New upgrades to Target Field in 2013?

[StormJH1]

Heard they are considering trees to soften the black eye in center field but to the sides.

It's too bad we have a thread on ballpark improvements and I feel like a troll even bringing up the topic of CF and the batter's eye. But I'm sorry, it's one of the biggest aesthetic problems with the ballpark. It's too bad they let the opinions of a few players (some of which who are no longer with the team, or no longer great players) lead to the removal of what was one of the few signature elements of an otherwise terrific park. Aside from the particular limestone they used (and the giant Minnie and Paul sign), Target Field does sort of lack a "signature" element that differentiates it from other parks and makes it immediately recognizable. Some examples would be the Green Monster, or the waterfalls in Kansas City.

 

And it's too bad because I thought the trees were a great nod to the Northwoods identity of this state. Not to mention the fact that in future years, they'll lose thousands of fans who are up at their cabins instead of going to weekend baseball games in the city, so why not bring the woods to the ballpark?! (Sorry. I wasn't born "one of us", excuse the poor humor).

 

What we have now is an ugly BLACK wall with nothing below it, and it was a total overreaction. Other teams have trees (COL) shrubs/rocks (ANA) and large scoreboards at or near the batter's eye. But I feel like they won't touch it for years because to put anything in there now would be an acknowledgement that they screwed up.

[jokin]

It's too bad we have a thread on ballpark improvements and I feel like a troll even bringing up the topic of CF and the batter's eye. But I'm sorry, it's one of the biggest aesthetic problems with the ballpark. It's too bad they let the opinions of a few players (some of which who are no longer with the team, or no longer great players) lead to the removal of what was one of the few signature elements of an otherwise terrific park. Aside from the particular limestone they used (and the giant Minnie and Paul sign), Target Field does sort of lack a "signature" element that differentiates it from other parks and makes it immediately recognizable. Some examples would be the Green Monster, or the waterfalls in Kansas City.

 

And it's too bad because I thought the trees were a great nod to the Northwoods identity of this state. Not to mention the fact that in future years, they'll lose thousands of fans who are up at their cabins instead of going to weekend baseball games in the city, so why not bring the woods to the ballpark?! (Sorry. I wasn't born "one of us", excuse the poor humor).

 

What we have now is an ugly BLACK wall with nothing below it, and it was a total overreaction. Other teams have trees (COL) shrubs/rocks (ANA) and large scoreboards at or near the batter's eye. But I feel like they won't touch it for years because to put anything in there now would be an acknowledgement that they screwed up.

Totally agree. You're not being a troll. It really isn't much of a stretch to state that a beautiful new ballpark, lovingly designed with thought and care and making a strong statement about the region for which it was created, has been desecrated, much like an original work of art being altered.

 

Maybe it's me, but I hadn't seen Fenway in a while so I don't know when the change was made, but that ugly tarp over those "signature" narrowly angulared centerfield seats was bothersome, too. Especially after they were able to put seats on top of the Green Monster and make it look architecturally consistent with the rest of the park.

[BrentMpls]

It's too bad we have a thread on ballpark improvements and I feel like a troll even bringing up the topic of CF and the batter's eye. But I'm sorry, it's one of the biggest aesthetic problems with the ballpark. It's too bad they let the opinions of a few players (some of which who are no longer with the team, or no longer great players) lead to the removal of what was one of the few signature elements of an otherwise terrific park. Aside from the particular limestone they used (and the giant Minnie and Paul sign), Target Field does sort of lack a "signature" element that differentiates it from other parks and makes it immediately recognizable. Some examples would be the Green Monster, or the waterfalls in Kansas City.

 

And it's too bad because I thought the trees were a great nod to the Northwoods identity of this state. Not to mention the fact that in future years, they'll lose thousands of fans who are up at their cabins instead of going to weekend baseball games in the city, so why not bring the woods to the ballpark?! (Sorry. I wasn't born "one of us", excuse the poor humor).

 

What we have now is an ugly BLACK wall with nothing below it, and it was a total overreaction. Other teams have trees (COL) shrubs/rocks (ANA) and large scoreboards at or near the batter's eye. But I feel like they won't touch it for years because to put anything in there now would be an acknowledgement that they screwed up.

 

Very much agree.

 

(Also that big ugly paint-streaked black wall was RAISED about 10 feet and obstructs center field viewing some).

[James]

It's too bad we have a thread on ballpark improvements and I feel like a troll even bringing up the topic of CF and the batter's eye. But I'm sorry, it's one of the biggest aesthetic problems with the ballpark. It's too bad they let the opinions of a few players (some of which who are no longer with the team, or no longer great players) lead to the removal of what was one of the few signature elements of an otherwise terrific park. Aside from the particular limestone they used (and the giant Minnie and Paul sign), Target Field does sort of lack a "signature" element that differentiates it from other parks and makes it immediately recognizable. Some examples would be the Green Monster, or the waterfalls in Kansas City.

 

And it's too bad because I thought the trees were a great nod to the Northwoods identity of this state. Not to mention the fact that in future years, they'll lose thousands of fans who are up at their cabins instead of going to weekend baseball games in the city, so why not bring the woods to the ballpark?! (Sorry. I wasn't born "one of us", excuse the poor humor).

 

What we have now is an ugly BLACK wall with nothing below it, and it was a total overreaction. Other teams have trees (COL) shrubs/rocks (ANA) and large scoreboards at or near the batter's eye. But I feel like they won't touch it for years because to put anything in there now would be an acknowledgement that they screwed up.

Not a troll statement at all.

 

I think the problem was with the reflection from the shiny green paint on the batter's eye in 2010. It supposedly had some pretty nasty reflections in the afternoons, which is where most of the complaints were from. Now that it is painted flat black, and there would be some better contrast between the wall and the trees, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

 

I miss the trees.

[purplesoldier]

Maybe the Wilfs will put a retractable dome on it. No, but seriously. I guess the seats are going to be better because it will cost more to sit in them.

[BrentMpls]

Not a troll statement at all.

 

I think the problem was with the reflection from the shiny green paint on the batter's eye in 2010. It supposedly had some pretty nasty reflections in the afternoons, which is where most of the complaints were from. Now that it is painted flat black, and there would be some better contrast between the wall and the trees, maybe it wouldn't be so bad.

 

I miss the trees.

 

The main instigator was Michael Cuddyer who claimed the shadows from the trees made playing in the outfield 'dangerous'.

[JB_Iowa]

I keep hoping that MLB will make them fix the "black hole" as a condition of awarding the AS game to the Twins. (Yeah, I know, not likely with Bud).

[Craig Arko]

Maybe a giant "Circle me Bert" sign would work there.

[twinzgrl]

There are MANY things that make Target Field unique and beautiful. I love the bat shaped lit topiaries with the hops growing up them out on the plaza, the wind sculpture covering the parking ramp, the plaza leading into gate 34, the limestone, wide concourses, BIG jumbotron, skyline views, easy light rail access, the roof deck, the cool swoop of the upper deck awning with the recessed lights, Minnie and Paul shaking hands, the respect for the past throughout the stadium in photos and artwork, the OLD Metropolitan stadium flag pole....BUT, the TREES were so SPECIAL!! The current batter's eye is an EYESORE. They need to put something else out there. How about some trees?!!

[BrentMpls]

easy light rail access

 

I wish that I could take advantage of the Lighrail, by the time it gets to me its absolutely packed from people who hop on at MOA.

[CDog]

I wish that I could take advantage of the Lighrail, by the time it gets to me its absolutely packed from people who hop on at MOA.

We tried it once fairly early in the 2010 season and it was packed by the first commuter lot after the airport. Folks who had been on since the MOA said there were no seats and limited standing room even BEFORE they got to the airport.

[CDog]

The main instigator was Michael Cuddyer who claimed the shadows from the trees made playing in the outfield 'dangerous'.

Any source for that? I am fairly certain he was someone who mentioned safety when it came to picking up the ball at the plate, but don't recall anyone ever making a comment about playing the outfield. I don't even see how they could have cast shadows onto the field, really. Were they backlit somehow and I don't remember that?

 

Agreed that there are a number of improvements that could be made to the restrooms. I typically don't use them, but they're not nearly on par with the rest of the place from an aesthetic or functionality standpoint.

[Teflon]

Upgrade the Twins scoreboard and other electronic signage to full 3D. (Also introduce the first 3D players uniforms)

[BrentMpls]

Any source for that?

I link it in this thread

http://twinsdaily.com/showthread.php?1385-Target-Field-s-black-batter-s-eye

[jokin]

Given tonight's productive bats and the vast amount of bushes and trees in the backdrop at Progressive field, shouldn't the players soon be clamoring for bringing back the arbor to TF?

[CDog]

I link it in this thread

http://twinsdaily.com/showthread.php?1385-Target-Field-s-black-batter-s-eye

Ahhh, thank you. As expected, his comments were about hitting and not about playing the outfield. Appreciate the link (or the link to the link!).