In total, an estimated 3,400-plus rides will be sold each weekday meaning more than 17,000 people will make their way through Target Field Station Monday-Friday. Those commuters, who will pay one-way fares ranging from $3.25 to $7, will venture through the ballpark's built-in vertical circulation building (otherwise known as Target Field Station) from the 5^th Street bridge corridor to the rail platform located immediately below the 5^th Street bridge. A trip through Target Field Station will leave little doubt you have entered Twins Territory as the space features a variety of team-related graphics and messaging.

While the final weekday train is currently scheduled to depart Target Field Station at a non-baseball friendly 6:10 pm, the Twins have high hopes that the Northstar line will transport thousands of Twins fans to ballgames starting in 2010. On Saturdays, the last train leaves Target Field at 10 pm which should be a positive considering the team's standard 6:10 pm start times. The final Sunday train leaves at 4:45 pm which also should be ok considering the team's standard 1:10 pm start time. Meanwhile, the team remains hopeful of seeing a number of special trains added to normal service as demand grows amongst commuters and Twins fans alike.

Target Field Notes:

Representatives of Major League Baseball visited Target Field last week to check-in on a number of playability issues including dimensions, outfield wall configuration, field padding and signage. Another set of MLB reps will visit this week to sign off on the field lighting system ... The Twins are working to finalize agreements with multiple artists, many of them local, to contribute original pieces to the Target Field interior spaces ... Installation of the wind veil on the B-Ramp is on schedule and expected to be finalized by year-end ... Testing is well-underway on the Target Field scoreboards and related graphics packages ... Carpet installation is now complete in the Twins Clubhouse - complete with a large "Twins" logo in the center of the primary player locker area.

Win Twins!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins

Based on a surge created by this fall's season ticket deposit program, the Twins have now surpassed 18,000 full season equivalents (FSE's). That's an impressive number considering the team's previous all-time high for season tickets was 11,000 (2009) and we remain five-plus months away from the start of the 2010 season. All within the team's front office are confident in the club's ability to far surpass the 20,000 mark in FSE's which would place the team's season ticket base in the upper tier (perhaps top 5-8) of Major League Baseball.

Much work remains but the momentum for Twins baseball and Target Field continues to surge. Yes indeed, these are exciting times across Twins Territory.

Target Field Notes:

The tentative date for the single game ticket on-sale for the 2010 season at Target Field is Saturday, March 13 ... Preliminary plans call for single game seats for the exhibition games versus the St. Louis Cardinals (April 2-3) to go on sale at TwinsFest January 29-31 ... The Target Field lights will be on much of this week for specific testing and directing aimed at ensuring there are no playability issues next spring ... Twins officials recently met with University of Minnesota representatives to compare notes surrounding the recent opening of TCF Bank Stadium and similarities with the opening of Target Field ...  The first of the 650-plus televisions have been installed in exterior spaces around Target Field ... The Twins continue to plan to move the team's business operations to Target Field the week between Christmas and New Years Day. Look for the team to officially commence business operations at Target Field on Monday, January 4 ... Look for details to soon be announced about a major Twins Moving Sale to be held at the Metrodome Nov. 6-7 ...  ... Twins Head Groundskeeper Larry DiVito has already turned on the elaborate heating system below the Target Field playing field. The field is currently kept at a constant 55 degrees and will be maintained at approximately 40 degrees throughout the dead of winter ... The Twins will unveil the team's updated logo and uniforms the week of November 9.

Win Twins!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins

·         Taste of Twins Territory

o   The ballpark's general concession stand serving all the basics - hot dogs, peanuts, nachos, etc.

·         Hennepin Grille

o   Burgers and chicken sandwiches are the stars of these stands.

·         Mill City Grill

o   Don't be surprised if a steak sandwich headlines these locations.

·         Halsey's Sausage Haus

o   A tribute to the legendary Halsey Hall, these stands will feature the best in brats, dogs and sausages.

·         Senor Smokes

o   A tip of the cap to Mr. Berenguer, these stands will feature a south of the border menu including nachos, tacos, burritos.

·         Frankie V's Italian

o   A salute to 1987 World Series MVP Frank Viola, multiple varieties of pizza will dominate these stands.

·         State Fair Classics

o   Certain to be a fan favorite with everything on a stick.

·         North Shore Creamery

o   Building on the popularity of ice cream at the Dome, these stands will offer fans a wide variety of ice cream treats.

Target Field Notes:

This week the Twins will announce a third Founding Partner for Target Field joining U.S. Bank and Treasure Island ... Work on Target Field Station nears completion as the prep continues for the launch of the Northstar commuter rail line and the extended Hiawatha line in mid-November ...Look for Target Field to play an important role in the grand finale of the special on-field ceremony following the Twins final regular season home game at the Metrodome.

Win Twins!!!!

·         The Golden Glove - The large bronze glove located near Gate 34 has been sculpted, poured and is nearing completion. Jerry Bell and I had the opportunity to check out the Golden Glove last week at a foundry in Howard Lake, MN. The 1,500-pound sculpture is a perfect rendition of an old-school baseball glove. In addition, the team is planning to place a plaque honoring every Gold Glove winner in Twins history at the base of the sculpture. The Golden Glove will be installed on Target Plaza sometime in October.

·         Legendary Player Sculptures - Work is well underway on sculptures of National Baseball Hall of Famers Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew and Kirby Puckett. Plans still call for installation of the three sculptures on or around Opening Day of 2010.

·         Tradition Wall - The fan recognition wall sold out last week is now in full production. Fans should expect the eight (8) glass panels featuring the names of 2,400 fans -- along with pennants devoted to each and every Twins team since 1961 -- to be in place sometime in November.

·         Wind Veil - The work of nationally renowned artist Ned Kahn, the wind veil is now in production. The piece will be titled "The Wave" and should be installed in December of this year.

·         Minnesota Ballpark History - Thanks to funding provided by the Minnesota Ballpark Authority, the team is currently working to design a special glass wall tribute to the history of Minnesota's ballparks. Located within the 7^th street planter, the ballpark history marker will be in place sometime in early 2010.

·         Twins Hall of Fame - The team continues to work with project designers on a number of options on Target Plaza aimed at commemorating the Twins Hall of Fame.

TARGET FIELD NOTES:

Beginning this week, construction trailers will be removed from the south parking lot as Mortenson, Populous and various contractors move their project headquarters to the Ford Centre ... The Twins will soon shoot a pair of television commercials at Target Field to promote the 2010 season. Participating players will include Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, Denard Span and Joe Nathan.

Win Twins!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins

TARGET FIELD NOTES:

While the Twins await official word on the 2010 regular season schedule, the team continues to work on finalizing plans for a two-game exhibition series at Target Field April 2-3. The team hopes to make an announcement in regards to an exhibition game opponent sometime before the end of August. The Twins are also looking at the possibility of hosting a University of Minnesota baseball game at Target Field in advance of the Twins Opening Day ... Look for the Twins to make a series of major sponsorship announcements over the next 2-3 weeks ... DNC Sportservice, the exclusive concessionaire of Target Field, is now ramping up their Minnesota-based staff. Look for an announcement soon regarding the announcement of Target Field's Executive Chef.

As part of that report, the team stated that the construction of Target Field is progressing ON TIME and ON BUDGET.

Moreover,  the team reported that thanks to collaboration with the Minnesota Ballpark Authority and the project team of Populous and MA Mortenson, Target Field and Target Plaza are shaping up to be the world class facility we all envisioned and set out to build.

That exciting reality would not be possible without the continued support, commitment and investment of the Pohlad family to make this a GREAT public space.  To that end, the Pohlad family's priorities in making additional investment decisions have been based on maximizing the experience of our loyal fans while, at the same time, creating an architecturally iconic public space for Minneapolis and the State of Minnesota. A space which is FAR MORE than a ballpark, but also incorporates a transit hub for commuter and light rail as well as a spectacular public plaza.

We truly appreciate the  Pohlad family's willingness to go well beyond original $130 million obligation to make this not just a good ballpark -- but a truly great destination with the most iconic design features and the best possible fan conveniences, amenities and community benefits.

To clarify, it should be noted that the Pohlad family has now committed an incremental investment of $55 million aimed at ensuring the long-term success of Minnesota's new ballpark. The  incremental $55 million contribution has been earmarked for a variety of  uses, but largely have been focused on enhancements to the overall fan experience and ballpark design and architecture. In order to provide some context, please allow me the opportunity to recap the uses of these incremental project funds:

A.   Original Team Contribution Outlined in May 2006 Ballpark Legislation = $130 million

B.   Incremental Team Owner Contribution = $55 million

1.            The incremental $55 million contribution has been earmarked for a variety of uses, but largely have been focused on enhancements to the overall fan experience and ballpark design and architecture. In order to provide some context to the proposed resolution, please allow me the opportunity to recap the uses of these incremental project funds:

a.    Infrastructure Budget - $15 million has been added to the infrastructure budget by the Pohlads  to cover costs which could not be funded within the $90 million budget provided in the legislation.

b.    Architectural Enhancements - $22.5 million for ballpark enhancements, including:

(i)         The Roof Canopy -- fully clad and lighted - This will make a stunning architectural statement whether in the day or night time while at the same time providing additional sun and weather protection for the fans in the upper deck.

(ii)        Minnesota Kasota Stone Inside and Outside - This premium finish has been hand set to enhance the beauty of the ballpark

(iii)       LEED Certification - Additional costs have been incurred to obtain LEED certification -- one of the few ballparks to gain this environmentally significant recognition as a sustainable facility.

c.    Target Plaza - $4.5 million (with a matching amount from our partners at Target) to create an enhanced Target Plaza with green park-like spaces, outdoor seating and spectacular public art - This will provide a finished 12-month-a-year public space with amenities for the community's use -- not just on game days. This Plaza will also serve as the important "connection" to the downtown entertainment and business district.

d.    Fan Experience Enhancements - $7 million for Fan Enhancements, including:

                                          i.    Added Restrooms

                                         ii.    A Wrigley Field-like Roof Deck gathering space for fans.

                                        iii.    Scoreboard Size and High-Definition Enhancements

                                       iv.    Radiant Heat on Main Concourse spanning Foul Pole to Foul Pole

                                        v.    Technology Upgrades (Audio, Broadcast Quality, and Fiber Optics)

                                       vi.    Incremental Retail Spaces, enhanced finishes and seat upgrades.

                                      vii.    Iconic team-related signage

e.    $6 million to furnish and finish public and premium seating areas -- this is over and above the amount covered by the base price of the ballpark.

C.   These additional commitments from the Twins owners bring the team's total ballpark contribution to $185 million.

With additional support and funding of the MBA, MnDOT, the City of Minneapolis and of course Hennepin County providing $350 million - we are collectively well on our way to ensure that Target Field will soon be known as one of America's premier urban ballparks, transit station and public plaza.

Thanks again to the Pohlad family for their commitment to enhancing Target Field for fans across Twins Territory.

Win Twins!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins

However, as we approach the Twins final Metrodome home opener, the happenings INSIDE of Target Field are equally exciting. The ballpark's interior spaces are now beginning to take shape with more work to come over the next 9-10 months.

Twins officials have worked long and hard with HOK Sport and a team of design consultants to ensure the entire ballpark exceeds expectations for fans, corporate partners, the media and the community at large. Many of those efforts have been focused on "attention to detail" within the many interior gathering spaces, clubs and restaurants. I'm excited with the results of that work as the final design and theming of each individual space will help differentiate Target Field as a special ballpark. Examples include:

·         Champion's Club

o   Located on the ballpark's event level, the Champion's Club provides the building's highest-end experience. The space is all about the Twins championship teams, including World Championship clubs in 1987 and 1991 and AL Champs from 1965. This space will house a variety of Twins championship archives  including the 1987 and 1991 World Series Championship trophies.

·         First Base Lounge / Third Base Lounge

o   Located on the ballpark's event level, the First and Third Base Lounges will be accessed by fans sitting in the Dugout Club seating area. The interior spaces are essentially a tribute to Twins first and third baseman through the years.

·         Twins Pub

o   Located on the main concourse behind home plate, the Twins Pub is certain to be one of the prime destinations within the facility. Open to all fans, the Twins Pub is themed as a celebration of the franchise with décor and graphics focused on past and present Twins marks and players.  

·         Town Ball Tavern

o   My favorite spot in the ballpark, the Town Ball Tavern is open to all fans and will be largely a celebration of Minnesota amateur baseball. Graphics will pay tribute to the great teams, great players and great ballparks in Minnesota's rich Town Ball history. The space includes a real time scrolling scoreboard which will bring fans the latest in MLB and Town Ball scores.

·         Legend's Club

o   While the Champion's Club is all about team, the Legend's Club is all about the players. Located on the ballpark's Club Level, the Legend's Club pays tribute to the greatest players in the history of the franchise. Three niche spaces on this level - honoring Twins Hall of Famers - will undoubtedly be amongst the most talked about spots in the park. The 573 Bar - a tribute to Harmon Killebrew - sits behind home plate and features dramatic two-story interiors and bar designed to emulate one of Killer's favorite Louisville Sluggers. Meanwhile, the Carew Atrium and Puckett Atrium - sit down the third base and first base lines respectively - and both include two-story wood etched graphics of two of the greatest hitters in MLB history. Following the legend theme, the Herb Carneal Press Box is also located on this level.

·         Metropolitan Club

o   Open to all Twins season ticket holders, the Metropolitan Club is positioned down the right field line and offers some of the most dramatic views in the ballpark. The Metropolitan Club interiors will be highlighted by the stellar photographic images of the "old Met" as well as other Minnesota ballparks such as Nicollet Park, Lexington Park and Siebert Field. Longtime Twins fans will note the colorful Metropolitan Club logo which is designed to emulate the pastel-color brick façade of the old ballpark.

Target Field Notes: The Twins front office is preparing to visit New York with hopes of "going to school" on Opening Day games at the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field ... Work is now underway on pedestrian walkway which will connect the A Parking Ramp to Target Field ... The Twins will use the exact same online technology - provided by a company known as Balena -- the University of Minnesota is using to manage seat relocation for TCF Bank Stadium.

Win Twins!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins

Beyond the baseball bat themed topiaries, the pitching mound planters, the bronze baseball glove, the green space or the sweeping roof canopies, Target Plaza may best be known for the following elements:

·         Wind Veil -- Amazingly simple, the wind veil is certain to create a lot of buzz, in addition to covering the expanse known as the "B" Parking Garage. It will be made of 9,000-plus baseball card shaped flaps designed to move with the wind. I had the opportunity to visit a similar installation in Charlotte, NC and couldn't believe just how mesmerizing this kinetic art truly is. One of Minnesota's largest pieces of public art, the Target Plaza wind veil will feature a multitude of LED lights creating all kinds of creative options. Look for the wind veil to be installed later this year - a few months before Opening Day 2010.

·         Twins Tradition Wall - Since approval of the ballpark in May of 2006, many fans have inquired about the creation of a fan recognition program at Target Field. Many ballparks feature "brick paver" programs giving fans the opportunity to imbed a special message at the ballpark for eternity. Over the past several months the Twins have worked with the Target Plaza designers -- Oslund and Associates and HOK Sport - with hopes of creating a fan recognition program consistent with the look and feel of Target Field. The result of that work is the Twins Tradition Wall -- which will border Target Plaza at the Twins Ticket Office and the 7^th Street Gate entrance - and will feature the names of Twins fans and every Twins player in the history of the franchise. Fans across Twins Territory will soon have the opportunity to reserve their place on the Twins Tradition Wall along with the names of Puckett, Killebrew, Carew, Hrbek, Mauer and Morneau. Stay tuned for more details.

·         Legend Statues - One element of Target Plaza certain to draw a crowd - both on game day and non-game days - will be bronze statues of legendary Twins players.  Much like statues outside of many ballparks across America, the Target Plaza player statues will become destination in and of themselves. Again the team has worked with the design architects to concept a creative approach to bronze statues. Look for more details soon as it relates to the specific location and designated players.

·         Met Stadium Flag Pole - The team remains committed to finding a home for the original flag pole from Metropolitan Stadium. Current plans call for the Met Stadium flag pole to be placed on the Target Plaza 6^th Street pedestrian walkway near First Avenue.

Target Field Notes: Newly appointed head groundskeeper Larry DiVito starts his new role with the Twins on Monday (February 23^rd). Beyond getting up to speed on the plans for the playing field install, Larry's first tasks with the Twins will involve travel. He will soon travel to Fort Myers to engage with the Lee County Sports Complex grounds team (including the legendary George Toma) in addition to travelling to Colorado to check in on the Target Field grass ... Look for the Twins to make another Target Field-related major sponsorship announcement in the next 7-10 days ... As work begins to craft plans for Opening Day 2010, the Twins will have representatives on hand for the inaugural opening day's at both the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field.

Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter

Twins Ballpark Notes: Everyone with the Twins organization was touched by the outpouring of support in the wake of team owner Carl Pohlad's recent passing. The team is now working with the Pohlad family to develop options to honor Mr. Pohlad's legacy at Target Field. Don't be surprised if the new facility features multiple tributes to two of the Twins greatest fans -- Carl and Eloise Pohlad ... The team has not yet determined the home of TwinsFest '10 scheduled for January of next year. Options continue to include the Metrodome, Target Center, the Minneapolis Convention Center and Mall of America ... The deadline has passed for current season ticket holders to return their Target Field Seat Relocation Questionnaire (SRQ). This information is critical as the team continues preparations to begin transitioning season ticket holders to the new ballpark in the spring of this year. Season ticket holders not yet returning their SRQ should do so immediately ... The team is entering the final stages for two of the most important hires in club history - the Head Groundskeeper and the Concessions/Merchandise General Manager. Both posts are central to the successful operation of Target Field. I'm thrilled to report that there are several highly experienced candidates. More to come in the near future ... Look for the Twins and Target Corporation, in conjunction with the Minnesota Ballpark Authority, to soon unveil the enhanced design for Target Plaza ... Speaking of Target Corporation, the team and Target are also hard at work on the development of a co-branded ballpark logo and various signage applications throughout the ballpark ... The Twins family is absolutely thrilled to have US Bank on board as the team's first Founding Partner for Target Field. As the Official Hometown Bank of the Twins, US Bank shares the team's values such as winning tradition, work ethic, community, civic activation and customer service ... Look for the team to make yet another major sponsorship announcement in the weeks to come.

Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter

President

This blog will be no different as we take a moment to look back at a memorable year in the world of the Twins-Hennepin County ballpark project.

With 2008 drawing to a close, Target Field is rising before our eyes in Minneapolis' Warehouse District. The project is now fifty-percent complete, ahead of schedule and on budget.  The year's milestones and highlights included the following:

January 23, 2008 - The first main concourse concrete pour is conducted along the 7th Street bridge side of the site.

February 12, 2008 - The Pohlad family announces plans to  fund $22 million in additional enhancements to the new ballpark. Upgraded components include exterior stone, the roof canopy, the scoreboard and more bathrooms and comfort areas.

February 26, 2008 - The Hennepin County Board approves a $22 million increase in the cost of the new Twins ballpark to be paid by the Twins ownership.

April 8, 2008 - The Twins announce an eight-year partnership with Delaware North Companies Sportservice to provide all food, beverage and retail merchandise service at the new ballpark in downtown Minneapolis.

April 20, 2008 - The Minnesota Ballpark Authority approves the creation of the Ballpark District Enhancements and Public Art Incentive Fund for off-site district enhancements that reach beyond the ballpark site's "footprint." The board authorized the allocation of up to $1 million from the MBA's interest earnings on construction bond proceeds to fund this effort.

September 10, 2008 - Twins announce plans to make a pitch to host Major League Baseball's All-Star Game in 2014 in cooperation with the City of Minneapolis, Hennepin County, Meet Minneapolis and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority.

September 15, 2008 - Target Corporation and the Minnesota Twins announce an agreement in principle on an exclusive 25-year partnership that includes the naming rights for Target Field.

September 18, 2008 - Twins announce the season ticket seat relocation process outlining the season ticket holder transition from the H.H.H. Metrodome to Target Field. In conjunction with the season ticket relocation plan, the team also unveiled the season ticket pricing structure for the inaugural season at Target Field.

October 13, 2008 - Twins launch second Target Field webcam located on the roof of the Ford Centre at the northeast corner of the ballpark.

October 23, 2008 - Twins announce that Daktronics has been selected to design and build a multimillion dollar, integrated video, scoring and advertising display system at Target Field.

September 2008 - Work commences to place steel which will hold the Terrace Level seating as well as the Roof Canopy.

November 20, 2008 - Final concrete pour on the Terrace Level, a full two-plus months ahead of schedule.

Yes, 2008 has been quite a year for Target Field and baseball fans across Twins Territory. While that excitement builds, there is no question that 2008 will pale in comparison to 2009 as we march closer to Opening Day in the new ballpark. Stay tuned for updates as the process evolves.

Happy Holidays.

Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter

President

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

CONCRETE TURNS TO STEEL

Any fan checking out the NEW Target Field webcam understands that construction of Minnesota's ballpark is now in overdrive. It's Halloween week and fittingly the "skeleton" of a ballpark is starting to take shape. It's taking shape largely thanks to a significant transition. A transition from concrete to steel.

For the past 12 months the ballpark construction site has been all about concrete. Thanks to work crews who endured last winter's frigid temps before thriving on this summer's splendid weather, that concrete work is ahead of schedule. In fact, the final elevated concrete pour of the Terrace Level is scheduled to take place next month - some two-plus months before it was originally planned.

Meanwhile, today's ballpark site is quickly becoming all about steel. The outfield's steel foundations continues to evolve while an absolutely beautiful sight emerged in the last few days. That was the sight of the "champagne" colored steel raker beams being installed on the Terrace Level. Moreover, last week's steel milestone included the initial erection of the roof canopy framework. The overall height of the ballpark is now evident as the roof canopy begins to become reality. That's exciting news for the design team as countless hours were spent in order to ensure the roof canopy becomes one of the ballpark's signature features.

Target Field Notes: Upcoming construction milestones include the installation of the first "stadia" section (November); the selection of the actual ballpark seating types (November); unveiling of final Target Plaza design (December) ...

Much has been made in recent days about the potential for challenging weather for possible World Series games at Target Field. What am I missing here? Didn't anyone watch the fans and players bundle up when the 2006 World Series visited Detroit's Comerica Park? How about the recent frigid temps during postseason games at Boston's Fenway Park or Cleveland's Progressive Field? How many empty seats did you see for those games? Yes, like other northern climates weather could play a role in our historically unpredictable climate. Why does the media continue to fixate on the weather in relation to Minnesota's mover to outdoor baseball? ...

With the Target Field Daktronics scoreboard package now announced, the project team now turns its collective attention to the video production equipment. In other words the cameras and backroom equipment which makes those beautiful HD images possible ... The Twins have commenced the search for Target Field's first head groundskeeper. Once hired, it will mark the first time the Twins have employed a groundskeeper since the team played at Metropolitan Stadium.

Win Twins!

Dave St. Peter

Since it became reality in May 2006, one of the most often-asked questions regarding Minnesota's new ballpark revolved around what the facility would be called. Months and months of incredible speculation were answered earlier today when the Minnesota Twins and Target Corporation announced agreement in principle on an a historic new partnership that includes naming rights for Target Field - the new Hennepin County ballpark scheduled to open in 2010 -- along with Target Plaza, which connects the ballpark to downtown Minneapolis.

Today's announcement is the latest sign of tremendous momentum for the return of outdoor Major League Baseball. It also marks the culmination of a long-term team strategy and approach in relation to the naming of Minnesota's new ballpark.

While many franchises conduct what may as well be called an "auction" for naming rights, I think it's safe to say the Twins employed a somewhat non-traditional approach. For many years - even in advance of the necessary government approvals - at the urging of the Pohlad family the Twins contemplated what Minnesota's new ballpark should be called. To that end, the team considered a variety of options - some corporate and even going with a non-corporate name. The bottom line was this: Minnesota's new ballpark was going to be given a name which fans across Twins Territory could embrace.

Over time, the team engaged in discussions with several local and national companies each expressing interest in a ballpark naming rights relationship. The team was especially encouraged by the number of Minnesota legacy companies who showed interest in the ballpark project. As those discussions evolved, the most important elements for the team when considering potential corporate naming rights partners were as follows:

o   LOCAL

§  Minnesota based, strong regional heritage, local leadership

o   FAMILY FOCUSED

§  Brand consistency, Values

o   CIVIC ACTIVATION/STEWARDSHIP

§  Plaza, Ballpark District, Downtown Minneapolis, Region

o   COMMUNITY/PHILANTRHOPY

§  History of giving back

That's where Target Corporation comes into the picture. Minnesota-based Target and the Twins have enjoyed a 20-plus year sponsorship relationship. With that existing partnership as a foundation, the Twins and Target engaged in serious discussions regarding opportunities surrounding the new ballpark and ultimately reached the agreement we are announcing today. Simply put, the Pohlad family and Twins organization is incredibly proud to have found what we consider to be a perfect naming rights partner.

As the Twins and Target announce this agreement, it's clear that the partnership is about more than naming rights to Target Field. It's about creating the ultimate fan experience; it's about philanthropy; it's about creating public gathering space (i.e. Target Plaza); it's about building something iconic for downtown Minneapolis and the region; it's about two Minnesota heritage brands combining resources and ideas.

While this agreement is clearly significant, it's only the first in what promises to be a number of sponsorship related announcements surrounding Target Field. The team remains in serious discussions with many local and national companies about the next tier of sponsorship. The team expects to finalize up to four FOUNDING LEVEL partnerships - with various ballpark entitlements - in the near future.

Stay tuned for details as Opening Day 2010 at Target Field is less than 19 months away.

Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins