Spring is in the air - it's time once again for TwinsFest at the Metrodome. 2010 marks the 21st installment of the annual festival celebrating your Minnesota Twins.
This is my second consecutive year going to TwinsFest. I went last year, and thought to myself, "they've done this for 20 years now, why haven't I been here until now?" It's a big enough deal that even this morning's Pioneer Press and Star Tribune newspapers had cover stories on their sports pages about the event.
I decided to do things a little differently this year: I got my tickets in advance, instead of waiting out in the cold at the ticket office to buy them at the Dome. It saves four dollars; advance tickets are $8, "at the door" tickets are $12.
I left for the Dome immediately after work on Friday January 29th, with the gates opening at 4pm, it gave me an hour to get downtown and to the Dome. The lines getting into the stadium (only 2 gates were used for entry, Gate F and Gate H) were incredibly long. And, between folks standing at the ticket offices getting tickets, and those in line waiting to get in - it got a bit confusing.
I got to the Dome at about 3:40 pm and I didn't actually get inside the stadium until 4:15. The line seemed to move quickly at 4, when the gates opened, but then lulled as we got closer to the gate. Years ago, ticket takers at the gate, would tear a small portion off the ticket. Sporting events, concerts, operas - you name it - use electronic ticket bar code scanners these days. Apparently, one of the electronic scanners wasn't working correctly, and slowed everything up.
What really surprises me, is shortly after the Twins departed the Dome, the stadium officials took the turnstiles out of the stadium. You'd think, without the turnstiles, the lines might move faster getting inside. Not so much. I think it took longer for me to walk the 20 feet to the gate, than it did for me to follow the line around the stadium waiting to get in.
Once inside, many things have changed. The Vikings have painted purple all over the concourses. You wouldn't even know a baseball team played there; although the baseball configuration is used for TwinsFest.
Familiar exhibits filled the field including "Down Memory Lane" which this year was a collection of items from the Twins' three ballparks: Met Stadium, the Metrodome and their new ballpark, Target Field. It was a good collection of memorabilia, especially from the days of the Met. The Twins also cancelled some TwinsFest staples this year, namely dugout, clubhouse and press box tours.
Most of my time was spent at the Target Field display. I grabbed all the ticket information, seat charts, pocket schedules and other assorted paraphernalia I could get my hands on. It is hard to believe in just three short months, the Twins will be playing outdoors.
I played a few of the "spin the wheel" games. I put $5 down at one, and ended up winning an autographed Bob Feller bobblehead doll; a bobblehead that sells for $40 at the Bob Feller Museum in Iowa.
I was a bit disappointed to see the lack of Target Field merchandise at this year's TwinsFest. I asked one of the folks in the Twins Pro Shop section if they had any Target Field t-shirts or anything; no such luck. I was tempted however to buy one of the new home jerseys, unveiled a couple months ago, the one that pays homage to the jerseys worn in the early 1960s.
The Metrodome seems to work well for TwinsFest. The Twins have looked into hosting it at a convention center or hotel, according to the Pioneer Press article, but because the event is so large (TwinsFest boasts the largest sports card and memorabilia show in the Upper Midwest), and the Metrodome's capacity to hold large groups of people, the Dome seems to win out.
And, truth be told, for obvious reasons, Target Field would seem out of the picture as well.
Patrick Klinger, director of marketing for the Twins praised the Dome in this morning's Pioneer Press article saying that, "[the Dome is] really a perfect venue for TwinsFest." Yes, it was great to be back in the old place again; but also to look forward to what lies ahead at Target Field.
As a final note, one of the sports card displays set up on the field (if you haven't been to TwinsFest, you would be surprised how many tables and exhibits are set up on the field) had unused tickets from previous Twins seasons at the Met and at the Dome. I looked for those two tickets I lost on my way out of the final game at the Dome last October - no luck.
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Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Saint Paul wants a ballpark now
We have tried this before, haven't we?
I seem to remember a pitch (forgive the pun) the Twins made a few years ago to build a ballpark in downtown Saint Paul - right across the street from the Xcel Energy Center if memory serves correctly. It didn't go over very well.
According to this morning's Pioneer Press, the Saint Paul Saints will be asking for a mere $25 million in state money to aid the construction of a new ballpark in the Lowertown area of Saint Paul. It seems to be a pretty neat location, as the new Lafayette Bridge will seemingly be visible just beyond the center field wall.
Reasons for needing a new ballpark for the Saints are numerous. Their current home, Midway Stadium is in "bad shape" according to the article - everything from a not-so-well operated concession stand to portable toilets outside the stadium are reasons for the Saints asking for state help.
I've been to a Saints game once. Best seats I've ever had for a baseball game, or any sporting event for that matter. A friend gave me tickets and he was one of the first to buy season tickets all the way back in 1993 when the Saints first started. He gave me four seats, front row, right behind home plate.
I can't say, even all those years ago, that Midway Stadium was impressive. It is a minor-league ballpark, after all. I do remember the long concession lines. Mike Veeck, owner of the Saints said in the article that the main problem at Midway is the concession service. "People get in line, and aren't seen for 3 1/2 innings," he said.
Midway has played host to some concerts, and other than Saints games, amateur baseball games. And, for a small concrete slab with bleachers on Energy Park Drive, isn't incredibly impressive, as I mentioned earlier. As for a possible replacement, Veeck said, "[We're] trying to figure out what would make it fun, sexy and first of it's kind...."
Just what on the blue earth makes a ballpark "sexy"? That's a new one to me. Most teams that build new buildings, whatever level of play, whatever sport, usually use words such as "unique," "first-class" and "modern" to describe their new buildings. "Sexy," not so much.
I saw some renderings of what a new ballpark might look like (I tried to find them online, with no luck). Honestly, they didn't get me excited. It looked a little strange for a ballpark. On the other hand, the Saints and strange antics seem to go hand-in-hand. But, nonetheless, the renderings I saw didn't say to me, "unique" or "first-class" or..."sexy;" whatever that means.
I seem to remember a pitch (forgive the pun) the Twins made a few years ago to build a ballpark in downtown Saint Paul - right across the street from the Xcel Energy Center if memory serves correctly. It didn't go over very well.
According to this morning's Pioneer Press, the Saint Paul Saints will be asking for a mere $25 million in state money to aid the construction of a new ballpark in the Lowertown area of Saint Paul. It seems to be a pretty neat location, as the new Lafayette Bridge will seemingly be visible just beyond the center field wall.
Reasons for needing a new ballpark for the Saints are numerous. Their current home, Midway Stadium is in "bad shape" according to the article - everything from a not-so-well operated concession stand to portable toilets outside the stadium are reasons for the Saints asking for state help.
I've been to a Saints game once. Best seats I've ever had for a baseball game, or any sporting event for that matter. A friend gave me tickets and he was one of the first to buy season tickets all the way back in 1993 when the Saints first started. He gave me four seats, front row, right behind home plate.
I can't say, even all those years ago, that Midway Stadium was impressive. It is a minor-league ballpark, after all. I do remember the long concession lines. Mike Veeck, owner of the Saints said in the article that the main problem at Midway is the concession service. "People get in line, and aren't seen for 3 1/2 innings," he said.
Midway has played host to some concerts, and other than Saints games, amateur baseball games. And, for a small concrete slab with bleachers on Energy Park Drive, isn't incredibly impressive, as I mentioned earlier. As for a possible replacement, Veeck said, "[We're] trying to figure out what would make it fun, sexy and first of it's kind...."
Just what on the blue earth makes a ballpark "sexy"? That's a new one to me. Most teams that build new buildings, whatever level of play, whatever sport, usually use words such as "unique," "first-class" and "modern" to describe their new buildings. "Sexy," not so much.
I saw some renderings of what a new ballpark might look like (I tried to find them online, with no luck). Honestly, they didn't get me excited. It looked a little strange for a ballpark. On the other hand, the Saints and strange antics seem to go hand-in-hand. But, nonetheless, the renderings I saw didn't say to me, "unique" or "first-class" or..."sexy;" whatever that means.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Getting to Target Field
While I was going through my emails today, I got a daily email from the Twin Cities Business Journal about a new website the Twins are putting up (the "new" site is embedded within their regular website) informing folks about transportation options to Target Field, come April.
If you are familiar with the location of Target Field, it really is in a very accessible part of downtown. There really is not an absence of routes to get there. The main issue really, is traffic management getting in, and more importantly, out of downtown after a game. Through this new website (http://www.destinationtargetfield.com), the Twins are laying out your options in black and white.
According to the article from the Business Journal(http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2010/01/11/daily49.html), Target Field will be the most "transit-friendly" ballpark in Major League Baseball. I-94 accesses the park from the east and west, as does I-394. State Highway 55 runs near the park. Then you have light rail coming from the south, and a commuter rail line coming from the north.
The big issue though, is how to get out after games. And this doesn't apply to just the 40,000 ticket holders, but perhaps commuters that might get snarled up in post-game traffic during those occasional weekday 12:10 starts. This new website is really a good move by the Twins. I am still trying to sort out how I should leave downtown after a game. I have not-so-nice visions of bumper-to-bumper traffic trying to get back on to I-94 westbound.
The Twins do suggest coming early and also staying later. They also suggest using the same mode of parking that you do now for games at the Metrodome.
That's also been a big issue for me, where should I park? I certainly would not suggest parking in the ABC Ramps right there between Target Field and Target Center. You'd have to think many of the available spaces would be reserved for season ticket holders, and whatever is left would be at a premium parking rate.
Personally, I think I'll take the Twins' advice and come early. I'm planning on attending mostly day games in the new ballpark. The lot I usually park in is probably the same distance from Target Field as it is from the Metrodome, just a different direction. I am concerned though about whether or not the lot will raise its rates. And I just hop the light rail to get the rest of the way (especially on those rainy and/or cold days). Oh, I'll just admit it, I love riding that train.
The Twins are pushing for fans to use MetroTransit once Target Field opens. Many bus routes go right by the ballpark. The Hiawatha Light Rail comes in there, as does the Northstar Commuter line. Eventually the Central Corridor light rail from Saint Paul will end at Target Field as will a proposed light rail line that will predominantly use County Road 81 that goes through Crystal, Robbinsdale, etc.
I might end up doing that myself, the bus I would take from my home in North Minneapolis to downtown, stops right in front of the ballpark. And, for a base-fare of $1.75, I can't beat that. I'll just have to try several different options out and see which works the best.
If you are familiar with the location of Target Field, it really is in a very accessible part of downtown. There really is not an absence of routes to get there. The main issue really, is traffic management getting in, and more importantly, out of downtown after a game. Through this new website (http://www.destinationtargetfield.com), the Twins are laying out your options in black and white.
According to the article from the Business Journal(http://twincities.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2010/01/11/daily49.html), Target Field will be the most "transit-friendly" ballpark in Major League Baseball. I-94 accesses the park from the east and west, as does I-394. State Highway 55 runs near the park. Then you have light rail coming from the south, and a commuter rail line coming from the north.
The big issue though, is how to get out after games. And this doesn't apply to just the 40,000 ticket holders, but perhaps commuters that might get snarled up in post-game traffic during those occasional weekday 12:10 starts. This new website is really a good move by the Twins. I am still trying to sort out how I should leave downtown after a game. I have not-so-nice visions of bumper-to-bumper traffic trying to get back on to I-94 westbound.
The Twins do suggest coming early and also staying later. They also suggest using the same mode of parking that you do now for games at the Metrodome.
That's also been a big issue for me, where should I park? I certainly would not suggest parking in the ABC Ramps right there between Target Field and Target Center. You'd have to think many of the available spaces would be reserved for season ticket holders, and whatever is left would be at a premium parking rate.
Personally, I think I'll take the Twins' advice and come early. I'm planning on attending mostly day games in the new ballpark. The lot I usually park in is probably the same distance from Target Field as it is from the Metrodome, just a different direction. I am concerned though about whether or not the lot will raise its rates. And I just hop the light rail to get the rest of the way (especially on those rainy and/or cold days). Oh, I'll just admit it, I love riding that train.
The Twins are pushing for fans to use MetroTransit once Target Field opens. Many bus routes go right by the ballpark. The Hiawatha Light Rail comes in there, as does the Northstar Commuter line. Eventually the Central Corridor light rail from Saint Paul will end at Target Field as will a proposed light rail line that will predominantly use County Road 81 that goes through Crystal, Robbinsdale, etc.
I might end up doing that myself, the bus I would take from my home in North Minneapolis to downtown, stops right in front of the ballpark. And, for a base-fare of $1.75, I can't beat that. I'll just have to try several different options out and see which works the best.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Welcome back Joe!
Happy New Year everyone. I trust all of your holiday celebrations went well - and we all survived the winter storm over Christmas.
Well back to it. The greatest news I heard this entire week was that Joe Schmit, formerly the main sports anchor at KSTP Channel 5, is regaining his position as the main sports anchor, beginning next week.
The reason for Schmit's departure in 2006, is still a mystery to me. I heard some folks say it was because he was old - and they threw him out. And, other reports I heard was that he was merely taking a break from television.
Schmit was also shifted to news desk anchor before he left KSTP. According to an article from the Pioneer Press, Schmit held the news anchor position for "a little more than a year." After leaving KSTP, Schmit went on to a job with the John T. Petters Foundation - a subsidiary of the Petters Group, which, of course was led by Tom Petters. We all know how that turned out.
Prior to leaving 5 Eyewitness News, Schmit had been at KSTP for 20 years. When I heard Schmit was coming back, I was very happy to hear the news. KSTP had a brief little segment about his return on the 10 o'clock news last night. There were hugs all around for Schmit from old colleagues, as well as new friends at the station.
Schmit told the Pioneer Press, "I felt like Brett Favre for a while, I changed my mind a couple of times during the process. But the stars aligned and we were able to work it out that it made great sense to me and the station to come back."
On top of being main sports anchor, Schmit will also be sports director at KSTP. Phil Aldridge, who is currently the main sports anchor at KSTP, will move to the weekend shift - until July, when it is rumored Aldridge will be leaving the station. Schmit will assume the sports anchor position next week.
Welcome back, Joe. You've been missed.
You may read the Pioneer Press article here: http://www.twincities.com/ci_14141361?source=most_viewed
Well back to it. The greatest news I heard this entire week was that Joe Schmit, formerly the main sports anchor at KSTP Channel 5, is regaining his position as the main sports anchor, beginning next week.
The reason for Schmit's departure in 2006, is still a mystery to me. I heard some folks say it was because he was old - and they threw him out. And, other reports I heard was that he was merely taking a break from television.
Schmit was also shifted to news desk anchor before he left KSTP. According to an article from the Pioneer Press, Schmit held the news anchor position for "a little more than a year." After leaving KSTP, Schmit went on to a job with the John T. Petters Foundation - a subsidiary of the Petters Group, which, of course was led by Tom Petters. We all know how that turned out.
Prior to leaving 5 Eyewitness News, Schmit had been at KSTP for 20 years. When I heard Schmit was coming back, I was very happy to hear the news. KSTP had a brief little segment about his return on the 10 o'clock news last night. There were hugs all around for Schmit from old colleagues, as well as new friends at the station.
Schmit told the Pioneer Press, "I felt like Brett Favre for a while, I changed my mind a couple of times during the process. But the stars aligned and we were able to work it out that it made great sense to me and the station to come back."
On top of being main sports anchor, Schmit will also be sports director at KSTP. Phil Aldridge, who is currently the main sports anchor at KSTP, will move to the weekend shift - until July, when it is rumored Aldridge will be leaving the station. Schmit will assume the sports anchor position next week.
Welcome back, Joe. You've been missed.
You may read the Pioneer Press article here: http://www.twincities.com/ci_14141361?source=most_viewed
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