Target Field is the home field of the Minnesota Twins, who used to play at the famous Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome before a long political process allowed the Twin Cities region to create a new ballpark. This was done to prevent their baseball team from moving to another city or even contracting out of the league. Ground broke for the new facility on August 30th, 2007, after a nearby roadway collapsed, resulting in a brief delay. The stadium officially opened on December 22nd, 2009, when a certificate of occupancy was handed to the Minnesota Twins.
The cost for the stadium was $545 million, with the Twins organization paying $125 million, or roughly one-third of the cost. The rest was publically funded by Hennepin County, which instituted a 0.15% raise in sale tax in order to pay for the rest. Rather than opting for a retractable roof or a dome, a canopy covered the upper deck of the stadium. The additional $100 million cost for a retractable roof was cited as the reason for this design choice.
The U.S. Green Building Council awarded Target Field with a LEED Silver certification, which was only the second United States sports stadium to earn this rating.
Minnesota Twins Stadium
The Minnesota Twins finished last in their division for the 2014 season, equally incompetent on the road and at home, leading to a 35-46 record in both situations. In 2015, this team has bounced back to challenge for a wild card spot. While their road record is similar to their 2014 season, their home record is much improved, finishing more than 10 wins better than their performance on the road.
Typically, Target Field has been considered a pitcher’s park that’s extremely difficult for players to hit homers. However, for the 2015 MLB Park Factor stats, this venue is slightly above average in terms of runs and home run production. It’s also within the top ten ballparks in terms of the rate of hits created. Double and triples are hit at an average rate while the number of walks that occur are below average.
The old home plate from the Metrodome was preserved for use as the home base at Target Field, and dirt from the pitcher’s mound was imported as well. This stadium is one of MLB’s newest facilities. In 2010, ESPN ranked Target Field as the best baseball stadium experience in the Majors.
Stadium Vitals
Date Opened: December 22nd, 2009
Construction Cost: $545 million
Architect: Hammel, Green and Abrahamson; Populous
Ballpark Type: Retro Modern
Capacity Attendance: 39,021
Playing Surface: Kentucky Bluegrass
Previous Minnesota Twins Stadiums
Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome; Metropolitan Stadium; Griffith Stadium; National Park; American League Park
Other Major Events
2014 MLB All-Star Game
On July 15th, 2014, the MBL All-Star Game was played at Target Field, the third time that this event was hosted in Minnesota. The first pitch was thrown by the legendary Rod Carew. The American League won 5-3 on the strength of a two-run fifth inning that put them ahead, earning home field advantage in the World Series for the American League.
College Baseball
The first game played at Target Field was a college baseball matchup between Louisiana Tech and the University of Minnesota. The Minnesota Golden Gophers played their 2012 season at this facility as well.