Still On Target

Official Review by Blake Benzel, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

Target Field opened in 2010 as the Twins and their fans experienced outdoor baseball at home for the first time since moving into the Metrodome in 1982. The new ballpark was instantly heralded as one of the best facilities in Major League Baseball. In fact, it was named as the 3rd best MLB stadium by Stadium Journey Magazine in May 2012.

Now that the "new paint" smell has worn off, it remains a fabulous ballpark in every way, and improvements continue to be made. Fans should make an effort to see Target Field as it is truly one of the great sports stadiums in the United States.

Food & Beverage    5

It's not an exaggeration to say that you can't walk more than 10 feet at Target Field without running into a concession stand, whether it is one that specializes in adult beverages or one that specializes in food (such as the Asian Wok or Tony O's Cuban Sandwiches).

The variety of the food is absolutely unbelievable. You've got a steak sandwich from Murray's steakhouse (a must-taste despite the gaudy $10.50 price tag), a staggering amount of brats, sausages and hot dogs and a good amount of local foods (such as walleye on a stick, cheese curds and so on.) The prices won't always be friendly if you're on a budget, but the fare is easily comparably priced to the rest of the MLB. The high end of what you're looking at spending is $14 for the Vincent Burger, found only at the Town Ball Tavern (one of many specialty restaurants found at the park), while the low end of what you might spend is about $3.75 for a Veggie Dog.

In addition, Target Field also offers numerous vegetarian and gluten free options.

There are also a few new additions of note in 2012 at Target Field that you'll want to make sure to hit up during your trip. If you're looking for some new food to try, look no further than the helmet fries, which can be had in garlic or cheese - though, I much preferred the garlic over the cheese. For $8.50, you get the fries of your choice, plus a souvenir helmet to take with you. Target Field also offers a Food Network stand, where you can find Buffalo Chicken Mac 'N Cheese and a Bacon Sloppy Joe, though these options are a bit more expensive as you would expect from a stand with the Food Network branding.

If it's beverages you're looking for, Target Field offers a good amount of choices, from stands that specialize in cocktails to beer (both alcoholic and non) and non-alcoholic options from soda (Pepsi products) to Life Water or coffee. On the topic of beer, the variety at the park is very good, with many of the specialty stands keeping it local with beers such as Summit, Schell's or Lift Bridge. Despite the variety, the price makes having a brew at the stadium a difficult decision, with the price for draft beers being $7.25 for domestic and $7.75 for premium, while bottles are $6.50 a pop.

Of all of the new additions, however, my favorite is easily the Surly stand. Surly, a beer brewed locally in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, is a one-of-a-kind brew that you will not regret trying. As you would expect from a craft beer, the prices are a touch more expensive - $7.75 and $8.75 for a small or large - but the price is worth it. If you're a fan of craft beer, or even if you're just looking to branch out from the norm, this stand is one that is most certainly worth making part of your gameday experience.

Atmosphere    5

The luster of the new stadium has yet to wear off, as the stadium was packed and the buzz was amazing all throughout the game. Fans are in their seats and primed for the game and just as many fans are standing around at the railings, all intent on watching some good baseball and having a good time.

Adding to the atmosphere is the fact that the stadium is steeped in Twins history. From the murals and statues that are all around the stadium to the flag poles that adorn the pavilion at Gate 14 (which were brought over from the old Met Stadium in Bloomington), the park is one big tribute to the storied history of the Twins, from their inception all the way up to the present.

Neighborhood    4

I'll say this about the neighborhood. Target Field is in the lovingly called Warehouse District. It's a great place to go grab some food or go hang out with your friends.

If you're hungry after the game, you can swing by Fogo de Chao for a churrascaria experience that won't leave you squatting in the middle of the road in your wedding dress. In fact, it's one of the best spots to stop after the game should you have the dime. In addition to Fogo de Chao, other great restaurants like Pizza Luce (a must eat), Rosen's Bar and Grill, Saffron Restaurant and Lounge and the 112 Eatery are all within walking distance of the park and great options.

If you're looking for less expensive or time consuming options, there are great options like the Lyon's Pub which is equally as tasty.

If shopping's your thing, there's a good amount in the area nearby, as well as a movie theater at Block E. If you're going to go a-wandering (especially after dark), do make sure that you don't do it alone as the neighborhood can tend to be a little rough at times.

Fans    5

The reputation that Minnesota has gained is "Minnesota Nice," and that reputation is most certainly backed up by the fans at the stadium. Smiles can be seen everywhere in the stadium, while many fans are keeping score while watching the game.

Not only do the fans have a good knowledge base, but they're more than happy to converse about the game. I spent my time chatting with a few different fans, all as friendly as they were willing to talk about the game and the team.

Even in a down year, as the Twins have experienced over the last couple seasons, the stadium is still packed and the crowd is still boisterous and loud. Everyone has an opinion on the team and its direction, as well, so there is no lack of people to chat up about the Twins, and baseball in general.

Access    5

With ample parking around the stadium, as well as a number of hotels around the stadium within walking distance, it's easy to get to the stadium from downtown. With the light rail system, as well as the new North Star line of the light rail, it's easy to get to the stadium from any of the suburbs surrounding the Twin Cities.

When you're inside the stadium, the concourses can be a touch cramped, but no more than most other stadiums. In addition, every time I wanted to stop by a concession stand the wait was much shorter than what one would expect to be average.

Return on Investment    4

While the food prices are on the higher side, the variety of the food more than makes up for the price. The ticket prices are cheaper than what you might expect for a new stadium, ranging from $12 for the cheap seats to $80 for the dugout box.

You can get your tickets for whatever price suits your needs and, once in the game, there are enough options to keep you from breaking the bank.

There are a number of affordable seating options, but if you really want your money's worth I suggest trying to find a seat in the Delta Sky360 Legends Club, as the view and the amenities provide an experience that is worth far more than what you might pay for the ticket.

Extras    5

As I mentioned previously, the history in Target Field is just one of the things to check out. From the flag poles to the murals honoring Tony Oliva and Harmon Killebrew to the statues outside, this is a baseball fan's ballpark. Everything that adorns Target Field was created with the history of the Minnesota Twins in mind and it gives the ballpark a history feel, despite the fact that it is in its second year of existence.

Once you get past the history, though, there is plenty to do in the park.

Best Buy's presence is all over the field, sponsoring their big screens (which are in high definition), as well as having a Gaming Center where fans can stop by and play the latest baseball game, a charging station where you can charge your cell phone if it's low on juice and a photo booth where you can get your picture taken with Target Field as the backdrop.

There are numerous stadium stores and stands around the park, offering anything from t-shirts and hats to New Era brand merchandise to stuffed animals for the kids. Throw in the fact that all of the staff around the stadium is as friendly as can be and you've got one memorable experience.

The Twins have also added Twitter integration to their games. You can tweet to the team's designated hashtag or twitter handle and there is a chance that your tweet will be displayed on the dedicated twitter feed they have going throughout the game.

On top of all the "fun" extras that Target Field has to offer, is their dedication to making Target Field as sustainable as possible. A water recycling system has been put into place that catches rainwater and recycles it, saving an estimated 2,000,000 gallons of water per year at Target Field.

Final Thoughts

If you're going to the Twin Cities during baseball season, you'd be doing yourself a disservice not to check out Target Field. From the amazing sightlines (there's not a bad seat in the house) to the history to the game itself, you won't be disappointed.