What a difference two years can make!!! The spring of 2006 marked the conclusion of a decade-long struggle aimed at finding a workable ballpark solution. Meanwhile, the spring of 2008 finds America's best ballpark fully under construction and building anticipation for Opening Day 2010.

With that juxtaposition in mind, I couldn't help but think of Representative Brad Finstad (Comfrey) as the 2008 legislative session drew to a close last week in St. Paul. Yes, it was refreshing to watch the annual session-closing negotiations take place knowing the ballpark was no longer an issue up for discussion. However, I found myself focused on one of Southwestern Minnesota's finest legislators - Brad Finstad.

Savvy Twins fans may remember that Rep. Finstad served as the author of the Twins-Hennepin County ballpark legislation. He did what so many before him could not do. He did what so many of the experts said could not be done. He ran the gauntlet and ensured the successful passage of a workable ballpark bill. From the hundreds of hours spent in committee to the floor debate to the late-night negotiations, Rep. Finstad was unflappable in his effort to resolve the ballpark debate and build a new world-class facility for the region's fans.

While Rep. Finstad provided leadership on so many important issues - all of which much more important than baseball - the new downtown Minneapolis ballpark will certainly be an important part of his legacy. You see, as the 2008 legislative session drew to a close, the curtain also dropped on Rep. Finstad's political career. He has decided not to run for re-election in the fall - and at least for the time being - step away from public service.

Millions of baseball fans across the region should stand as one to salute Rep. Finstad for his courage, leadership and determination in making Minnesota's new ballpark a reality. He along with our Senate author Steve Kelley, Governor Tim Pawlenty and of course - Hennepin County Commissioners Mike Opat, Peter McLaughlin, Mark Stenglein and Randy Johnson - will forever be remembered as the leaders who preserved Twins baseball for future generations.

Best of luck to you and your family Rep. Finstad. We can't wait to see you on Opening Day 2010!!!!

Twins Ballpark Notes: The first week of May represented a huge milestone on the Twins ballpark project when HOK Sport delivered "Bid Pack 7" to M.A. Mortenson. Said "Bid Pack" will serve as the basis for roughly $100 million worth of ballpark work to be awarded over the next few months including interior finishes, technology, scoreboard and graphics ... The team now has sold 70% of the 3,400 Legend's and Champion's Club seats in the new ballpark ... Look for a second New Ballpark Webcam to be installed in the weeks to come ... Twins fans were among the big winners with the recent legislative approval of the Central Corridor. It won't be long until fans will be able to jump on a LRT train in downtown St. Paul and travel to the doorstep of the new ballpark ... Mortenson and the team will soon award the bid relating to installation of the playing field. The grass making up the playing field will be planted soon.

Understanding that no fewer than eight national firms expressed interest in this business, keys to the Twins decision to partner with DNC Sportservice were as follows:

• Family Ownership - The Jacobs family, which has operated Sportservice since 1915, has cultivated a business philosophy and culture within DNC quite similar to the Pohlad family operations. Beyond the concessions business, the Jacobs family owns the NHL's Boston Bruins and operates Beantown's TD North Bank Garden.

• Midwest Focus - DNC Sportservice has established an impressive resume of Midwest teams as clients - including the Chicago White Sox, Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians,  St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers. That Midwest focus isn't new as Sportservice was the concessionaire at Minneapolis' Nicollet Park (for the Minneapolis Millers) and St. Paul's Lexington Park (for the original St. Paul Saints).

• Quality - Sportservice overall ability to deliver a quality food/beverage operation stood out from the field. Among the joint objectives for Sportservice and the Twins is a blend of local fares within the ballpark as well as the development of "signature" food items.

• Service - DNC Sportservice is committed to providing a high level of customer service - highlighted by the company's market leading GuestPath benchmarking program.

• Community - DNC Sportservice will soon become a major employer within the Twin Cities with 1,000 to 1,200 people working on a Twins game day. In addition, the company is committed to maintaining the role of volunteer groups working designated concession stands - helping raise thousands of dollars for Upper Midwest charities.

• Innovation - DNC Sportservice is among the leaders in concessions technology including the push toward touch screen kiosks, loaded tickets, etc.

• Sustainable Operations - Understanding the Twins focus on sustainable design and operations of the new facility, the team is quite intrigued by the Sportservice program known as GreenPath.

• People - In a word, the DNC Sportservice is PASSIONATE about the opportunity partner with the Minnesota Twins and establish a stronger presence within the Upper Midwest.

The Twins are thrilled to have DNC Sportservice as a partner and feel strongly that they were the right choice for fans across Twins Territory. It's a critical partnership for the team and our fans as few relationships - if any - will have a more direct impact on the overall game day experience. Welcome aboard Sportservice!!!!

Win Twins!!!

Dave St. Peter
President, Minnesota Twins

The good news for Twins fans is these enhancements are almost exclusively aimed at ensuring a superior fan experience. Among the elements included in these enhancements are the following:

·         Full Roof Canopy Soffit – Largest in baseball

·         Scoreboard Upgrade – High Definition board at least 102 feet long and 57 feet high.

·         Warming Shelters – Located on the Terrace Level

·         Mankato Limestone – 100,000 square feet of exterior stone

·         Restrooms – Incremental women’s restrooms

·         Concessions – Incremental concessions locations and enhanced operations

Stay tuned for more detailed information on the elements outlined above. We think these enhancements are critical and a huge win for the team – and most importantly – our fans.

Twins Ballpark Notes: A group of Twins officials visited Cisco’s San Jose headquarters this week to better understand how emerging technology can enhance the fan experience at the ballpark. The Oakland Athletics new home – Cisco Field – is slated to open as early as 2012 … Last week’s construction milestone featured the initial placement of part of the promenade which covers the BNSF track. With that piece in place, last week marked the first time a BNSF train would pass “under” the ballpark … The Twins will officially launch the sale of Club Seats (3,000 Legend’s Club seats and 400 Champion’s Club seats) during the week of February 25 … To date, 43 of the planned 55 private suites have been sold. That early sales success may lead the team to decide to increase the total number of private suites to 60 … The Twins will soon finalize a definitive agreement with a well-known baseball concessionaire to handle all food and beverage services within the new ballpark … Look for a “Countdown to the New Ballpark” element to be incorporated during home games at the Metrodome during the 2008 season.

Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

During the coming weekend, tens of thousands of Upper Midwest baseball fans will flock to the Metrodome for TwinsFest 2008. A staple of Twins baseball since 1989, TwinsFest serves as the primary fundraiser for the Twins Community Fund, and has grown into the largest team-run fan festival in all of baseball. But more important to so many great Twins fans, is the reality that TwinsFest signals spring is on the horizon and that we are only a couple weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Fort Myers.

Undoubtedly, one of the most frequently asked questions at TwinsFest will revolve around the long-term future of the event.  With the new Twins ballpark slated to open in the spring of 2010, the team will no longer call the HHH Metrodome home. Moreover, the future of the Metrodome remains very much in question as the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission continues its efforts to build support for a new facility to house the various community events, future NCAA Final Fours and Minnesota Vikings football.

Despite that uncertainty, fans across the region should know that the Twins are committed to maintain the tradition of TwinsFest for future generations of fans. The event has become a Minnesota sports staple and a critical funding source for so many Twins Community Fund programs. With that commitment in mind, the team is keeping the following in mind as it shapes the long-term TwinsFest strategy:

·         Future of the Metrodome – As long as possible, the Twins would like to hold TwinsFest in the Metrodome. As the home of the Twins from 1982-2009, the Dome defines Twinsbaseball for a generation of fans. The event is confirmed for the Metrodome through 2009. However, it’s feasible that the facility may not be available to host TwinsFest as soon as January 2010. Certainly, it would appear that TwinsFest 2011 and beyond would be in jeopardy assuming a new football facility is eventually constructed at the current Metrodome site.

·         Other Venues: Some may assume the event will eventually be held in the new Twins ballpark. However, understanding the new baseball facility is of the open-air variety, the new ballpark will provide somewhat limited interior space. While some northern climate clubs do host their off-season fan festivals in their ballpark (i.e. Detroit Tigers), the team is also very likely to consider the following:

o   Minneapolis Convention Center – Largest venue; has hosted NFL Experience.

o   Target Center – Synergies based on proximity to new Twins ballpark.

o   RiverCentre/Xcel Energy Center – Perhaps the event rotates between Minneapolis and St. Paul.

o   Mall of America – The team held TwinsFest at MOA once before.

o   TBD Hotel – Many teams hold events of this nature in hotel ballrooms (i.e. Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox).

o   New Vikings Stadium – Assuming the stadium has a roof, it may be the best venue for the annual mid-winter baseball festival.

Rest assured, the Twins front office is already hard at work to ensure TwinsFest continues for years to come. The location may change but the TwinsFest traditions of autographs from current and former Twins, kids and family interactive and sports/Twins memorabilia will continue for years to come.

Win Twins!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

The event’s success and accompanying buzz has led people throughout the State of Hockey to suggest it will soon be time for Minnesota to host an outdoor hockey extravaganza. Yes, we currently lack an adequate outdoor facility. However, the construction of TCF Bank Stadium and the new Twins Ballpark will change the dynamic in the near future.

There is no question that TCF Bank Stadium -- complete with its horseshoe design, 50,000 seats and artificial playing surface – is a likely venue for such an event. Moreover, the U of M’s vision for a tripleheader of sorts – games involving the Gophers men, Gophers women and the Wild – is quite solid.

At the same time, many have inquired whether or not the Twins would have interest in hosting such an event in the new downtown Minneapolis ballpark. The answer to the question is a definite YES.

Long before outdoor hockey was suggested, the Twins had considered constructing an ice skating rink in center field for the winter months. That rink could become a wintertime destination for thousands of Minnesotans, much like the rink which currently sits in downtown St. Paul adjacent the Landmark Center.

In regards to hockey, the new 40,000-seat Twins ballpark would offer more intimacy than a football facility. My sense is more fans would have optimal sightlines in the ballpark. Moreover, the thought of showcasing hockey in the region’s largest city has definite appeal.

The primary challenge to events of this nature in the Twins ballpark is the natural grass playing field. Like concerts, ice-related events can have quite a negative impact on a playing surface – something that is quite concerning to the ballclub. It’s compounded by the calendar and the reality that Minnesota’s weather does not provide your playing field sufficient time to recover for Opening Day?

Needless to say, the playing field challenge will be studied with hopes of finding ways to mitigate the negative impact. Assuming we are successful, one never knows when we may see the likes of Mauer and Morneau on skates in downtown Minneapolis. Lets Play Hockey!!!!

TWINS BALLPARK NOTEBOOK: M.A. Mortenson remains on target to pour the first main concourse slab on or about January 23 … As of today the Twins have confirmed commitments for 40 of the 55 private suites … The team hopes to begin marketing club seat product (Champion’s Club and Legend’s Club) in early February …

More than 70% of the ballpark project has been bid … The 6 by 6 scale model of the ballpark – along with the latest in 3-D computer animation – will be on display at TwinsFest January 25-27. Don’t miss this opportunity to see first-hand the vision for Minnesota’s new ballpark.

Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter
President, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

Beginning at 7 am this morning, the M.A. Mortenson crew will commence the project’s first concrete slab pour as crews set the floor of the ballpark’s mezzanine level (the mezzanine level is located between the service level and the main concourse and houses a variety of operational functions – mainly the ballpark’s concession headquarters). Despite what has been a harsh start to winter, it’s been amazing to see the ballpark begin to take shape. Today’s initial pour will be followed by the first pour of the main concourse level in early January.

Twins Ballpark Notebook:

The Twins Ballpark project team traveled to Washington, DC last week in order to review the status of Nationals Park which is scheduled to open in April. While much work remains on interior spaces, the ballpark seating bowl is taking shape, the playing field has been installed and the main scoreboard is in place. While much has been made of the Twins Ballpark’s stone exterior, it’s interesting to see the “federal building”-like exterior of DC’s new stadium …

Speaking of scoreboards, the Twins project team recently made a trip to Pittsburgh to review Daktronics latest HD16 video board technology. Daktronics is the Brookings, SD company which is expected to compete for the scoreboard elements in the Twins Ballpark …

As of last week the Mortenson crews had driven more than 1,300 of the 2,200 piles needed for the ballpark project … As of today, the Twins have secured commitments for 37 of the 55 private suites within the ballpark …

Current season ticket holders have been sent postcards on which they can identify their interest in securing premium seating (Champion’s Club or Legend’s Club seats) in the new ballpark. Those accounts not returning their postcards should do so quickly as club seating assignments will begin shortly after the first of the year. More updates to come in the near future.

Happy Holidays from all of us with the Minnesota Twins. Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins

The team’s marketing headquarters can be found at the Twins Ballpark Project Office overlooking the construction site in downtown Minneapolis. The Ballpark Project Office houses the model unveiled last month as well as an exact full-scale mock private suite identical to those found in the new ballpark. On a daily basis several Minnesota companies visit the Ballpark Project Office in an effort to determine the premium seating product which meets the needs of their employees and clients.

First out of the box in the team’s new ballpark marketing effort is the sale of the 50-55 private suites within the facility. If early sales results are any indication, the new Twins ballpark looks to be on target for being the place to be starting in the spring of 2010.

Having launched the official sales effort less than seven weeks ago, the team currently has commitments for 32 of the proposed 50-55 private suites within the facility. While more work remains, the current sales pace has the team encouraged and on track to having the ballpark’s private suites sold out before the end of the calendar year.

With the private suite sales off to a roaring start, the team will soon shift its focus to the sale of other premium seating options including the Champion’s Club and Legend’s Club.

Located directly behind home plate, the Champion’s Club features 405 premium seats all with access to an exclusive club restaurant for entertaining before and after the ballgame, valet parking and a private ballpark entrance.

Meanwhile, the Legend’s Club – similar in scope to the Xcel Energy Center’s Club Level features 3,000 of the best seats in the ballpark sitting on the deck immediately over the main concourse seating bowl. All Legend’s Club seats have access to the climate-controlled  Club Level lounge complete with a wide array of food and beverage offerings.

The transition of standard season ticket locations will commence following the 2008 season. Stay tuned for more information the premium and standard seating options within the ballpark as the various sales and marketing efforts officially get underway. Remember, the best way to secure your spot in the new ballpark is to establish your seating priority today by becoming a Twins season ticket holder. Visit twinsbaseball.com for the latest Twins season ticket news.

Win Twins!!!!!

Dave St. Peter
President

As part of the presentation to the public bodies outlined above, the team and HOK will showcase updated renderings, a computer generated fly-around video along with a stunning ballpark model. Fans should feel free to attend any of the public sessions or be sure to check Twinsbaseball.com for the latest and greatest ballpark images starting Tuesday (Oct. 30).

As fans look forward to reviewing the updated ballpark images, most won’t notice significant changes from what was unveiled last spring. The general design remains the same, the seating capacity remains at 40,000, the exterior continues to feature Minnesota-native stone, etc. That said, many fans will notice some subtle revisions.

With those changes in mind, here is a sneak preview of various elements which have been revised since the schematic design was unveiled last spring:

• The primary Twins Team Store – originally located adjacent the Sixth Street Plaza was shifted to the area along Seventh Street.
• The main Twins Ticket Office – originally located immediately along Seventh Street, was shifted to the area adjacent the Sixth Street Plaza.
• The design of the left field Home Run Porch was revised as follows: 1.) Two additional sections of seats were added increasing overall outfield seating capacity; 2.) The seating section was revised into a “split” configuration – very similar to the Terrace Level seating sections found elsewhere in the ballpark.
• The “Sports Bar”, originally located in left center field, has been shifted to the building found in the left field corner.
• The area formerly known as the “Batter’s Eye Club” in dead center field is being redesigned with a special focus on the creation a interactive area for kids and families.
• The single vertical light standard – originally found in left field – has been replaced with a more pleasing light feature atop the main scoreboard (much like those lights found at Coors Field in Denver or Jacob’s Field in Cleveland).
• The “terrace” type seating on the Overlook (found in right field) has been replaced with standard ballpark seats.

Those revisions, as well as other changes, have all been made with hopes of improving the ballpark’s overall design. More to come as we continue to chase our goal of building America’s best ballpark.

Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter

History paints a much different picture than the one crafted by the critics. The Pohlads have not only been central to ensuring the long-term success and viability of baseball in this community, but they have demonstrated unprecedented patience and commitment to the process. While enduring ongoing questions and barbs, the Pohlad family has demonstrated non-wavering class and leadership.

That Pohlad leadership was on display again this week when Hennepin County released details of a settlement with the private owners thus ending the dispute over the land where the ballpark sits. It was a settlement which came largely due to the incremental contribution of $15 million from the Pohlad family.

The settlement is critical for several reasons but mainly because it provides the County with much greater certainty in regards to the management of the existing infrastructure budget. While difficult choices remain, the County and the Twins are optimistic in our ability to ensure a first-class pedestrian experience in and around the ballpark district.

Meanwhile, it’s time for a tip of the cap to the Pohlad family. Their extraordinary commitment to this community was once again demonstrated via their recent contribution of necessary infrastructure dollars. Thanks to the Pohlads, the Twins-Hennepin County Ballpark project is rolling forward on time and on budget. That commitment should comfort Twins fans considering the owner of the team is so fully dedicated to ensuring the successful, iconic nature of the ballpark project. Hats off to the Pohlads!!!!

Win Twins!!!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

Meanwhile, last week's trip to the site reminded me how lucky we are to have the group of all-stars M.A. Mortenson has assembled to build Minnesota's ballpark. Locally owned and operated, M.A. Mortenson is truly the hometown team building the hometown ballpark. Needless to say the ballpark project is a source of significant pride for the entire M.A. Mortenson crew. That reality should give Twins fans a sense of comfort, knowing the folks building the park will also be bringing their respective families to the park. They also should take comfort in the star-studded team M.A. Mortenson has put together to work with HOK Sport in developing America's most dynamic sports facility. The M.A. Mortenson ballpark project team is as follows:

Name                       Role                                      Other Projects

Dan Mehls                 Construction Executive            Edward Jones Dome; U of Iowa Kinnick Stadium; Alerus Center; MPLS Central Library

David Mansell            General Superintendent           FedEx Forum; Sprint Center; Xcel Energy Center

Greg Funk                 Chief of Staff/Ops Manager      Walt Disney Concert Hall; MPLS Convention Center; MPLS Children's Medical Center

Troy Blizzard            Project Manager                      Abbott Northwestern Heart Hospital; Walker Art Center

Lynn Littlejohn        Community Participation Mgr.    FedEx Forum; Sprint Center; Xcel Energy Center

Greg Clark               Vice President, Estimating         Museum Plaza Tower; LA Convention Center; Edward Jones Dome

Ken Sorensen            Vice President                         Sprint Center; MPLS Central Library; Xcel Energy Center

John Wood              Principal-in-Charge                   Target Center; MPLS Convention Center; Museum Plaza Tower

Ballpark Notebook:

Many Twins fans attending the Ballpark Groundbreaking Celebration on August 30, noticed the voice of legendary broadcaster Bob Costas voicing a new team-produced video highlighting the imminent return of outdoor baseball. The Twins were honored to have Mr. Costas narrate the new video, which contains interviews with dozens of current and former Twins, and showcases Minnesota's  new ballpark. Look for the video to be featured at www.twinsbaseball.com in the weeks to come.

Thursday’s groundbreaking is only ceremonial considering the M.A. Mortenson team has been driving piles on the Burlington Northern property adjacent the ballpark site for the past several weeks. Moreover, just last week the construction team drove the initial piles on the actual ballpark site as they prepare for the formation of the superstructure this fall. Despite ongoing rumors and speculation, the driving of piles is moving forward as planned and the overall project remains right on schedule.

Fans attending Thursday’s historic groundbreaking event can look for the following:

• Scheduled appearances by Commissioner Bud Selig, Governor Tim Pawlenty, Hennepin County Commissioners Mike Opat, Peter McLaughlin, Mark Stenglein and Randy Johnson, Twins owner Carl Pohlad, Twins Manager Ron Gardenhire, Twins catcher Joe Mauer, Twins greats Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, Kent Hrbek and others.
• Alumni autographs.
• A plethora of affordable food and beverage options.
• A free concert performed by Minnesota’s own Martin Zellar.
• FSN North will televise the event live across the Upper Midwest.

Make plans to come out early and stay late for Thursday’s events, which will get under way at 4 pm. Think about it: This will be Twins fans' one and only chance to visit the ballpark site between now and Opening Day 2010. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of Twins and Minnesota sports history.

Twins Ballpark Notes: It appears the recent land value decision by the condemnation panel will be appealed by both the County and the private landowners. That appeal process is expected to play out over the next several months with a tentative trial date set for November. While Twins fans can take comfort in the reality that the land value should have no impact on the quality of the ballpark itself, it does create some concern about the County’s ability to ensure the level  of the infrastructure surrounding the facility. Despite the fact that the Pohlad family has agreed to contribute to the County’s overall infrastructure budget, every incremental dollar diverted to land acquisition is one less dollar the project has to develop roads, bridges, streetscapes and other aspects certain to impact the overall fan experience. One can only hope that the private landowners emerge with a settlement offer worthy of consideration. Stay tuned for additional updates.

Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter
President, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

Meanwhile, just blocks away from the scene of this unthinkable disaster, a baseball team was confronted with a  series of decisions. No, I’m not referring to the trade deadline. Instead, I’m referring to the decision to play Wednesday’s game versus Kansas City with hopes of keeping the 25,000 fans off the streets and buy first respondersincremental unimpeded time to do their jobs.

I’m referring to the decision to postpone Thursday’s game against the Royals out of respect for those families impacted by this tragedy. I’m referring to the decision to move forward and play the four-game Indians series with hopes of returning a level of normalcy for our community. And lastly, I’m referring to the decision to postpone the groundbreaking for the new Twins ballpark.

The groundbreaking decision was the easiest, understanding that it wouldn’t be right to celebrate Minnesota’s new ballpark while the recovery effort continues in our downtown area. The Twins and our fans have waited 12 years to break ground on a new ballpark, we can certainly wait a few more weeks. Over the past few days, many fans have sought information about a rescheduled date for the groundbreaking event. The Twins, Hennepin County and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority will gather again this week in order to determine a date for the groundbreaking ceremony.

Rest assured, we will move forward in marking this historic occasion with a proper ceremony and opportunity for fans to participate on the ballpark site. That said, we will do so at a more appropriate time, and certainly with the families impacted by the 35W bridge tragedy in our hearts and minds.

Win Twins!!!!!

Dave St. Peter
President, Minnesota Twins

Meanwhile, with Minnesota’s new ballpark about to rise in Minneapolis’ North Loop Neighborhood, it’s not too early to begin thinking about when the All-Star Game will return to the Upper Midwest. The Twins have hosted the game twice – in 1965 at Metropolitan Stadium and in 1985 at the Metrodome. With Minnesota’s new ballpark slated to open in the spring of 2010, the team has targeted 2015 as the preferred year to bring back the “Midsummer Classic” back to the Twin Cities. Five years into the new park is about the ideal time to host the game. That reality -- coupled with the synergies of the 30th Anniversary of the 1985 game and 50th Anniversary of the 1965 game – makes 2015 the obvious plan.

To date, the team has engaged in only informal discussions with MLB about hosting the game. Those discussions will formalize later this year once the new ballpark is officially under construction. One challenge which exists is the sheer number of communities looking to host the game. To date, MLB has only awarded the next two games – New York’s Yankee Stadium in 2008 and St. Louis’ Busch Stadium in 2009. Kansas City has been promised a game between 2010 and 2014.  You can expect a host of other communities – Washington, New York (Mets), San Diego, Arizona, Tampa Bay, Cincinnati, and others -- competing to host games in the years to come.

That competition is well justified based on the fact that the MLB All-Star Game has grown so much in stature and profile since Minnesota last hosted the event. While Minnesota hosted the first-ever Home Run Derby in 1985 (won by Tom Brunansky), that event is now an unparalleled spectacle. Throw in the MLB FanFest, the Future’s Game, All-Star Sunday and you have a three-day event attracting more than 250,000 fans and 1,800+ media. While some attempt to discredit the overall economic impact of pro sports, consider the following numbers which serve as hint of what Minnesota can expect when the Twins host the game in the years to come.

The Economic Impact of the All-Star Game
The economic impact of recent All-Star Games on its host cities and communities has been as follows, as calculated and provided by each All-Star Game host city:

Year            Host City                Economic Impact*

2007           San Francisco           Estimated $60-65 million
2006           Pittsburgh                $52.3 million
2005           Detroit                    $52.5 million
2004           Houston                   $65 million
2003           Chicago                   $60 million
2002           Milwaukee                $50 million
2001           Seattle                     $50 million
2000           Atlanta                     $49 million
1999           Boston                     $65 million
1998           Denver                     $40.5 million
1997           Cleveland                 $37.6 million
1996           Philadelphia             $55.9 million

*Past All-Star Games have filled between 14,000 and 16,500 hotel rooms and have drawn between 200,000 and 250,000 fans to the various All-Star Week festivities.

Win Twins!!!!

Dave St. Peter
President, Minnesota Twins Baseball Club

The Twins and MLB.com are working in conjunction with the technology provider Earthcam on the installation of the high-tech camera which will be located on the top of the 33 South Sixth Tower (formerly the Multifoods Tower in downtown Minneapolis). Fans will be amazed at the capabilities of the webcam as they will be able to zoom-in to the intricacies of the site. Most importantly, the webcam will give Twins fans real-time access to the ballpark site as the project kicks into full gear later this summer.

Stay tuned to Twinsbaseball.com for more updates on the Twins Ballpark Webcam.

I’ll be back in touch soon with additional ballpark news and notes.

Win Twins!!!

Dave St. Peter

President, Minnesota Twins