Twins Announce Fans Will Attend Games at Target Field

[John Bonnes]

We've got live baseball again. Today Governor Tim Walz announced an easing of restrictions around live events and shortly thereafter, the Twins announced the "safe return of our fans to Target Field" starting with April 8th's home opener.Specifics have not been announced, but you can expect crowd management to look a lot like it does at Twins' games in spring training, with about 25% capacity. We also don't know now how many tickets, if any, will be available to the general public, since season ticket holders will likely get the first opportunity for tickets. In spring training, some tickets were available to the general public, but they sold out within hours of going on sale.

 

Yesterday, John Bonnes provided this one-minute captioned video from Fort Myers, previewing what fan attendance looks like in Hammond Stadium for Twins games right now.

 

 

Here is the full announcement from the Twins:

 

MINNESOTA TWINS STATEMENT ON NEW STATE GUIDELINES

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Twins today released the following statement regarding new state guidelines for large venues, as announced by Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health:

 

“The Minnesota Twins organization is thrilled that the new state guidelines announced today by Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) pave the way for the safe return of our fans to Target Field for the upcoming 2021 season, beginning with our April 8 home opener.

 

“Our singular focus remains on the health, safety and well-being of every person that enters Target Field; to that end, we are currently reviewing the new guidance to ensure our comprehensive re-opening plan adheres to all MDH and Minneapolis Health Department directives. We will announce next steps, including our full ballpark protocols and ticket plans, in the very near future.

 

“We appreciate the continued partnership and dialogue with Governor Walz, MDH and City of Minneapolis officials throughout this process, and cannot wait to safely welcome Major League Baseball’s best fans back into Target Field. Win Twins!”

 

Click here to view the article

[Trov]

Twins talked in news story other day they are contacting season tickholders first to see if they want to get tickets, and they will get first picks.  I assume the higher ticket plans will get first options, and as people opt in or out, they will move on down the list.  Many season ticket holders will not get their normal seats to start for social distancing requirements.  

 

What I am wondering is the 25% based on how social distance seating needs to work, or based on risk level of having 10K people all in one place?  Meaning, as season moves on will it go to 30%, 40%, and so on, or will it just go to full open?  

 

My guess it will be slow increase and as long as numbers in the state stay stead or decrease more fans will be allowed.  Really in the past couple weeks we have made huge strides to getting back to some level of normal, only 1 year later. 

[Squirrel]

 

 

 

What I am wondering is the 25% based on how social distance seating needs to work, or based on risk level of having 10K people all in one place?  Meaning, as season moves on will it go to 30%, 40%, and so on, or will it just go to full open?  

 

 

 

My guess is ... yes.

 

In another thread I wondered if they would increase that incrementally along with the vaccination rates ... don't know. I work in the performing arts, and we are not back to having audiences inside yet, at all. And likely won't until next Fall. But, that's indoors. For 6 weeks during the summer we perform in an outdoor venue. Right now they are going with the 25% capacity guidelines, but have said, that could and would be adjusted as was deemed safe to do so. I imagine it will be the same for outdoor sports venues as well.

[KFEY93]

Just open it all up. If you're worried, watch from your couch. Period. #PlayBall

[nclahammer]

 

Just open it all up. If you're worried, watch from your couch. Period. #PlayBall

Really???  Let's not blow it folks and do something stupid.   25% is a good start, and I know that while I won't get to nearly as many games, to be back at Target Field for even  a few is something I'm looking forward to.

[Nine of twelve]

 

Just open it all up. If you're worried, watch from your couch. Period. #PlayBall

I'm not worried about people who are worried. I'm worried about people who are not worried.

[KFEY93]

 

I'm not worried about people who are worried. I'm worried about people who are not worried.

Well my friend, that is a sad state of mind and I hope you see the light some day. 

[Vanimal46]

Just open it all up. If you're worried, watch from your couch. Period. #PlayBall

I imagine everyone will be keeping a close eye on the Rangers early this season. They’ve already announced their intention of going full capacity from opening day. If there aren’t major consequences, I am sure other teams around the US will follow suit quickly.