Every year sees an improvement at Target Field, but 2016’s changes are the most extensive since the ballpark’s 2010 opening, as center field fan areas will be overhauled with a private club and a new club-level pub, Minnie & Paul’s.
The Twins are clearly buying into a trend we discussed before the 2015 season: more sitdown areas at the ballparks both large and small, as Target Field saw the addition of a Barrio restaurant in 2015. The 2016 improvements will be located in center field above the batter’s eye and total 3,700 square feet. Of that space, 3,200 square feet will be shaded by two new canopies.
The lower-level, all-inclusive CATCH will be limited to 120 season-ticket holders and feature beverages and a variety of tapas-style foods. It’s designed as a premium experiences, and the Twins expect plenty of demand for the 12o spots: the team plans a lottery to choose between applications. The space will also feature advanced in-seat technology and additional entertainment options.
Above CATCH will be Minnie & Paul’s, open to any ticketholder. The Minnesota-themes pub will be located below the ballpark’s signature item, the Twins logo featuring a handshake between players representing Minneapolis and St. Paul. It will serve Minnesota-branded foods.
“The Twins are committed to continually improving Target Field, with a focus on delivering the best fan experience in professional sports,” Twins president Dave St. Peter told MLB.com. “We’re excited to unveil these unique spaces to our fans with a belief that they make the ballpark better.”
Designs for the $5 million in renovations were prepared by Populous (Kansas City), who designed Target Field. Construction work will be performed by Minneapolis-based Mortenson Construction.
Images courtesy Minnesota Twins.