Target Field Observations from Opening Day 2013

[BrentMpls]

-Renovation on the main plaza as you walk in from gate 34. They removed the standing room area with the shelves you could stand up to with this new "great clips" section that has stools and a table rail, similar to the area up in the Budweiser deck. There is a mini roof above this area that creates some protection from the elements - but I don't know that this is something most would want on a typical summer day. Overall I see this as a very negative change, removing decent standing room, especially in a area that was fun to hangout in in the 9th and then make a quick exit.

 

-Andrew Zimmern's burger stand (along the 3rd base line somewhere) sells burgers for... wait for it... $13. Yowch.

 

-I saw new mac n cheese options, as well as mac's fish and chips. I didn't check prices, but I can't say this stuff really grabs me. Mac's fish and chips is fun, but I doubt I'll get it at the ballpark.

 

-The Surly Beer stand was missing. If I'm going to shell out $10 for a beer, I'd rather make mine Surly.

 

-I saw a lot of $11 canned 3/2 beer. Yowch.

 

-No doubt hand in hand with the plaza renovation was the moving of the FSN broadcast team (Smalley, Coom-Dawg, etc) to left-center field area, not too far from the state fair stand in center.

 

-I've noticed this in the past, but I find it odd 4 years in that there are still a lot of dead spots for the PA system. I was watching most of the game in center field (just left of it) and you could not hear the public address announcer at all. Not because of noise of muffled quality, but because there wasn't any speakers in the area! And with the tv's being as far out as they were it was hard to know who was coming up to bat sometimes.

 

-STH discount card worked. First year they mail out an actual plastic card since Target Field came about, and it has your # on it for the first time as well. It only works at some areas and on some items, but the safe choice of $4 'Twins Dogs' were discounted - although now you walk around with a pocket full of change to save a few cents.

 

-Metropolitan club was extremely overcrowded. It seems like this place could use a redesign, its a neat perk but unless you want to drop the $35 (or did it go up this year?) on the buffet you are only about 10 seats in the whole place. Not enough!

 

-Heat lamps were most welcome on floor 1, but are little more than a token gesture. Many sections don't have them, they are only about 2 feet wide and encourage the shoving game on bitter cold days like the opener.

 

 

S'all I got !

[Mike Sixel]

Seriously on those beer prices? That would discourage me from going to the game for sure.

[UCLA_YANKEE_COLA]

There are beers for less than $11.00. There might BE beers for $11 but there are also beers for $6.00.

[James]

The Surly cart is missing, yes, but the beer is not. There is a Minnesota Pub close to the "great clips" section. It's pretty much the first thing when you walk in the plaza from gate 34. Section 141. They have Surly and Fulton there (as well as a full bar).

 

And the Surly was only $9.

[ThePuck]

The Surly cart is missing, yes, but the beer is not. There is a Minnesota Pub close to the "great clips" section. It's pretty much the first thing when you walk in the plaza from gate 34. Section 141. They have Surly and Fulton there (as well as a full bar).

 

And the Surly was only $9.

 

9 bucks? Surly you can't be serious! :-)

[powrwrap]

-

-I saw a lot of $11 canned 3/2 beer. Yowch.

 

These are the 24 oz. cans. I'm pretty sure it is strong beer. Why do you think it is 3.2% beer?

[James]

9 bucks? Surly you can't be serious! :-)

 

I am serious.... and don't call me Surly.

[StormJH1]

Beer/Surly Prices - The Surly was pretty hard to find, but only because we entered from Parking Garage A. We're usually in the right field garage by Gate 34, and that's where the new "Twins Pub" stand is. As of right now, they offer Surly Furious and Fulton Sweet Child of Vine (god that was good yesterday with the cold air keeping it chilled) for $9.00. They also have cans of Surly Hell and Bender, I believe, but the "Bandwagon" that was a TF-exclusive last year is not there (never got to try it).

 

The Captain's Deck has been rebranded "Twins Pub", also, and that kind of bummed me out. I don't do hard liquor at the ballpark anyway, but we're often in that section, and the Captain's Deck was just a part of the ballpark. Also, I think the "Twins Pub" is mostly about hard booze, and is kind of weak on beer. If they had a line of beer taps (including Surly and Fulton), I could get behind the concept more, but it's a bit misnamed. People were jammed into there on Opening Day, however, mostly for warmth.

 

Beer prices are absurd in general, and you wonder if it can last. Actually, I think the price of Surly and Fulton is reasonable when you consider that they sell large Nordeast for $9 also. Really? I went to Yankee Stadium last September, and the prices are only slightly worse there (and that's NEW YORK). I imagine the prototypical stoic Norwegian couple driving in for the game might have a near heartattack after seeing some of the prices.

 

Food Options - The AZ Canteen burger is made out of lamb and goat, and its meant to be a premium item, which is why it's $13.00. It's comparable to the Murray's Steak Sandwich, in that respect. At the end of the day, there's something "off" about the food options and placement at Target Field. It seems like there should be tons of great options, but I find myself walking aimlessly dismissing one option after another ("too expensive", "gross", "more variations of sausage/hot dog"). Ended up with at Chicken Sandwich basket with fries for $8...arguably the best value in the park for what you get.

 

3.2 Beer - I was paranoid about that when I moved to Minnesota, but my understanding is that it's a myth. The beer they serve at Target Field (and the Dome, at least in the late 2000's) was not 3.2 beer.

 

RF "Great Clips" Section - Part of the selling point of Target Field was that modern ballparks needed open concourses that allowed you to stand and watch the game while chatting with friends or buying food items. You can still do that to a great degree. I'll try and post my photos of the Great Clips section in the next post. Although I liked hanging out by Gate 34 and then walking out of the park after the 9th, I didn't immediately hate it. I agree that Gate 34 was some of the best standing room, but there are other areas like that (200 Level in CF, all the way around the concourse below the overhang), and it's comparable to what I've seen in Safeco and other parks.

 

Heat Lamps - Honestly, these only really matter for a handful of games in April, early May, and whenever the next time we play after the first week of October again. When I was Safeco in 2010, one of the ushers there said she was jealous of the heat lamps at TF because they don't have them here. (That game was 42 degrees and FREEZING, despite the roof being closed). But honestly, the heat lamps don't seem to do a whole heck of a lot. I was directly under one in the 8th, and we were still pretty cold. Conversely, the sun was on our seats for innings 1-6 and I was getting a bit hot at times!

[StormJH1]

Some photos from 04/01/2013, as promised:

 

(Rebranded "Twins Pub", formerly "Captain's Deck"

 

 

(This is the Gate 34/RF vendor that sells Surly/Fulton, though I believe Town Ball Tavern (LF - 200's) has it also.)

[StormJH1]

 

(This is the new RF "Great Clips" section. You get a high chair and a mini-bar area. Seats are numbered. Suppose this would be nice if you plan a LOT of food or beer, which might be the main appeal if we have a .400 winning percentage again by June).

[BrentMpls]

There are beers for less than $11.00. There might BE beers for $11 but there are also beers for $6.00.

 

Other beer options are available, but the ones you would see every 6 feet from a live normally roaming vender that was stationary creating a 'wall' of sorts along the opposite side of the corridor were the large $11 cans.

 

I've never seen a beer for $6 at TF.

 

Your comment implies that $11 beers are rare, when they were def the norm and front and center opening day.

 

These are the 24 oz. cans. I'm pretty sure it is strong beer. Why do you think it is 3.2% beer?

 

That was a joke on the 3/2, more of a knock on the quality of it. It isn't strong beer like Surly, its just the typical Miller, Bud, etc gar-bage in a slightly larger can. It was everywhere!

 

Beer/Surly Prices - The Surly was pretty hard to find, but only because we entered from Parking Garage A. We're usually in the right field garage by Gate 34, and that's where the new "Twins Pub" stand is. As of right now, they offer Surly Furious and Fulton Sweet Child of Vine (god that was good yesterday with the cold air keeping it chilled) for $9.00. They also have cans of Surly Hell and Bender, I believe, but the "Bandwagon" that was a TF-exclusive last year is not there (never got to try it).

 

The Captain's Deck has been rebranded "Twins Pub", also, and that kind of bummed me out. I don't do hard liquor at the ballpark anyway, but we're often in that section, and the Captain's Deck was just a part of the ballpark. Also, I think the "Twins Pub" is mostly about hard booze, and is kind of weak on beer. If they had a line of beer taps (including Surly and Fulton), I could get behind the concept more, but it's a bit misnamed. People were jammed into there on Opening Day, however, mostly for warmth.

 

Beer prices are absurd in general, and you wonder if it can last. Actually, I think the price of Surly and Fulton is reasonable when you consider that they sell large Nordeast for $9 also. Really? I went to Yankee Stadium last September, and the prices are only slightly worse there (and that's NEW YORK). I imagine the prototypical stoic Norwegian couple driving in for the game might have a near heartattack after seeing some of the prices.

 

Surly wasn't just hard to find because of where you parked!

 

It occurred to me that maybe the specialty MN Beer stands might be selling it, but I didn't feel like digging through the lines to find out. All I knew is the trusty Surly cart, that raised prices twice last year, was missing. Perhaps because it was so cold? Perhaps because they couldn't get their act together before the opener? (they were 'late' last year after "running out" a few times). Perhaps the cart is just gone and they didn't want to pay for it this year. Who knows?

 

I don't mind the name change of the Captain's deck, that was just marketing for Captain Morgan. I'm sure it will change again once they find another sponsor that doesn't mind a 90+ losing game per season team.

 

I very much agree about the prices of Surly compared to the other swill that is easier to find. If I'm going to drop roughly $10 on a beer, I'd much rather have it be one of quality, like a Surly.

 

The AZ Canteen burger is made out of lamb and goat, and its meant to be a premium item, which is why it's $13.00. It's comparable to the Murray's Steak Sandwich, in that respect. At the end of the day, there's something "off" about the food options and placement at Target Field. It seems like there should be tons of great options, but I find myself walking aimlessly dismissing one option after another ("too expensive", "gross", "more variations of sausage/hot dog"). Ended up with at Chicken Sandwich basket with fries for $8...arguably the best value in the park for what you get.

 

Very much agree with you about the chicken basket. Kinda sad. The regular ol' Twins dog for $4 isn't too bad either.

 

As far as the AZ things goes... I do love that TF has a billion food options. I never liked that at the Dome, to me its like buy a hotdog and watch the game. I never understood people that bought mini pizzas and other oddities that were available the last few years there. But TF is different, you can walk around and still see the game. While I still go for the product on the fields (shudder), it is fun to have this great atmosphere to wander around in. That said I have always found that the expensive stuff that costs $10-15 a pop isn't worth it. Its not that I'm unwilling to pay the outrageous prices, because I'm a sucker, its more so that they never knock my socks off. I'd rather pay half the price and get something better at a place a block or two away from TF. And some places, like Tony O's, can make something that is tasty and somewhat worth the price, but then they often ruin that by pre-making the sandwiches and letting them sit there and get cold. Gross. But I digress...

 

3.2 Beer - I was paranoid about that when I moved to Minnesota, but my understanding is that it's a myth. The beer they serve at Target Field (and the Dome, at least in the late 2000's) was not 3.2 beer.

 

As stated above, that was mostly a joke (it may be 3/2 for all I know, and yes 3/2 does exist). It was more a comment on seeing crap $11 cans as far as the eye can see, but no Surly cart.

 

RF "Great Clips" Section - Part of the selling point of Target Field was that modern ballparks needed open concourses that allowed you to stand and watch the game while chatting with friends or buying food items. You can still do that to a great degree. I'll try and post my photos of the Great Clips section in the next post. Although I liked hanging out by Gate 34 and then walking out of the park after the 9th, I didn't immediately hate it. I agree that Gate 34 was some of the best standing room, but there are other areas like that (200 Level in CF, all the way around the concourse below the overhang), and it's comparable to what I've seen in Safeco and other parks.

 

I agree part of the appeal of a ballpark like TF is the great sight lines which is why taking away one of the best really bums me out.

 

Heat Lamps - Honestly, these only really matter for a handful of games in April, early May, and whenever the next time we play after the first week of October again. When I was Safeco in 2010, one of the ushers there said she was jealous of the heat lamps at TF because they don't have them here. (That game was 42 degrees and FREEZING, despite the roof being closed). But honestly, the heat lamps don't seem to do a whole heck of a lot. I was directly under one in the 8th, and we were still pretty cold. Conversely, the sun was on our seats for innings 1-6 and I was getting a bit hot at times!

 

Yup, I very much agree.

 

But I point it out because they will still get advertised and mentioned as if they are some great commodity when in fact they are barley a token gesture. If they had it across all the lower level sections, and heck really on levels 2 (why doesn't the metropolitan club have them outside?!?!) and 3 for the less financially endowed fans, it would be worth bragging about.

[LaBombo]

Thanks for the detailed and helpful updates, Brent and Storm. Good stuff, although I was a little disappointed in the lack of stats to back up your scouting...

[CDog]

When do we get to see your "con" list?

[spideyo]

The surly cart disappeared because the surly was honestly simply way too popular. Moving it to an actual stand allows them to utilize the "keg rooms" where they can have a dozen kegs chilled and ready to tap at the start of the game.

 

As far as the RF area goes, my understanding of the original plans was that it would be an area available for groups to rent, similar to the roof deck (hence the numbered seats). I suspect that it will eventually turn into that, but possibly not until next season. They were literally still drilling into the concrete over there two weeks ago, so they may have simply not finished it in time to sell it to groups.

 

I have been in the liquor rooms and the keg rooms. There is NO 3.2 beer anywhere in Target Field. There is however, a ton of overpriced crappy beer. So long as Budweiser still has a massive ad contract with the Twins (and MLB in general), crappy beer will be the dominant beer. If you actually like good beer, like surly, fulton, etc., take a minute and fill out a comment card or email the twins or go to guest services. Ultimately, the Twins have to give final approval to all changes to concessions, and if enough people tell them they want better beer, they'll expand it. You can try to ask them to lower prices too, but don't hold your breath.

 

 

The heat lamps are actually a lot more effective than you realize, it was just cold as hell these last two games. If you compared standing near the heat lamps to being on the roof deck where there were none, you would have definitely appreciated it. They help, but they aren't really designed to deal with 35 degree games.

 

 

The prices on the food and drink are sadly not likely to go down anytime soon. As far as the quality of the food goes, if you pay $10-$15 for food and it's cold or gross, demand your money back. Seriously. If they argue, ask to see a manager. In Legends club that would be Steve, in Champions club a different Steve, in Met Club Cynthia, in Town Ball/Hrbeks/Roof Deck it's Dan. I'm not sure who the managers are for concessions right now, but when I figure it out I can post it if you guys want. There are very specific guidelines that all the staff is SUPPOSED to be following to ensure quality product, but quite honestly a lot of the staff kinda sucks. You get what you pay for, and DNC doesn't pay that well. That said, the managers and chefs don't spend nearly enough time doing quality checks on all the stands, and usually only address things after customers complain. So complain. I will pass the word on that I have heard complaints about Tony O's for sure, cuz I know Tony wouldn't be happy to hear people are getting crappy sandwiches with his name on it, and we don't want Tony to be sad.

 

 

As far as the PA system goes, next time I'm at the stadium (I'm off tomorrow), I'll actually go over there and check it out. I know in a lot of areas they have ceiling and wall speakers that are controlled locally that get turned off or down sometimes and never get turned back up. If you find any other dead spots, feel free to let me know and I'll pass those on. While it's technically not my job to have anything to do with any of the PA stuff, I figured out most of the control panel passwords a long time ago, and in many of my other jobs I do a lot of audio tech stuff.

[jctwins]

I'll tell you the music in 106 was way too loud, too. Like obnoxiously.

[Sarah]

The only observation I remember from opening day was trying not to freeze to death. :-)

[kydoty]

The Great Clips RF section annoys me because for the first three years that was a great standing room area to see the game. Now it completely obstructs the view of the game.

[Otto von Ballpark]

Please do not advocate turning up any speakers. Many sections are already virtually uninhabitable due to insane, constant speaker volume. Remember, it is not just the PA announcer, it is the music they play constantly whenever the PA announcer isn't talking.

 

If you have trouble hearing it in one section, just find another, it shouldn't be hard this year. But please don't take away any relatively quiet refuge sections.

[BrentMpls]

I'll tell you the music in 106 was way too loud, too. Like obnoxiously.

 

Oh believe me, I know in some sections it is annoyingly loud!

 

I just find it that in others, its a 'silent' ballpark so-to-speak, as you don't hear ANY PA system, which while great to avoid the music, sucks as you don't hear the who's up to bat and whatnot. Which can be especially challenging just left of centerfield where you can't see the scoreboard either - and of course is pretty far away from the plate!

 

The Great Clips RF section annoys me because for the first three years that was a great standing room area to see the game. Now it completely obstructs the view of the game.

 

Very much agree

 

Please do not advocate turning up any speakers. Many sections are already virtually uninhabitable due to insane, constant speaker volume. Remember, it is not just the PA announcer, it is the music they play constantly whenever the PA announcer isn't talking.

 

If you have trouble hearing it in one section, just find another, it shouldn't be hard this year. But please don't take away any relatively quiet refuge sections.

 

I'm not sure who you are addressing, I certainly never advocated for speakers to be turned up, just pointing out that some sections don't have speakers at all, quite or loud.

 

I also haven't forgotten that it isn't just the PA announcer, but also the music, which I too find annoying.

 

Your suggestion to find another section isn't helpful.

[BrentMpls]

The surly cart disappeared because the surly was honestly simply way too popular. Moving it to an actual stand allows them to utilize the "keg rooms" where they can have a dozen kegs chilled and ready to tap at the start of the game.

 

Hi spideyo! Your responses suggest you must work at Target Field in some capacity, is that right?

 

Good to know on the Surly stand, but if it was that popular to require keg rooms rather than the kegs they wheeled out to the stands, it seems like that change should have been communicated in some way, doesn't it? At least keep the easy to identify Surly sign out? Or better yet make it available at multiple locations? I can't say that I'm 100% clear where it is available at this point, as there are multiple MN Beer locations, stands themselves if I recall. Anyway, handled poorly. Multiple Star Tribune writers could not find Surly as well, I know I'm not alone in this.

 

 

As far as the RF area goes, my understanding of the original plans was that it would be an area available for groups to rent, similar to the roof deck (hence the numbered seats). I suspect that it will eventually turn into that, but possibly not until next season. They were literally still drilling into the concrete over there two weeks ago, so they may have simply not finished it in time to sell it to groups.

 

I'm not sure that making what was for the first 3 years a public space to watch the game from the main gate into a group-rent only option a good idea, but it is what it is. The Budweiser deck is only available for a handful of Thursday games to the public, if this is the same, that is even MORE disappointing. But the main thing here is the loss of standing room to watch the game.

 

I have been in the liquor rooms and the keg rooms. There is NO 3.2 beer anywhere in Target Field. There is however, a ton of overpriced crappy beer. So long as Budweiser still has a massive ad contract with the Twins (and MLB in general), crappy beer will be the dominant beer. If you actually like good beer, like surly, fulton, etc., take a minute and fill out a comment card or email the twins or go to guest services. Ultimately, the Twins have to give final approval to all changes to concessions, and if enough people tell them they want better beer, they'll expand it. You can try to ask them to lower prices too, but don't hold your breath.

 

I doubt my complaints will be heard, as it would take thousands of others to do the same for it to be noticed, but good suggestion.

 

 

The heat lamps are actually a lot more effective than you realize, it was just cold as hell these last two games. If you compared standing near the heat lamps to being on the roof deck where there were none, you would have definitely appreciated it. They help, but they aren't really designed to deal with 35 degree games.

 

spideyo, I certainly did appreciate them, as I mentioned they were most welcome. I also pointed out the flaws and how they are a token gesture at best. And while I understand they are not designed for 35 degree games, that is what we get in Minnesota and designing them for that purpose would also be most welcome. As I also mentioned above, this wont be an issue in a month, but for when it is needed, like opening day, they aren't that effective (but yes, better than not having them). I've been to every opening day at TF, and have been up in the stands freezing away, it aint fun.

 

 

So complain. I will pass the word on that I have heard complaints about Tony O's for sure, cuz I know Tony wouldn't be happy to hear people are getting crappy sandwiches with his name on it, and we don't want Tony to be sad.

 

I really doubt Tony is aware or gives a hoot about it, but please do. My comments was more about how I've tried most of the food options there at least once, and the cuban is something I've had multipel times as I felt it was good and almost worth the price, at least in comparison. But after having multiple cold gross versions of it where it isn't made in front of me, rather pre-made, wrapped, and waiting, I wont be going back.

 

 

As far as the PA system goes, next time I'm at the stadium (I'm off tomorrow), I'll actually go over there and check it out. I know in a lot of areas they have ceiling and wall speakers that are controlled locally that get turned off or down sometimes and never get turned back up. If you find any other dead spots, feel free to let me know and I'll pass those on. While it's technically not my job to have anything to do with any of the PA stuff, I figured out most of the control panel passwords a long time ago, and in many of my other jobs I do a lot of audio tech stuff.

 

As others have pointed out, some sections are actually TOO loud, and many who go to the game for the game find the music annoying. But where I was, just a section or two away from the state fair stand in left/center field there was NO PA. Not quite, not muffled, just nothing. Like there is no speakers (or turned off as you suggested).

[Mike Sixel]

Now that I understand what you are talking about with the RF standing area, I am baffled. It was one of the selling points in the design, that big open area. But I guess I should not be surprised the FO and owners are more interested in more money than a cool standing area.

[StormJH1]

Great comments. I don't consider this so much a thread about "Opening Day" as it is about the state of Target Field entering Year 4 (wow, already?) and the things that are new for this season.

 

@spideyo - That's a great point about the Budweiser sponsorship. Budweiser has crazy inroads all over MLB, so it should be surprising that addition to wanting a giant sign in LF, they would also make efforts to limit competitor products. I really don't consider myself a beer "snob" - I wouldn't generally complain about being limited to a Miller Lite instead of a microbrew, especially at a ballpark setting. But my thing is this - if your pricing structure makes it such that a single tall beer costs basically what a 12-pack costs at a liquor store, I'm basically "treating" myself to a beer or two at that point. And if I'm already spending $7.50 or more no matter what I buy, it might as been a Fulton, Surly, or something above and beyond something you'd get in a keg at a frat party. If a Miller Lite/Bud Light were closer to the $6.50 range, I probably would rather drink that than $9.00 a beer.

 

@BrentMpls - I love food, and I love food options. But I just find myself walking around, not particularly finding what I want, and then I end up with a dog or chix sandwich, which is basically similar to what the Metrodome had to offer. When the weather is nicer (and the park is more pleasant to be around), we like to show up 90-120 minutes early and eat at Town Ball Tavern. It's basically a sit down version of some of the same food offered in the park (the Murray's sandwich, Juicy Lucy, etc.), but you get a table and silverware, and you're not dropping crap all over your jersey. That place can get pretty crowded closer to gametime, however, so I think a lot of people do that.

[StormJH1]

Now that I understand what you are talking about with the RF standing area, I am baffled. It was one of the selling points in the design, that big open area. But I guess I should not be surprised the FO and owners are more interested in more money than a cool standing area.

 

I guess where I'm still confused though (and maybe I shouldn't be) is how they actually get more money from that. Target Field isn't "small" capacity-wise. Game 2 had the lowest attendance ever and even when they are closer to capacity (usually earlier in the summer and against teams like the Brewers, Yankees, etc.), a lot of those people StubHub'ed their way in, anyway. Are they actually making that much more money selling those as seats, as opposed to standing room tickets?

[Mike Sixel]

They must think so, otherwise why do it? It's all about money in the stadium.

[BrentMpls]

I guess where I'm still confused though (and maybe I shouldn't be) is how they actually get more money from that. Target Field isn't "small" capacity-wise. Game 2 had the lowest attendance ever and even when they are closer to capacity (usually earlier in the summer and against teams like the Brewers, Yankees, etc.), a lot of those people StubHub'ed their way in, anyway. Are they actually making that much more money selling those as seats, as opposed to standing room tickets?

 

I think another poster said the area is 'for rent' to groups, sorta like a suite or the bud deck. I imagine that brings in some big bucks.

[spideyo]

I think the idea is that it would be for rent, but I'm not sure if they are actually doing that right now. Essentially, they eliminated a section of seats and lowered the number of tickets they need to sell to declare it a "sellout"

[Mike Sixel]

spideyo, did they eliminate seats, or some of the big open standing room area?

[SweetOne69]

spideyo, did they eliminate seats, or some of the big open standing room area?

 

Since the capacity dropped by 500, I assume that seats were removed (actually I believe that area was benches anyway).

[BrentMpls]

spideyo, did they eliminate seats, or some of the big open standing room area?

 

Both