Now I know today is “Delmon Young Day”, but I really
don’t know what to write about Delmon Young, because I’m more just
indifferent towards him. I also don’t really want to talk about the
game last night, because quite honestly the commentary and comments made
about Kevin Slowey and how bad he was (cause don’t you know that a
pitcher is the only one playing in the defensive side of the game?),
so I turned off the game to watch repeats of The Office, because it
made me less crabby than the game was making me. So today, I’ve decided
that for those who haven’t been to Target Field, that I would put
together sort of a “what to expect/bring with” guide for Target Field to
help better prepare others (given that I have been to 8 games so far
there).
What
will you need to bring with you to Target Field?
Well quite
honestly, it depends on what mother nature decides to do on that given
day, but I would suggest regardless if it is raining, to bring with:
1. A poncho
(the come in packs of 2 and are small to carry with you. They fit
easily in a bag that for the men out there, could be a backpack).
2. A
sweatshirt (or other long sleeved item.) If you haven’t ever
sat in the seats you will be sitting you, you may not know if you are
underneath the overhang or not. If you are under the overhang on a
sunny (50-60 degree day), you will be cold and want sleeves. A
lady who sat next to Katie on Sunday learned this quickly (she
complained the entire game).
3. A blanket. The night
games tend to cool off a lot more than the day games, and considering we
are in Minnesota, it can get quite cool at night. It makes it easier
to be more comfortable while sitting in the hard plastic seats for the
entirety of the game. Plus, if the chair gets too uncomfortable, you
can always use your blanket as a cushion to sit on.
4. An
umbrella. Sure this goes along with the poncho, but my theory is to
always be safe, rather than sorry and miserable.
5. Mittens.
I’m a freeze baby, and those games that I’ve sat in the shade, or it’s
dipped down low enough to be a tad bit cold, mittens (just the cheap
1.49 light-weight mittens) were my best friend and kept my hands oh so
warm.
6.
Good shoes to walk/stand in. You will do some walking from parking
spots/light rail to the new stadium, and also once you get inside.
There are so many things to see once inside Target Field, that you want
to be comfortable.
Where do I park/what’s the best way to get to
Target Field?
I prefer to drive downtown myself, because I don’t
want to have to wait for a long period of time after the game to get
back on the lightrail (I’ve been told that the line moves quickly,
but when the game doesn’t get over with until around 10pm for night
games, I want to get home as quickly as I can). I wouldn’t suggest
parking in any lot that is more than $7. There are PLENTY of lots
around the field that range from $3-$7 for parking, all within a couple
blocks of Target Field. Don’t waste your money at the places that try
to rip you off and make you pay $10-$20. It’s nuts. Day games during
the week, however, are a different story. Most ramps and surface lots
are used for people who work downtown, and a lot of them also fill up
before 10am, so it will make it more difficult to find a cheap,
affordable parking spot. Expect to pay more on these games (however,
don’t settle on the first lot you find, there may be a cheaper option
only a block or two further away.).
What
are the best things to see at the new field?
My favorite
place at the new stadium, inside the gates, is quite possibly Hrbek’s.
It’s so incredible (there are tiles on the ceiling that you really
have to see in order to know how neat they really are.). Kent
Hrbeck has all of the jersey he has worn in his baseball career (high
school included) displayed on the wall, along with some really neat
artwork.
Be
sure to notice the wind wall (alongside the ABC Parking Ramp B). It’s
the largest piece of artwork in the Twin Cities. It’s a wall of small
stainless steel plates that moves with the wind. It almost looks like
smoke when it gets moving.
I think the statues outside of the field are neat to see too.
Two of them (Kirby Puckett and Harmon Killebrew) are right by each other
(near the ABC Parking Ramp B (the one you see behind the right-center
field), but it takes a little searching to find Rod Crew (he’s near the
ABC Parking Ramp A, near 7th street), he’s off a little ways, but worth
the walk to see. The Golden Glove is also really neat (and huge), and
worth the wait in line to get your picture sitting/standing in the
glove. The line moves fairly fast, and as long as you have some time to
kill, you might as well do it.
What’s
the best food to try at the new field?
Quite honestly, I’ve only had the
french fries, and some ice cream at the new stadium. I’m too frugal to
spend $9.50 on a burger and fries. The prices of the food have
increased this year, so bring more money with you if you plan to eat
there. I’ve noticed that for plain nachos (like they had at the Dome
last year) have stayed relatively the same price, as I’ve been told,
have hotdogs. I don’t really care for hotdogs, much less Schweigert’s
hotdogs. Those just gross me out even more, so I tend to steer clear
from hotdogs all together.
Is there a spot the players come out after
the games to sign autographs like at the Dome?
Sadly, the
parking for the Twins players is now under the new stadium. It’s a
player/personnel only lot, so you’re chances of getting there are slim.
Plus I doubt any of the players will be signing post games this season.
If
anyone has other questions that they would like to know answers to, feel
free to post a comment and ask. I’ll respond to them quickly. If I
don’t know the answer for you, I’ll try to find out the answer.