A Red Sox fan’s guide to Target Field

Jun 11, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; A general view of Target Field during the sixth inning in a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

With the exception of a 28-season tenure in the Metrodome, the Minnesota Twins have played baseball outdoors. I personally haven’t met a Twins fan who actually enjoyed the Metrodome experience either. After the 2009 season, the Twins said goodbye to the Metrodome and hello to the beautiful new park just a few blocks to the west: Target Field.

While its predecessors had reputations for being very generous to a hitter’s power numbers, Target Field is rather pitcher-friendly. The 29 home runs Josh Willingham has at his current home ballpark is good enough for the current all-time lead. The park’s dimensions: left field – 339 feet, left-center – 377 feet, center field left corner – 411 feet, center field right corner – 403 feet, right-center – 365 feet right Field – 328 feet.

I’ve personally been to Target Field twice, in 2011 and 2013, both times against the Kansas City Royals (side note: I live three hours away from Kansas City, but I’ve actually seen the Royals as a road team more times than I’ve seen them at Kauffman). I found Target Field to be a very fan-friendly venue. Ticket prices are rather reasonable, with the highest priced seats at just under $100 when in high demand. Concession prices are also rather reasonable, especially in comparison to Fenway.

It’s rather easy to get to Target Field, especially if you fly into Minneapolis International. There’s a rail system that begins at Mall of America (the airport terminal is the second stop). The overall time is roughly about 25-30 minutes since Target Field is the end of the line stop. Somewhat of a long wait, but you get where you need to go without having to rent a vehicle and risk getting lost.

It’s a big year for the AL’s youngest ballpark. Aside from being home to the Twins, Target Field will also host this year’s All Star Game as well as the Big Ten baseball tournament.