The Minnesota Twins recently mailed 2009 renewal invoices to season ticket holders. The centerpiece of that mailing was an official New Ballpark Countdown Clock calibrated to the “projected” Opening Day at Target Field. Last Thursday those clocks reached the 500-day milestone – leaving all of Twins Territory excited while reminding those of us in the front office that the clock is literally ticking.

Ironically, Thursday was also a day of celebration on the job site. The Mortenson crew poured the last of the concrete on the Terrace Level – topping off the facility so to speak – a full two-plus months ahead of schedule. While the steelwork remains slightly behind schedule, it’s safe to say the overall pace of work continues to impress.

Target Field Notes:

More than 600 men and women are now working every day at Target Field … Look for the installation the first stadia sections to take place soon … Roughly 1/3 of the exterior limestone is now in place … Design work continues on the enhanced Target Plaza. Look for an announcement on the final design before the end of the calendar year. Construction on Target Plaza – including the extension of the pedestrian bridge to First Avenue will commence in January … After receiving more than 150 applications for the head groundskeeper position at Target Field, the Twins have narrowed the list of finalists to 10. The team expects to hire the facility groundskeeper next month … The Twins continue to have regular meetings with the team’s local and national television partners in order to shape the final broadcast plans. Last week FSN North representatives toured the facility searching for prime pre- and postgame show locations … Remember — current Twins season ticket holders have until early January to return the New Ballpark Seat Relocation Questionnaire … The Twins are now reviewing potential opponents for likely exhibition games to be played at Target Field in advance of Opening Day 2010.

Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter