Changes to CF at Target Field

[DaveW]

 

As if IPA was the only craft beer........

I like good beer as much (probably more) than the next guy, there are multiple places around TF to get craft beer. The reality is, most people still drink bud light/budweiser etc, while the craft market has certainly grown, they have only taken a small chunk of the macro brews share.

 

If you want a craft beer it's easy to find at TF, you may have to walk a bit longer, but oh well.

[Gernzy]

 

I agree somewhat with that aspect. I've visited numerous ballparks with unique spaces that are designed for kids to play in. The Saints have the area behind center with inflatable batting cages and whatnot. It's a great feature, to be sure, but I don't think it is wholly necessary to capture the next generation of fan. I was raised on Twins baseball in the Metrodome. We watched the game. There was absolutely zero to do besides that. 

 

As a parent myself, I find the open concourses and easier access to the bathrooms (and much better facilities to change my infant in) at Target Field to be well above and beyond what was available at the Metrodome.

 

I'd like something geared towards the kids -- maybe something more carnival-like on the plaza or somewhere in the gates -- but I'm not concerned that there isn't anything for kids to do in the stadium.

 

I was going to say something very similar to this. While we truly don't need another bar, this is not a spot for a kid area either. It would be a great idea to have a carnival style area somewhere on the plaza would be great.

[DaveW]

 

I understand the argument that this is not necessary a "family-friendly" renovation but this is a trend all around baseball. Modern stadiums have bars in the OF that provide a fun social atmosphere along with a good view of the game. We saw similar upgrades made to the Twins' spring training home in Ft. Myers last year.

 

I love it, personally. When I went to games this summer with friends or met up with people at the yard, I'd frequently hang out at the Barrio location in LF, but invariably ended up missing huge chunks of the games because much of that lacks sightlines to the field and even when you get up to the railing you are still tucked away in the LF corner. This is going to be a game-changer in that regard, and adds even more appeal to the plan of buying cheap/standing room tix then just standing at the bar and watching the game. 

True, the one at Camden yards is pretty awesome and they did a good job with it (mostly because its high up enough where most everyone can see the game from there.

 

This seems like an auspicious time to make this announcement though, stuff like this isn't going to move the needle on ticket sales and season ticket sales. A impact signing or trade however....

[DaveW]

 

I agree somewhat with that aspect. I've visited numerous ballparks with unique spaces that are designed for kids to play in. The Saints have the area behind center with inflatable batting cages and whatnot. It's a great feature, to be sure, but I don't think it is wholly necessary to capture the next generation of fan. I was raised on Twins baseball in the Metrodome. We watched the game. There was absolutely zero to do besides that. 

 

As a parent myself, I find the open concourses and easier access to the bathrooms (and much better facilities to change my infant in) at Target Field to be well above and beyond what was available at the Metrodome.

 

I'd like something geared towards the kids -- maybe something more carnival-like on the plaza or somewhere in the gates -- but I'm not concerned that there isn't anything for kids to do in the stadium.

The Royals have done a wonderful job in the regards of having some cool "family/kids" areas as well as having some awesome open bar areas for the adults as well. Best stadium in baseball easily.

 

 

[SwainZag]

I think it looks like a pretty cool addition and I would likely sit and have a beer up there.  I love getting standing room tickets and wandering around to watch the game from different locations.  Being able to order a beer and sit and watch would beat standing on the deck lower watching from CF, but that's just my opinion.

 

People have to understand that not everyone is going to the games to sit and watch every pitch of the game.  I will assume the most of us most certainly are, but a lot more people go to the games than your die hard fans.

[nicksaviking]

I caught a BP ball while eating a burger at the TGI Fridays at Miller Park.  But that was only because no one was at the game and I could sit at the railing. 

 

I don't get the draw of the bars at TF though, unless you get there early enough to sit field side, you're watching the game on TV anyway.  You can do that at Sneaky Pete's and pay half the price for the food and drinks and no admission fee.

 

Seriously, what's the point of Hrbeks'?  I'm pretty sure Huberts is just as close to the field.  I like going to the bar to watch sports, but I don't like going to sports to watch a bar.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

There doesnt need to be any more bars or any more "exclusive" areas, there are plenty of those at TF already. As a new parent, I agree that there should be something more family friendly, but I also want the focus of a ballpark to be on the game. I don't like how Kauffman has an entire area for kids (the Little K, mini golf, fountain park) where you cant see the game at all. 

I used to think that, but you know what?  Not everybody at the game needs to see the game all the time.  These games *average* 3 hours from the first pitch.  Considering you probably can't arrive at the first pitch, you're frequently looking at a 4 hour ballpark commitment if you want to stay for the whole game (and I think leaving early is a bigger sin than taking an inning or two off to do something else).

 

Having a playground or mini game to break up the proceedings can be vital, especially for younger kids or kids you weren't planning to bring but have to (maybe as part of a larger family outing).

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

I don't think it is wholly necessary to capture the next generation of fan. I was raised on Twins baseball in the Metrodome. We watched the game. There was absolutely zero to do besides that. 

Judging by how many bars the Twins feel are necessary to bring in fans today, maybe the Metrodome experience didn't interest our peers in baseball as much as it did us?

 

Also, games in the Metrodome were significantly shorter and quieter.  And tickets cheaper, and seats often easier to get and closer to the field (talking to the pitchers in the bullpen, and getting there early for general admission seats right behind the left field wall/plexiglass).

 

I agree that the "capture the next generation of fan" argument is a bit of an over-reach.  I'd just settle for trying to capture this generation of parents.  Taking my kids anywhere is a bit of a chore, but it feels like an extreme one at Target Field.  Unless it's a play date with other kids, I pretty much won't go now, which is a shame because there's plenty of games I'd like to attend but decline to do so.

[amjgt]

They probably took a look at the percentage of seats filled in that highly under-populated section (2 sections, right) and realized they could make better use of that property. There still are plenty of cheap seats available. The loss of those 160-ish seats (2 sections of 4 rows of 20 seats) is a practically insignificant blimp on the radar. 

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

The Royals have done a wonderful job in the regards of having some cool "family/kids" areas as well as having some awesome open bar areas for the adults as well. Best stadium in baseball easily.

Agreed.  KC also had a free baseball museum in the stadium, which probably seems unnecessary to most local fans but was great fun for this out-of-towner (especially since the game was Royals-Tigers and a laugher).

[TheLeviathan]

 

I agree that the "capture the next generation of fan" argument is a bit of an over-reach.  I'd just settle for trying to capture this generation of parents.  Taking my kids anywhere is a bit of a chore, but it feels like an extreme one at Target Field.  Unless it's a play date with other kids, I pretty much won't go now, which is a shame because there's plenty of games I'd like to attend but decline to do so.

 

This is where I'm at too.  My son is too young to stay immersed 100% in a game and even if I take him on Sunday to run the bases, the only thing to do during the game is to walk the concourse.  It'd be nice if there was a place to go for young fans and many of the new ballparks have done it. 

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

I'd like something geared towards the kids -- maybe something more carnival-like on the plaza or somewhere in the gates -- but I'm not concerned that there isn't anything for kids to do in the stadium.

How old are you kid(s)?  How often do you take them to games?  Where do you sit?  Do you stay the whole game?  What activities do the kids do?

 

I can't imagine being a Twins fan, a parent of young children, and NOT being concerned with the lack of things for kids to do at Target Field.  I bring some toys and books for the kid (3 year old), we make our concessions trip "special" (fries and ketchup are a treat), I try to run into TC Bear -- and still the kid gets bored and starts asking when we are going home no later than the middle innings (or earlier if we have to get to the park early for the kids promotional giveaway).

 

I'd love some advice if other parents have it.  The one thing that seems to help is making it a play date with other kids, and they can trade toys and entertain each other for a good chunk of time.  But that obviously involves another family and isn't necessarily so easily or cheaply arranged.

 

My kids love going to the playground and the neighborhood festival at the park -- would be great if Target Field offered even a little bit of that appeal to rope them in (or more importantly, rope me in to take them there).

[Kwak]

It's more than just a bar, ..."Catch, an all-exclusive club...of about 120 seats,...at $75-$85 per ticket".  So, not just removing cheap seats for another bar--but for adding 2 bars, one of which requires the patron to purchases a premium-priced seat ($75-$85).  I predict an increase in liquor/food sales as a result, not merely a shify from one venue to another.  Thus, a pure business decision. 

 

Still concerned about "family-priced BB"--take them to any of the amateur league games in the summer.  I bet some games are "no admission".

[Mike Sixel]

Why the heck would I go to an amateur baseball game?

[Craig Arko]

 

Why the heck would I go to an amateur baseball game?

To become more positive.

[Mike Sixel]

To become more positive.

that got me more laughter, thanks,

[TheLeviathan]

 

Still concerned about "family-priced BB"--take them to any of the amateur league games in the summer.  I bet some games are "no admission".

 

You're right, I could do that but I'd also love to take them to see the Twins.  

 

And I don't have any advice spycake.  My son is 2 and my wife and I decided (after taking him to a CHW-MIN rivalry game his first two summers) that we weren't going to keep that tradition because Target Field just wasn't family friendly.  I hated agreeing with that conclusion but didn't feel like I had much of a choice.

[nicksaviking]

 

I'd love some advice if other parents have it. 

 

ipads and fruit snacks is my terrible parenting advice, but the only way I get to watch games with my 2 and 5-year-olds.  A playground, ball pit, bouncy house wading pool or something innovative would be welcome to me.

 

That or they need to hire 200 TC the Bears to wander around and fascinate/frighten my children into timidness.

[nicksaviking]

 

 

Why the heck would I go to an amateur baseball game?

 

I asked my self that same question 2011-14.  Still can't tell you why I kept going to TF.

[Parker Hageman]

How old are you kid(s)?  How often do you take them to games?  Where do you sit?  Do you stay the whole game?  What activities do the kids do?

 

 

Have taken my 9-year-old daughter to 6+ games a year since she was about a year old. I can't speak for other people's kids but for the past several years she has been content to watch the game, walk around the concourse, get a face paint, high-five TC Bear and get her hot dog, popcorn and ice cream. 

 

Does she get bored? Sure, just like we all did as kids (and adults) at some point during baseball games. But there is so much more for the kids to get distracted by than when I was young and only had the Tire Plus race to look forward to. I didn't get overly concerned about needing to keep her constantly entertained. 

 

Over the last few years I've found better options. I do try to select dates that will appeal more -- Sunday's kids days where they walk on the field, fireworks nights or fan appreciation weekend where they give out things for the kids. I like to get the Great Clips Great Seats section -- more leg room, high tops and closer to the restrooms (fewer stairs). 

 

I honestly don't see the point of paying the amount to bring kids to the game and then have them play games in the concourse the entire time. Citi Field has a perfectly good section where they have wiffle ball, et al but if you are a parent, you can't watch the game from that corner. Why spend that kind of money on tickets when you can go to the neighborhood festival?

 

Like I said before, I would enjoy some activities for pre-game or during game while making our way around the concourse but I don't fault the Twins (or any MLB team) for not adding a play area in their stadium. Baseball is enjoyable enough as is.

 

 

 

 

[twinsnorth49]

 

Have taken my 9-year-old daughter to 6+ games a year since she was about a year old. I can't speak for other people's kids but for the past several years she has been content to watch the game, walk around the concourse, get a face paint, high-five TC Bear and get her hot dog, popcorn and ice cream. 

 

Does she get bored? Sure, just like we all did as kids (and adults) at some point during baseball games. But there is so much more for the kids to get distracted by than when I was young and only had the Tire Plus race to look forward to. I didn't get overly concerned about needing to keep her constantly entertained. 

 

Over the last few years I've found better options. I do try to select dates that will appeal more -- Sunday's kids days where they walk on the field, fireworks nights or fan appreciation weekend where they give out things for the kids. I like to get the Great Clips Great Seats section -- more leg room, high tops and closer to the restrooms (fewer stairs). 

 

I honestly don't see the point of paying the amount to bring kids to the game and then have them play games in the concourse the entire time. Citi Field has a perfectly good section where they have wiffle ball, et al but if you are a parent, you can't watch the game from that corner. Why spend that kind of money on tickets when you can go to the neighborhood festival?

 

Like I said before, I would enjoy some activities for pre-game or during game while making our way around the concourse but I don't fault the Twins (or any MLB team) for not adding a play area in their stadium. Baseball is enjoyable enough as is.

Agree 100%, I've been taking my son and daughter to games at Target Field since they were 5 and 7 respectively. They are more than content to watch much of the game, tour the concourse, look for TC and eat hot dogs, peanuts and that frozen lemonade stuff that makes my face pucker. Sundays are great days to go, they both still enjoy running the bases and my son likes to go early and sit by the dugout in the hopes of catching the odd autograph.

 

They  also stay pretty amused trying to get themselves on the Jumbotron and won't go anywhere until the mascot race has finished.

 

I've sat pretty much everywhere with them but on Sundays try to stay out of the hot sun and stick to somewhere along the 1st base, RF side.

[ashbury]

Agree 100%, I've been taking my son and daughter to games at Target Field since they were 5 and 7 respectively. They are more than content to watch much of the game, tour the concourse, look for TC and eat hot dogs, peanuts and that frozen lemonade stuff that makes my face pucker.

[woolywoolhouse]

I have two kids who have been coming to Target Field since it opened. It is difficult keeping their attention, especially after taking them to Coors Field (playground in the outfield) and Miller Park (an entire kids area behind homeplate.) We keep them busy by making "bets" on the Mascot Race, making sure we meet TC Bear during the 7th Inning Stretch, and moving around to a lot of different sections (which has been much easier the last couple seasons of awfulness.) But I would love anything for kids in the Homerun Porch area, or the right field plaza. Slides, mascot photo ops with Bullseye and Babe, a batting/pitching cage... Really, anything.

 

[nicksaviking]

 

Have taken my 9-year-old daughter to 6+ games a year since she was about a year old. I can't speak for other people's kids but for the past several years she has been content to watch the game,

 

Agree 100%, I've been taking my son and daughter to games at Target Field since they were 5 and 7 respectively. They are more than content to watch much of the game,

 

Describing the terrible thoughts I have about you two right now would be against every TD commenting policy.  Forget about my unruly children, I can't even keep my wife content at a game!

[dgwills]

 

How old are you kid(s)?  How often do you take them to games?  Where do you sit?  Do you stay the whole game?  What activities do the kids do?

 

I can't imagine being a Twins fan, a parent of young children, and NOT being concerned with the lack of things for kids to do at Target Field.  I bring some toys and books for the kid (3 year old), we make our concessions trip "special" (fries and ketchup are a treat), I try to run into TC Bear -- and still the kid gets bored and starts asking when we are going home no later than the middle innings (or earlier if we have to get to the park early for the kids promotional giveaway).

 

I'd love some advice if other parents have it.  The one thing that seems to help is making it a play date with other kids, and they can trade toys and entertain each other for a good chunk of time.  But that obviously involves another family and isn't necessarily so easily or cheaply arranged.

 

My kids love going to the playground and the neighborhood festival at the park -- would be great if Target Field offered even a little bit of that appeal to rope them in (or more importantly, rope me in to take them there).

I'm not a parent, but if you grab your kid a couple of beers from the new bar they will probably quiet down.

[twinsnorth49]

 

bitter_beer_face.jpg

Hey, how'd you get that picture!!!

[twinsnorth49]

 

Describing the terrible thoughts I have about you two right now would be against every TD commenting policy.  Forget about my unruly children, I can't even keep my wife content at a game!

Lol, for what it's worth, my wife is easily the most bored of the bunch.

[ashbury]

I'm not a parent, but if you grab your kid a couple of beers from the new bar they will probably quiet down.

Back in our newlywed days my wife and I had 3 theories about raising kids. Now that we have raised 3 kids, we have 0 theories.

[jokin]

 

"Family-friendly" and "child-friendly" are euphemisms that have decayed beyond the point of being a mere cliche`, so one shouldn't be upset that DSP uses "blunt" language to announce this change.  MLB is a business (and always has been a business) and we all knew that.  Quite simply there is more cash to be wrung from adults at a ballgame than from children.  Also, there are many adults would prefer their entertainment in "child-free" locales (and horrors)--more exclusive (more expensive) venues to further their enjoyment.  Adding bars and more premium seats is designed to do just that (make more profit for the owners).  Cynical ? Yes.  But MLB is not worthy of any less than the raw truth.

 

One problem with your valid and logical points.  Because TF was developed as a public/private business partnership, there is an obligation on the Twins' part, either implied or contractual, to service the needs of all of the community.

[Jerr]

This is the part that concerns me:

 

A mezzanine level will be for season ticket holders, an all-inclusive location with great site lines.

 

The fact that it is open to only those with more to spend. To me that's the "not family friendly" part. And sorry, but I would prefer "open to all", with a limit as to customers in that area. More like a set a limit for the amount of people with an entrance controlling that.

 

To me it's an area that I am "not welcome" in.