The original plan for Arizona was to write up Chase Field, the home ballpark of the Arizona Diamondbacks. We saw a game there for the first time and I always have opinions on baseball stadiums, but we went with a big group (6 adults, 6 kids) and didn't get to explore enough to properly rate it. So that'll be on the backburner, until next time, we need to go again.
Since returning home I also took in a Twins home game (they were playing Ohtani and the Dodgers and I didn't want to miss it) and realized I haven't shared about the local diamond. My wife and I have now seen 16/30 MLB stadiums (MIN, KC, CLE, MIL, CHC, PIT, CIN, BAL, NYY, BOS, TOR, WAS, PHI, NYM, ARI, LAA), over half. It was something we did with a lot more frequency before kids but hopefully we'll keep checking off new ones over time. If you care about such things, here are my top five:
1. Target Field (MN Twins)
2. PNC Park (PIT Pirates)
3. Wrigley Field - pre renovation (CHC Cubs)
4. Fenway Park (BOS Red Sox)
5. Camden Yards (BAL Orioles)
Yes, Target Field is my favorite, and it's not just that I'm a homer. PNC is really close, there's something magical about the cathedrals in Chicago and Boston, and Camden deserves its reputation for reviving the urban retro style, but they absolutely nailed the park in Minneapolis.
The current Twins ballpark opened in 2010, so it's already in its 15th year. Located on the busier end of downtown Minneapolis, it's a couple blocks from Hennepin Ave, at the termination of I-394, part of the so-called 'Warehouse District' or 'North Loop'. This, btw, is the opposite end of Minneapolis from the Vikings venue, U.S. Bank Stadium. Unlike that monstrosity Target Field is blended beautifully into the city and features local sandstone in the exterior, it seems much more natural. It's open air too, which following the days of the Metrodome gets criticism on days where it's cold or raining, but on those perfect Minnesota summers there's nothing better. Frankly a roof would ruin the place.
Target Field's design is the main reason I love it so much. It has plenty of entrances, including one tucked around the back (Gate 14) that usually has a shorter line, but if you've never been I'd recommend coming in through the gate at the 'Plaza' (Gate 34 - see picture above). It leads to in to a big open area with vendors, a bunch of kids activities, and a great view of the field and everything else down the right field line. The concourses are open and wide, and, key point here, you can easily see the field from the entirety of the first level. To me this gives it a huge leg up on a lot of other parks, you can explore *and* see the game. The only exception, I should note, is at the batter's eye where it's not entirely enclosed, but the wall is pretty high. Altogether it feels cohesive not only with the city outside the walls but comfortable as well.
I'm always impressed by the food and drink options. (Side note, did you know you can bring any food you want into a baseball stadium?) My consistent choice is to get a Polish sausage from Kramarczuk's, a Polish deli in NE Mpls. They're located on the first level behind home plate and in the RF corner, plus there's one in the third level. If you're looking for other great Minnesota brands, there's Red Cow smash-burgers in the left field corner and whole pies (or slices) from Pizza Luce on the second deck restaurant area in center. There are plenty of others, including all the standard stuff, but those local names are what I look forward to getting. General advice, if you want a hot dog at a baseball stadium look for one that's coming off a grill, not a hot water bath or a roller. The Twins have also done a great job with craft beer, something I care about. There are places to get them all over, a wide range of choices and the best spot is right off the Plaza entrance, with like 20 taps. A lot of people will probably be interested in the 'Family Friendly Pricing' stands. You can get cheap basic fare like hot dogs, popcorn, water, beer, ice cream, all for $5 and less, as long as you're comfortable checking out on a self-service screen and waiting a bit for your items. The Twins have three of these locations now, good for them.
An overarching piece of this is the gradual but continual improvements they've made. Overall the park continues to look new and the team is always trying to make tweaks. The Plaza has come a long way and they've used it to add more activities for kids or adults who aren't that into the game. They've added and improved the scoreboards. The food and drink options (much of which I've talked about above) are better year on year. This week I noticed a bunch of new stats displayed, like what each pitcher features (pitch types, usage and velocity). Nothing has taken away the great feel and it keeps getting better with time.
Since Target Field is in Minnesota it'll always be a little underrated, but there's no doubt the Twins have done a fantastic job with their park. It's the best urban retro style stadium I've seen (though I know, I know, we haven't been to Oracle in SF). If you're a baseball fan you should check it out, ideally on a summer evening. There are at least a few good reasons to still go into Minneapolis these days, and this one tops the list.
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