Target Field newbie here...

[EasyTen]

Hi all, long time lurker here (well, I did post on here a while back under Easy 10, but danged if I could remember the signon details).

 

Anyhoo, I’m a Twins fan over here in England who has FINALLY gotten around to booking a trip to the Twin Cities to take in a couple of games there. To say I’m excited about seeing them live at Target Field would be an understatement, even despite the teams very best efforts to totally put me off this season. I’m hoping we’ll somehow be in contention to dodge the giant wooden spoon at least, by the time I’m there…

 

So I’m already all booked up to see us play @ the Mets in NYC on Sunday 18th September, but I’ll be in Minneapolis from 19th-23rd September, with a view to seeing us play the Tigers at least a couple of times out of the 3 games on the Tues/Weds/Thurs. So here’s the thing. I could book tickets in advance, but with a wife in tow who may be getting rapidly fed up with our wonderful game by that stage, I’d kind of prefer to have the flexibility of deciding on the day which of those game(s) to go to. I’m certainly aiming to get to 2 of the 3 for sure. So how are things as regards ticket sales on the day ? Can I just rock up at Target Field on the day of the game and buy a couple of tickets easily enough ? I wanted to check, as being a football (soccer) fan over here, you almost always have to buy tickets in advance.

 

Any info and advice you guys can offer on this and anything else in general would be very gratefully received !

 

Cheers

[alarp33]

Certainly wait.  Stubhub is my go to method, and by late September you should have your pick of pretty good seats for very little money.  

 

Have fun!

[Mike Sixel]

You should be able to buy them online from a secondary broker pretty cheaply......I'd suggest that. Day of.

 

If you want to give the Twins money....there should be no issue getting tickets from them day of either.

 

Have fun. Minneapolis is awesome in September.

[goulik]

I've scalped 3rd row tickets from season ticket holders day of as I walked up to the door for less than half price. With the team so far out of contention, it will be easier than normal to find really good deals on really good seats. Keep all your options in play and watch for that opportunity.

[wsnydes]

As others have mentioned, getting tickets will be easy and you should have your choice of locations inside Target Field whether you buy them directly from the Twins or Stubhub.  Stubhub will be cheap and guaranteed.  Walking up and buying them directly from the Twins won't be an issue at all either.  We all suspect pretty dismal attendance by that point in the season, so waiting till game day would be a wise choice.

 

Enjoy your stay in the States and here in Minneapolis!

[EasyTen]

Thanks guys, really appreciate your replies. Its a bit of a shame that TF will in all likelihood be pretty sparse come September when I'm there, but I still just can't wait to visit. Its bucket list stuff, and I'm excited about exploring Minneapolis too.

 

First port of call may have to be the club shop though, stock up on some shirts and tat for my stay !

[Mike Sixel]

TF is an amazing space. Have fun.

[BobAzar]

I agree with all of the above. but I have a question for you Easy, how did you become a Twins fan?

[Otto von Ballpark]

I'd buy them on the secondary market too, but I wouldn't necessarily wait until the day of the game or most of the best deals will likely be gone.  If you can plan just a little bit ahead, I'd start checking daily a week or so beforehand.

 

Stubhub is popular, but they do have fees.  I've had better luck with SeatGeek lately.  It might be worth checking Twins Daily partner Ticket King too, they have a more or less permanent 10% off code DAILYDOUBLE.

 

You can roam around the stadium pretty well, but there are some exclusive areas where you will need a special ticket.  I like to get close to the field, so Dugout Box seats are nice -- SeatGeek has some for that series at $40 already, hopefully by September you can score those for $25-30 each.  Or if you are frugal, cheap seats are $6 now and I've seen them go as low as $3.  If money is no object, you may eventually be able to score some Champions Club seats for ~$120 which include free food and drink (although I find that experience overkill for enjoying a ballgame).

 

Here was some recent discussion about food and beverage at the stadium too:

http://twinsdaily.com/topic/23097-best-food-or-beverage-deal-at-target-field/

[EasyTen]

 

I agree with all of the above. but I have a question for you Easy, how did you become a Twins fan?

 

Well, I have a friend in Minnesota who turned me onto baseball a few years ago, and I just really took to it. I wasn't interested in adopting one of the "big" franchises to follow, I'm certainly no glory-hunter! I'm an underdog kind of guy. So I started watching the Twins and, well, they just really grew on me. Plus I'm a stats nerd at heart, and one thing this game gives you is stats upon stats.

 

I'm 6 hours ahead of you guys though, so I don't often get to see the evening games, other than the first couple of innings. So first thing I do most mornings is to switch my phone on, take a deeeep breath, and check the score. Then either slump my shoulders (usually), or punch the air (occasionally).  

 

Once I've seen the Twins play live, I think my addiction will be complete.

 

 

 

 

[Everyday Eddy]

 

Well, I have a friend in Minnesota who turned me onto baseball a few years ago, and I just really took to it. I wasn't interested in adopting one of the "big" franchises to follow, I'm certainly no glory-hunter! I'm an underdog kind of guy. So I started watching the Twins and, well, they just really grew on me. Plus I'm a stats nerd at heart, and one thing this game gives you is stats upon stats.

 

I'm 6 hours ahead of you guys though, so I don't often get to see the evening games, other than the first couple of innings. So first thing I do most mornings is to switch my phone on, take a deeeep breath, and check the score. Then either slump my shoulders (usually), or punch the air (occasionally).  

 

Once I've seen the Twins play live, I think my addiction will be complete.

 

This is pretty cool! Hope you enjoy Minnesota

[wsnydes]

 

TF is an amazing space. Have fun.

TF is a great ballpark.  Nice spot to watch a game.  Minneapolis come late September is a nice time to be in town as well.

[Sarah]

You will love it! Target Field really is spectacular - get there early because there are lots of different areas to check out like Minnie and Paul, Town Ball Tavern, Hrbeks, etc. My favorite concessions are Kramarczuk’s bratwurst and Butcher and the Boar rib tips. And I agree with everyone else here, considering how the Twins are doing this year you will not have trouble getting tickets.  And you are coming at a great time of year, Minnesota is really nice in September.

You will love Citi Field too! I was just at the Mets-Cubs game last week and it is a great ballpark. They have a really welcoming atrium area where you walk in, beautiful views of the field all around the ballpark and tons of great food options. (I had the lobster roll - it was delicious.) I took the subway to the ballpark - they run more trains before and after the game and the one we took back to Manhattan after the game was an express so it skipped some of the stops which was nice. (Plus, you get a great view of Manhattan on the way back.) I told my cousin who lives in New York I would much rather go to a game there than Yankee Stadium but I am biased as a Twins fan who hates the Yankees...

Enjoy!

[John Kelsey]

 

Hi all, long time lurker here (well, I did post on here a while back under Easy 10, but danged if I could remember the signon details).

 

Anyhoo, I’m a Twins fan over here in England who has FINALLY gotten around to booking a trip to the Twin Cities to take in a couple of games there. To say I’m excited about seeing them live at Target Field would be an understatement, even despite the teams very best efforts to totally put me off this season. I’m hoping we’ll somehow be in contention to dodge the giant wooden spoon at least, by the time I’m there…

 

So I’m already all booked up to see us play @ the Mets in NYC on Sunday 18th September, but I’ll be in Minneapolis from 19th-23rd September, with a view to seeing us play the Tigers at least a couple of times out of the 3 games on the Tues/Weds/Thurs. So here’s the thing. I could book tickets in advance, but with a wife in tow who may be getting rapidly fed up with our wonderful game by that stage, I’d kind of prefer to have the flexibility of deciding on the day which of those game(s) to go to. I’m certainly aiming to get to 2 of the 3 for sure. So how are things as regards ticket sales on the day ? Can I just rock up at Target Field on the day of the game and buy a couple of tickets easily enough ? I wanted to check, as being a football (soccer) fan over here, you almost always have to buy tickets in advance.

 

Any info and advice you guys can offer on this and anything else in general would be very gratefully received !

 

Cheers

 

Where are you from in England? I just took a trip over there and spent some time in London, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Long Eaton. 

[EasyTen]

 

Where are you from in England? I just took a trip over there and spent some time in London, Nottingham, Birmingham, and Long Eaton. 

I'm from Brighton, which is a tourist town on the south coast, about 50 miles directly south of London.

[EasyTen]

 

 

You will love it! Target Field really is spectacular - get there early because there are lots of different areas to check out like Minnie and Paul, Town Ball Tavern, Hrbeks, etc. My favorite concessions are Kramarczuk’s bratwurst and Butcher and the Boar rib tips. And I agree with everyone else here, considering how the Twins are doing this year you will not have trouble getting tickets.  And you are coming at a great time of year, Minnesota is really nice in September.

You will love Citi Field too! I was just at the Mets-Cubs game last week and it is a great ballpark. They have a really welcoming atrium area where you walk in, beautiful views of the field all around the ballpark and tons of great food options. (I had the lobster roll - it was delicious.) I took the subway to the ballpark - they run more trains before and after the game and the one we took back to Manhattan after the game was an express so it skipped some of the stops which was nice. (Plus, you get a great view of Manhattan on the way back.) I told my cousin who lives in New York I would much rather go to a game there than Yankee Stadium but I am biased as a Twins fan who hates the Yankees...

Enjoy!

Cheers chap, its really whetting my appetite hearing about Target Field and Citi Field. I go to football (soccer) all the time here, but I've never been to a baseball game before. Looking forward to sampling the atmosphere, the food, the beer (we're not allowed beer in our seats at football!), and hopefully expanding my knowledge of the game by chatting with some of the locals.

 

I'm also taking in Chicago on this trip, so if I'm really pushing my luck I might see if I can get to a Cubs game.

[EasyTen]

So, any recommendations on what to see and do in the Twin Cities for a few days ? Baseball will take centre stage for me (naturally), but we'll be looking to explore and really get the most out of our visit there.

[70charger]

I'd start with a walk/run/bike around the trails of the Mississippi. Stop in on the northeast side at one of the restaurants with patio dining on St. Anthony Main. Walk across the Stone Arch bridge for the best view of the city, and to check out the lock and dam.

 

The chain of lakes is similarly fun, and you can rent canoes on Lake Calhoun or go to the beach, which is an honest-to-God sandy lake beach right in the city. Lake Harriet just to the south has a bandshell with concerts that are free and fun. (Note that our alcohol laws are more restrictive, so just do what Americans do and disguise your drinks.)

 

If you want to go even further afield, you can head out to Minnehaha Park and check out the waterfall and hike the trails along the river. There's a fun restaurant there too with great seafood that's flown in fresh, but still somehow not that expensive. It's called Sea Salt.

 

Mall of America is sadly still the big tourist trap, but it's truly just a big mall. Kids may have fun with the Lego store and/or the mini theme park in the middle of the mall. There's no sales tax on clothes in Minnesota.

 

The Guthrie Theater is a competent theater company in a architecturally stunning building. Even if you don't go to a show, make sure you check out that big blue building on the Mississippi.

 

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Weissman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota can be fun too. A free and outdoor alternative is the sculpture garden in front of the basilica downtown. You can check out the spoon bridge and cherry sculpture, which is pretty iconic Minneapolis.

 

The basilica itself is - probably surprisingly - the oldest in the country to be designated a basilica, and it's worth a look inside, although the British have more impressive homegrown examples. Still it's free and just across the street. The Walker Art Museum is down there too, but I tend to find their collections unimpressive. Modern art just doesn't get me.

 

Walk down Nicollet Mall when you get a chance, and check out the downtown core. It's a pretty modern city, and there's not really an "old town" to speak of, but it can be fun and crowded in the summer. The North Loop neighborhood is where a lot is happening these days, centered on Washington Ave. N. and 1st St. N. There are very high quality restaurants there, some fun dive bars, and pretty much anything in between. The best restaurant may be Spoon and Stable, if you can get in. Freehouse is a good place too, and one of my favorites. For a no frills, super friendly dive bar, Cuzzy's is hard to beat. For that fancy cocktail after the game, Marvel Bar is awesome, if you can find its hidden door. The good news is that these are all super close to Target Field.

 

1st Ave. N (avenue, not street; the former are north-south, the latter east-west) is the party street. It can get a little sketchy late at night, in my opinion, but before the game it's great. If you're into clubbing for whatever reason, maybe because you hate yourself, that's probably the place to be too.

 

As to your transport situation. If you'll be downtown, there's lots within walking distance, but you should also check out NiceRide shared bikes for quicker and further reach, and the light rail if you're going to Mall of America or Minnehaha Park and falls. If the weather turns bad, poking around the skyway system in downtown can be fun for a little while. Rental car will make things easier, but parking downtown isn't terribly easy.

 

I'm sure I left some stuff out, and someone else will have to fill in the St. Paul side of things because I'm a Minneapolis partisan. But if you have any questions, ask away. 

 

I hope you really enjoy your time in Minnesota.

[Pardon My Dinger]

Maybe wait until next year. Wocka wocka.

[EasyTen]

 

I'd start with a walk/run/bike around the trails of the Mississippi. Stop in on the northeast side at one of the restaurants with patio dining on St. Anthony Main. Walk across the Stone Arch bridge for the best view of the city, and to check out the lock and dam.

 

The chain of lakes is similarly fun, and you can rent canoes on Lake Calhoun or go to the beach, which is an honest-to-God sandy lake beach right in the city. Lake Harriet just to the south has a bandshell with concerts that are free and fun. (Note that our alcohol laws are more restrictive, so just do what Americans do and disguise your drinks.)

 

If you want to go even further afield, you can head out to Minnehaha Park and check out the waterfall and hike the trails along the river. There's a fun restaurant there too with great seafood that's flown in fresh, but still somehow not that expensive. It's called Sea Salt.

 

Mall of America is sadly still the big tourist trap, but it's truly just a big mall. Kids may have fun with the Lego store and/or the mini theme park in the middle of the mall. There's no sales tax on clothes in Minnesota.

 

The Guthrie Theater is a competent theater company in a architecturally stunning building. Even if you don't go to a show, make sure you check out that big blue building on the Mississippi.

 

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Weissman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota can be fun too. A free and outdoor alternative is the sculpture garden in front of the basilica downtown. You can check out the spoon bridge and cherry sculpture, which is pretty iconic Minneapolis.

 

The basilica itself is - probably surprisingly - the oldest in the country to be designated a basilica, and it's worth a look inside, although the British have more impressive homegrown examples. Still it's free and just across the street. The Walker Art Museum is down there too, but I tend to find their collections unimpressive. Modern art just doesn't get me.

 

Walk down Nicollet Mall when you get a chance, and check out the downtown core. It's a pretty modern city, and there's not really an "old town" to speak of, but it can be fun and crowded in the summer. The North Loop neighborhood is where a lot is happening these days, centered on Washington Ave. N. and 1st St. N. There are very high quality restaurants there, some fun dive bars, and pretty much anything in between. The best restaurant may be Spoon and Stable, if you can get in. Freehouse is a good place too, and one of my favorites. For a no frills, super friendly dive bar, Cuzzy's is hard to beat. For that fancy cocktail after the game, Marvel Bar is awesome, if you can find its hidden door. The good news is that these are all super close to Target Field.

 

1st Ave. N (avenue, not street; the former are north-south, the latter east-west) is the party street. It can get a little sketchy late at night, in my opinion, but before the game it's great. If you're into clubbing for whatever reason, maybe because you hate yourself, that's probably the place to be too.

 

As to your transport situation. If you'll be downtown, there's lots within walking distance, but you should also check out NiceRide shared bikes for quicker and further reach, and the light rail if you're going to Mall of America or Minnehaha Park and falls. If the weather turns bad, poking around the skyway system in downtown can be fun for a little while. Rental car will make things easier, but parking downtown isn't terribly easy.

 

I'm sure I left some stuff out, and someone else will have to fill in the St. Paul side of things because I'm a Minneapolis partisan. But if you have any questions, ask away. 

 

I hope you really enjoy your time in Minnesota.

You're a gentleman and a scholar sir, thanks for taking the time to tap that out. The biking around the trails of the Mississippi definitely appeals amongst many things there. Really appreciate it, thank you.

 

I knew I'd come to the right place for advice !

[Sarah]

The one bad thing about Minneapolis is there is a lot of construction going on around downtown and by the Walker Art Center and sculpture garden area. In addition to the Stone Arch Bridge, you can go up to the "Endless Bridge" at the Guthrie Theater for a great view of the riverfront (it's like an observation platform and it's free). Definitely check out the chain of lakes area! 

 

Chicago is awesome too, sounds like you will be visiting some great American cities! 

[Longdistancetwins]

 

Cheers chap, its really whetting my appetite hearing about Target Field and Citi Field. I go to football (soccer) all the time here, but I've never been to a baseball game before. Looking forward to sampling the atmosphere, the food, the beer (we're not allowed beer in our seats at football!), and hopefully expanding my knowledge of the game by chatting with some of the locals.

 

I'm also taking in Chicago on this trip, so if I'm really pushing my luck I might see if I can get to a Cubs game.

I'll be at Citi Field also for the game on the 18th.  I've never been to Target Field, but I suspect it is the better ballpark.  There is no natural rivalry between the Mets and Twins, but a lot of Twins fans tend to show up for the games (possibly because there is no bad history, as with the Yankees).  It is also surprising how many players have worn both the Twins and Mets uniforms over the decades (it makes for a good trivia question).

 

As it happens, I will be in Chicago that following weekend--to do my bucket list thing of seeing a game at Wrigley Field.

 

Enjoy your trip!

[EasyTen]

 

I'll be at Citi Field also for the game on the 18th.  I've never been to Target Field, but I suspect it is the better ballpark.  There is no natural rivalry between the Mets and Twins, but a lot of Twins fans tend to show up for the games (possibly because there is no bad history, as with the Yankees).  It is also surprising how many players have worn both the Twins and Mets uniforms over the decades (it makes for a good trivia question).

 

As it happens, I will be in Chicago that following weekend--to do my bucket list thing of seeing a game at Wrigley Field.

 

Enjoy your trip!

Cheers fella, I'm counting the days.