'll be the guy in the Twins cap (probably drinking a Summit). Steeks, nice comment about a ceremony at home plate. Growing up I used to say that I was going to get married in the Dome on the pitcher's mound. Of course that didn't quite happen but it's nice to see someone else sharing the dream. Only this time it'd be under a blue sky. Alex D., I certainly counted 14 also. So a clear webcam #2 would be great right now. Oh, and the past two weeks too. Rick, didn't you say you made it to the top of the Ford Center before being kindly removed a while back? Time to execute the magic again and give #2 a "nudge" and perhaps a swipe across the lens. Crap! I thought I saw a 14th canopy support go up but these sunglasses really make it hard to see and be sure. Almost had it. Jim, buddy, take the shades off for once and try some regular glasses! I'm pretty sure there are still only 13 up there... Rick's next update will probably include some details about Twins Fest, so I don't think we will get one today. Maybe tomorrow. Or the next day. Viking's quarterbacks / plastic seats / 2nd webcam / LF crane So I don't get it, is your name "not funny"? I went to Twinsfest last night and had a blast... Left me check and credit card at home and that was a blessing... I did not stand in lines for autos but i talked to Alexia casilla and hes nice...all smiles... I met Chuck forman in the hot dog line... hes nice too, was complaining about the price of a water ha...the best part was i got to talk to Bob Feller and Fergie jinkins... they are cool guys they are siging and there was no line at all for them... wich is a shame peope line up for gomez for a hour but 2 hall of famers were open all night... The seats at TF are awsome!! all of them from the rich folk ones to the cheapys... thgey are roomy too...I talked to one guy from HOK and he was really helpful... told me that the Twins shaking hands deal in cf is in the works but Target will have a say in what it looks like so they have to wait per it wl probably have some sort of target theam to it... I talked to a few employees of the twins around the display and they are idoits.. they knew nothing more than we know... I was stumping them left and right with questions that everyone on this site knows already..when you guysgo today and ask questions avoid the twins reps.. go to the HOK dudes ther eis like 4 of them around the display with laser pointers...when you guys tour the clubhouse get a load of the plasma they have in there it has to be 70 inches... The dome dogs are cooking, and they have beer! it really made me feel like spring is around the corner... lots of freebies and i bought some cool stuff also!! have fun guys its awsome i will always call them dome dogs... thanks for the recap maz, i'm down in omaha visiting some friends otherwise i would be there staring at the model for hours. Posted on January 24, 2009 at 2:27 PM by annoying customer 281 I thought TwinsFest was well worth the admission price. although next year, i'll buy my tickets in advance and save 4 bucks. For my first TwinsFest ever, i enjoyed it. Luke, get season tickets anf twestfest is free to you then.... the name "domedog" needs to die after this season....period...end of story! I know...how about we all them HOT DOGS!!!!! ok splinter chair....why in the hell would you sell dome dogs at an outdoor ballpark??? Let me guess, you're one of the dolts who want a roof on the damn thing....right? IDIOT! When talking to one of the HOK reps, one interesting thing I found out today is that they are going to have a "hidden garage door" in left-center field (in the area of the 377' mark on the wall)to allow vehicles out onto the field. The interesting thing about this is that the seats will "lift" up with hydraulics and the people in those seats will have to move if they need to have an ambulance or other some type of vehicle out on the field. Thought that was interesting to know because I have always wondered where the "access door" would be. I don't want to beat a dead horse here, but I finally drove down and saw Target Field for the FIRST time in person on Saturday after Twinsfest and it just amazes me how big that facility is in person. You would never know by looking at all of the pictures and webcams, but its a completely different venue when you see it in person. TCF Bank Stadium was the same way, I was just amazed how big these venues are when you see them in person after seeing the many different pictures and webcam images. I agree with Kevin, definitely can't call them Dome Dogs when they move to TF. Let's come up with a new name. I propose Delmon Dogs. I think they should sell "shaboygens"... they are the best...they sell them at kaufman... i made some last night.. itallian sausage, grilled onions, peppers and grilled kraut.. add mustard katsup, relish all on a footlong grilled bun... i fell in love with them... Dome dogs belong in Targe Field about as much as Dodger dogs belong in San Francisco....Anything with the word "dome" shall be banned at Target Field. Perhaps they can tribute Wally the beerman and call them Wally's Weeners. I would never put wally's weiner near my face Posted on January 25, 2009 at 2:15 PM by Threw up in my mouth 292 sorry thats even more gross than I thought it would sound Posted on January 25, 2009 at 2:55 PM by Threw up in my mouth 293 i saw Wally walking through the concourses yesterday. Yes luke and it's such a waste since the place will be vacant in 3 years after the Vikes leave. I watched the Under the Lights on TF last night and i thought that it was very good info on the clubhouse and the batting tunnels, etc. I thought it was intersting at how they already preset the lights before they would mount them. I also thought that it was nice that the construction company tried to keep all jobs and contracts local. I alos thought that it was nice at how they were showing whare that gras was being grown and the details behind that. Luke H. thanks for the heads up on the show. Posted on January 25, 2009 at 6:24 PM by NewGuy 296 lets hope the Vikes dont leave Kev...but you're probably right. I didn't necessarily mean that they're leaving MN, but they're definitely leaving the Metrodome in 3 years or soon thereafter if perhaps a stadium deal is reached. I'm sure that if a stadium deal is reached in the next 2 years, the Vikes would sign however many 1-yr leases at the dome until their new place is completed. But right now, that's not likely. Anyone know if they will replay that Under the Lights show with the Target Field updates? I see listings for Under the Lights, Target Field as follows: Tue, 1/27 9:30 p.m. Moose Okay - I'm back in MN and pumped to see some updated info and pics from this weekends' Twinsfest. Bring it on!!! I found this photo on Flickr. It says it's from 1988 and it shows the ballpark site from nearly the same angle as the current webcam #1. The HREC is under construction, and so is the B ramp. Posted on January 25, 2009 at 11:40 PM by Andy 302 Nice find Andy! That is even pre-Target Center era. Did anyone give the Twins crap for not fixing their 2nd webcam? I didn't make Twinsfest. I have this standing rule that I will not enter Metrodome unless it is absolutely necessary --- or I get a free ticket. Does anyone have new information to share from Twins Fest? Note to self: next year don't arrive at Twinsfest at 5:40 pm and expect to get in the building right away. The line was wrapped around the entire Plaza on Friday night. My girlfriend and I weren't about to stand in line so we left. I added a couple more pictures from lunch. Most noticeable is a lane of 6th Street has been blocked off to finish the bridge from the plaza to 1st Avenue. And they were jackhammering a portion of the plaza wall to re-do something. Can't see much from the outside to supplement camera #2. Posted on January 26, 2009 at 12:34 PM by Badjuggler 308 I couldn't find this on the Ballpark authorities website to just post a link, but it appears they're having an open house for input on the artwork. Here's the email: SAVE THE DATE! BALLPARK PUBLIC ART Artists selected for two public art projects will be present at an upcoming open house to discuss their conceptual designs and take questions from the public. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, February 10, 2009, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hennepin County Library - Central, 300 Nicollet Mall, in the Doty Board Room located on the second floor in the Library's main commons area. The two public art projects will be at the Ballpark Station Vertical Circulation Building and the 5th Street Panels along the northeast side of the ballpark. The artists were selected by an 11-member steering committee chaired by Minnesota Ballpark Authority Commissioner Barb Sykora. Committee members include representatives of the Twins, Hennepin County, Metro Transit, Northstar Commuter Rail Line, the Minneapolis Arts Commission, the Warehouse District Business Funding for the 5th Street Panels' budget comes from the MBA's District Enhancement and Public Art Incentive Fund. The Northstar Commuter Rail Line is funding the Vertical Circulation building project, which is scheduled for completion in September 2009. The 5th Street Panels will be installed in time for Opening Day 2010. For more information, please contact Mary Altman at email@example.com or Susie Helget at firstname.lastname@example.com or call 612-543-7272. My son and I got to Twins Fest at about 8:45 am on Saturday, the lines were way to long to wait out in the cold, so we hung out by the Twins office entrance to get out of the wind. We got a "good morning" from Rod Carew as he walked past. That was pretty cool. What's the point of getting there so early and waiting outside when its January? Is it solely for the purpose of getting into the autograph lines? I am just wondering if I am missing out on some stadium giveaway or what the reason is? I usually go after 6pm on Friday or after 10AM if I go on Saturday. No updates from TwinsFest to speak of. Like Maz said, most of those guys know less than we do. The only thing I found out was that the roof of the admin building will definitely have a few rows of seating, but it will be a group ticket/corporate rental type deal. That picture of the site from IDS is great. That's pre-394 as well. Too bad they didn't just end it at 12th street instead of 3rd. Rick you didn't get in another car accident did you? I think 3 weeks is long enough to legally say you are a missing person. I'm not asking for a new post, just a sign of life. Did u make it to twins fest? Posted on January 26, 2009 at 9:43 PM by wolves won again 313 A couple new pictures from the Twins website of Target Field. Click my name for the link. Posted on January 27, 2009 at 08:56 AM by Jeff 314 Thanks for the link Jeff! You can see where the hidden garage door will be under the left field bleachers. They said it couldn't be done. They said I'd never be in focus again, and they were wrong. They said we weren't funny, and they were wrong. Today, webcams everywhere can dream of greater things. Can we get the 2nd webcam focused? Yes we can. I am the second webcam, and I approve this message. Posted on January 27, 2009 at 10:41 AM by Webcam2/LFCrane 2012 317 Has anyone yet figured out or heard where the field tarps are going to be stored? There isn't much room in foul territory and I don't see a space set aside for storage. AP, I actually asked Kevin Smith this very question on Saturday at Twinsfest. He wasn't sure since they haven't even hired a head groundskeeper yet. Some new designed parks have tarps are stored underneath (inside) the wall in the outfield under the bleachers. Petco Park is one example (although it rarely rains there). The side of the wall comes off and the tarps roll out. I think this is way better than having tarp rolls on the side of the infield. Lots of players have been seriously hurt because of those things. Finally i can see a ballpark taking shape with all the stadia sections going in and making look like an actual stadium. Construction seems to have picked up the last few weeks which is good as well. Posted on January 27, 2009 at 3:19 PM by NewGuy 321 Not Twins related so I apologize, but the Marlins just released a new rendering for their new ballpark. Click on my name for the link. Posted on January 27, 2009 at 3:26 PM by Jeff 322 Thanks for the link Jeff...I was afraid Miami would come up with an ugly monstrosity...Well, they didn't disappoint...YUCK! I wonder if it will be climate controlled when the roof is closed. if it wasn't climate controlled when the roof was closed could you imagine the humidity levels with no breeze in a place like miami?! no thanks! It looks like one of the 1960's and 70's cookie cutters with a roof. I just found this site...Awesome! Jeff, is your link a rendering of TF when they finish installing the roof? Looks cool! Good thing, too. I bet those April/October games will be CRAZY with the way Minnesota winters go... question - might anyone know what will happen with that "used to be white" tarp that covers up sections 205-212 at the Dome? I was especially wondering what would become of all the Retired Number paintings and championship banners they have on it. Maybe hang them on the parking ramps? I just found this site too. Fantasitc!!! Does anyone know what color the roof will be at TF? Will they have space heaters? I hope so, because those crazy winter days in April and October will give me the shivers. I hope they also use turf and bring over the giant inflatible milk carton. Okay, gotta run. I have to go post on Rube Chat and Star Tribune. oh, a wise guy, eh? don't you know what we do with roof-lovers? luke, I hope someone has the sense to set it on fire. Lafferty, I heard the new TF roof will be kind of a siver/gray color. I've heard it described as "teflon-ish". Sounds awesome!! Go Twins!! That's great!!! Now my family from South Dakota won't have to risk getting rained out when we watch two Twins games each season. Holy shnikes is that Marlins park ugly! Given the uneven performance of HOK over the years, I'd say we got rather lucky. I wonder if the Twins paid extra for a flashier design (perhaps for a more experienced architect -- or maybe a younger one?). Because boy, HOK just ain't cuttin' it. Yes David we sure did get lucky. Credit our luck to the small site for Target Field. The small footprint prevented HOK from adding stupid crap and gimmicky junk. The Orange Bowl site in Miami allows HOK to build another gaudy warehouse. Less is more and Target Field will be much nicer than Marlin's ballpark I just found this site too. Fantasitc!!! Does anyone know what color the roof will be at TF? Will they have space heaters? I hope so, because those crazy winter days in April and October will give me the shivers. I hope they also use turf and bring over the giant inflatible milk carton. Okay, gotta run. I have to go post on Rube Chat and StarTribune.com. Say it with me... sunshade. ah, thats better. Rubechat? Carnies and rubes my friend. Can't have one without the other. Posted on January 27, 2009 at 7:27 PM by Don't call me a roof 337 being at TwinsFest this last weekend, it was the first time I had been on the "SportTurf" at the Dome. I have carpet in my house that's in better condition. I cannot imagine playing football or baseball on that stuff, you might as well be playing on the concrete subfloor. thank God for natural grass at TF. PS - does anyone know, will there be natural grass or artificial turf at TCF Bank Stadium? Luke they will be having field turf at TCF Bank Stadium. Posted on January 27, 2009 at 7:54 PM by NewGuy 339 So, are the Marlins trying to make those renderings look like Tropicana Field? Or was Space Mountain at Disney World their inspiration? Regardless, it's already been summed up in one word.....yuck. I sometimes wonder if architects (and owners) really hear what people think about some of their designs. Hey, we're not in first grade anymore, if you design something that looks crappy, you need to be told so. Not, "Oh, Johnny, that looks wonderful." They're fools if they push that design through. Btw, it's nice to have you back Webcam 2. Luke, You think the turf is bad now? Fifteen years ago I played in the dome during a Gophers Baseball Camp and THAT STUFF was literally just about concrete. Astroturf, well, it's green like grass. Go take a look at some '87/'91 WS photos and you can see how bad it really was. I can't imagine all the raspberries it created. How can we forget about those days of the Astroturf and the carpet sweeper that would drive around on the field pre-game and post-game sweeping up the carpet. OMG, I forgot all about that carpet sweeper. I just read an article about Target Field in MSP Magazine, Top Doctors 2009 Edition. Most of it contained information we already know. Here are a couple interesting points...most known I added some new photos on my flickr account under Twinsfan33...here is a link...hope it works...let me know what you guys think Posted on January 28, 2009 at 11:11 AM by Erik 346 I would like to see a rendition of TF at night. Will it be like track lighting all the way around the canopy? Will this cause players to lose balls in the lights more often if there is continuous light, and no "pockets" without? Thanks Erik, you should be on the Twins payroll! Huh. Check out the article in the Miami Herald: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/874452.html Cast your vote and see the results. I guess there's no accounting for taste in Florida. Thanks for taking pics again Erik. And thank you Jeff for the info. i really like the pics of all the stadia that is going in on the 100 level. It was huge in person...the webcam didnt really do it justice at least to me when i saw it in person...very impressed Erik, Do you think the folks sitting in those corner sections in the 100 levels will get a stiff neck? I know the seats will be angled toward home plate, but it appears that the fans will be facing the outfield. I think this is the only part about Citi I like better than TF. Click link... Posted on January 28, 2009 at 3:34 PM by Lafferty 354 I think Citi will be the only field with an orange foul pole. Lafferty, The seats will definitely be angled toward the infield. Based on the pictures you took, it doesn't look like the stadia is angled at all. That could be a problem since you can only angle the seats so much. Maybe it will be better in person. Steeks, I think you're right about the orange foul pole. Well...i guess to me if the seats are angled towards the infield...then there shouldnt be a problem but i guess we will just have to wait and see for ourselves when we sit in them....what are you guys' takes on the new Marlin's stadium in comparison to TF? Isn't that the orange foul pole from Shea Stadium? I know Shea had an orange foul pole and remember reading something about the foul pole possibly being relocated to Citi Field as soon as Shea closed. The Marlins new park has potential. I like the simple exterior design, including the pillars that showcase the natural lighting. It's modern, yet has the art deco feel that fits in very well in Miami. The roof is behind the main grandstand, so that's a good thing. Overall, the rendering is kind of ugly, and all the white is a little much. The seating bowl looks like garbage too. We need to see a model of this ballpark though. I wasn't a huge fan of TF until I saw the model on Rick's site. Speaking of Rick, where are you? Hope all is well. Target Field doesn't have a roof, therefore I like it more. And Citi Field has orange foul poles because Shea Stadium did. It's one of the things being carried over from the old stadium (along with the Big Apple that pops out after homeruns. It looks like the Marlins new park has too many seats, they're not gonna be able to fill all of those. I think 6,000 would be a good number for them More renderings of the Miami Stadium. This thing is everything that could be wrong with a ballpark. It reminds me of the Solider Field renovation or the new Dallas Cowboys stadium. It is tall, wide, closed off to the world, and embarrassing. How can we have a league with Wrigley Field and then That? Posted on January 28, 2009 at 6:18 PM by Andrew 363 when is there gonna be a new post???? Posted on January 28, 2009 at 9:58 PM by jim 364 Na, lets not bring Rick back. Lets just post on this Pohland thread forever. Let's go Rick.....Let's go Rick.....Let's go Rick..... Posted on January 28, 2009 at 11:59 PM by Peanut Gallery 367 Rick went away as soon as Carl passed away. I thought for sure we would have had a Twinsfest update or something along those lines. In all seriousness, I hope everything is ok Rick and I hope we will see you back here soon! NEW THREAD/POST... WHATEVER! JUST CHANGE SOMETHING. OH, AND YES I AM SHOUTING. Also, while they are drawing all the attention to the second webcam putting in the stadia down the 1st base line, over on the 1st webcam they are pouring concrete for the concourse. I'm guessing after that is done being poured they will start on the stadia in the upper deck atleast my stadia in my section was the some of the first to go in...im thinking of doing some recon in the spring and sitting on the concrete where my bleechers will be... Erik you have to get inside and take a video, thats what the masses want!!!! Lafferty, I was worried about the same thing with sec 100. But looking at it with the stadia in I think even without the seats being angled they will be facing just out past 2nd base, so I think they will be fine especially with the seats being angled. Maz....i wish i could go inside and take a video of some sort.....i'm not rick though...lol....just enjoy going down there and seeing the progress....if they let me do it i'd be more than happy to go in and take some shots of the progress because i would like to see it as well Erik, you don't need their permission to go inside and make movies...Just ask Maz. Rick, I hope you weren't one of those random frozen people they found up there. Everything okay? Lots of things going on today, the concrete stair stringers are being installed going from the plaza entrance to the right center field seats Getting a little worried, hope everything is okay, Rick. maybe rick was an alias and carl pohlad was actually the genius behind this blog. HAHA - You nailed it, 21. Pohlad was behind this thing...maybe his children are selling the rights to this site for millions now. That would only be appropriate. Trash and baseball article in the Strib, now there's "stink" by the stadium? You stadium backers are sooooo gullible. Where Oputz and all the guaranties of no stink? oh yea, coming from his office! I must say it is disturbing to drive by the ballpark at night and see that garbage steam floating over the park. I hope someday they can relocate the HERC. NSB, Love the post, man. Way to cleverly disguise your main "point" in a shroud of horrible grammar and embarrassing misspellings. What is that literary technique called? I also have to say that sprinkling in unfinished thoughts and weak attempts at humor really bring your "argument" home to the reader. Very fine work! Just one question... Posted on January 29, 2009 at 10:15 PM by Are you literate? 382 Hey all! Thanks for the concern, but I'm fine. I've missed thinking about the ballpark (due to circumstances beyond my control), but I'm ready again. I've been catching up on the comments, and there's sure a lot here to bring out. Maybe I'll get at that later tonight. I'll be going down to the park to get some new snaps tomorrow if it's sunny. And pay no mind to all the odoriferous talk in the Strib. These plans have been on the table for a long time (Dan Kenney and I talked about them on our tour and I reported about the whole thing here last fall -- did you miss it?). Truth is, when a garbage truck drives by -- anywhere -- you smell garbage. That's all that is going on. (In other words, the steam DOES NOT STINK -- really. It has NO SMELL.) I applaud their efforts to get rid of the last teeny tiny amount of odor in the neighborhood, but I'm pretty comfortable in saying that the only thing you'll smell at this ballpark is hot dogs and playoff hopes. More to come! Posted on January 29, 2009 at 10:26 PM by Rick 383 Are they still working on the stadium right now? Why would those lights still be on at this time at night? Anybody see that Target Field tour with Kevin Smith on the Twins silent auction at Twinsfest? Wonder what it went for. I think it was for a 6 person walking tour. Guesses on the value?? Happy to see you are back Rick! Must be a slow news day when the Strib has to rehash the garbage burner issue once again. Luckily we have your fine reporting to get the real scoop months ago. http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Sketches-of-new-Marlins-ballpark-released-in-adv?urn=mlb,137132 It seems other folks don't like the Marlin's proposed stadium either. NSB - Thanks for your intelligent thoughts. You must be one of my neighbors living in the North Loop with all your knowledge... or you're another douche who still subscribes to the Strib, taking uninformed pot shots from the burbs. Let me guess... Rick - So happy you're back! We're psyched for a new post... Max - I'd spend $250 on it... Star Tribune - Not much longer now and you'll be out of business. Maybe we can have adjoining ceremonies when they topple the Dome and you stop printing. OG Jeff, Ha I believe the minimum starting bid was $300. Things are getting pretty tight at the site, especially where the lower bowl stadia sections are being placed. Posted on January 30, 2009 at 11:39 AM by NewGuy 390 I hate the startrib as much as everyone else here for continuing to bring up a nonexistant problem --- I live in the neighborhood and have assured people before that the steam is nothing but water vapor and you can only smell the place if you're on the property line...BUT...I am now actually more concerned after seeing the planned illustration. Opat was quoted in the article saying that the only thing that smells is the trucks and the "juice" that leaks from them -- something I have witnessed and agree with. Yet the new plan reroutes the trucks to drive right by the ballpark ledge rather than around the backside? This is a stupid plan and is a waste of 3 million dollars. Truck perfume? I nearly cried laughing. Tear the thing down and spend an extra 50M rebuilding it somewhere else. It may not smell, but it's an eyesore. Besides, rebuilding something unnecessarily would help "stimulate" the economy by "creating" jobs! Here my guess on TwinsFan2010 and Lafferty's question and concern (in the baseball-fever.com site) about the lack of seating in the right field Legends Club (middle deck): I think the open space between the upper and lower deck in the right field allows a more dramatic view of the field upon entry into the right field from downtown (both Kirby Puckett and Harmon Killebrew gates). The main concourse view of the field will indeed be an enhancement from the Dome, however the Legends Club seating above will obstruct the blue sky and making fans feel enclosed or shelter from the upper elements. A lot of Twins fans will enter through the outfield Puckett and Killebrew gates, which means that a majority of people will have a smooth transition from the outside into a cramp claustrophobic-like concourse. Plus, the fans who enters through the right field could have a glimpse of the scoreboard, which I have a feeling that the Legends Club seating will more likely obstruct it from the rest of the concourse. TwinsFan2010, there is a gap in the left field line Legend's Club because it is a physical barrier between general seating and those club seating. The Twins organization wouldn't want to hear complaints from those premium seat holders of the scoreboard being too obstructed at a weird angle. There is a article over at Twincities.com about the hiring of the head groundskeeper for Target Field. It states that they will have the position hired by the start of the 2009 season. In the article Bell stated that he was very surprised at how many applicants were from other major league teams. Posted on January 30, 2009 at 3:13 PM by Jeff 393 Twins to broadcast new commercial during the Super Bowl game in the Twin Cities viewing area. The full article is over at twinsbaseball.com. Below is a paragraph taken from that article. The first commercial of the 2009 "This is Twins Territory" campaign will debut at the end of the third quarter of Sunday's Super Bowl broadcast on local NBC affiliate KARE-11. The spot is entitled "Trucks," and it features many current Twins players, including Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau and Joe Nathan, delivering essential elements to the Target Field construction site. I read that article also Jeff. it was a good article. Another classic commercial by the Twins! You gotta love the: it's amazing how quickly this beauty has gone up. the park will essentially be done in 11 months. the groundbreaking seems like just yesterday. it's a sunny, warmer day today which makes me think spring training and another baseball season. and next year we'll truly have baseball as it's meant to be played. Posted on January 31, 2009 at 10:51 AM by Tim 398 I was just down at the sight and actually walked around for the first time. I'll let you guy's know when I get the pictures online. Click my name, for my pictures from Saturday. Posted on January 31, 2009 at 11:18 PM by Camden Pike 400 This page was last modified on January 21, 2010. |
"You talk about the magic, the aura, but what really makes a stadium is the fans. Concrete doesn't talk back to you. Chairs don't talk back to you. It's the people who are there, day in, day out, that makes the place magic."– Bernie WilliamsExplore the SiteHere are 50 images chosen randomly from the 3046 found on this site. Click the image to be taken to the original post. A new list is created every 10 minutes.
Hey! That limestone looks familiar! Viewed from another angle, you can see that the bullpens now sit beneath the upper deck outfield seating. Gate 6 Oliva, with the 573 Club looming large over it (I wonder how Tony feels about that) Not from Moose's tour, but it's an image you need to see. (Click to enlarge greatly.) For some inexplicable reason, a lot of the new parks being built these days feature grand staircases like this one. An ice cream salad cone -- er, Walk-a-Taco Some baseball legends (and Ron Coomer) Wind veil framing Just think: It could look like this! People! (In the Legends Club) Entrance to the Champions Club Home Plate Box, Section 111, Row 8 or 9-ish (Click to enlarge greatly.) Work has begun on the plaza, and the activity has started to impact I-394 traffic. Seventh inning sing-along. Um, I think that guy is out. A glimpse of the rather plain west facade (the side which faces the HERC plant). Catwalks provide access to the View Level seats (from the Ballpark Authority July update) Detail on the main gate, with Target Field sign You can finally see how the plaza will meet the street on the north side of this emergency exit tower (which will be converted to a regular entrance/exit) The beautiful Promenade has become a sea of temporary barricades. (Smoker's Row outside the unnumbered gate) A seating bowl comes into focus. Note that the netting has been installed on the foul pole. (Field Box) Preparations underway (Field View) The entrance at Gate 3. Town Ball Tavern balcony Those little oval additions are positively laughable! Photo by Jeff Ewer Photo by Jared Wieseler Some brick work out in the centerfield pavilion. Here's the view of the entrance ramp to 394. Looks like they are painting... Welcome Visitors From Two Men On (Accessiblity) Glossary BPM - Ballpark Magic BRT - Bus Rapid Transit DSP - Dave St. Peter FSE - Full Season Equivalent FYS - Fake Yankee Stadium (see also: NYS) HERC - Hennepin Energy Resource Company (aka the Garbage Burner) HPB - Home Plate Box HRP - Home Run Porch LC - Legends Club LRT - Light Rail Transit MBA - Minnesota Ballpark Authority (will own Target Field) MOA - Mall of America MSFC - Minnesota Sports Facilities Commission (owns the Metrodome) NYS - New Yankee Stadium SRO - Standing Room Only STH - Season Ticket Holder TCFBS - TCF Bank Stadium TF - Target Field Selected Bibliography - Analysis Selected Bibliography - Surveys
Selected Bibliography - Nostalgia |