TCF Bank Stadium, Target Field Hope To Host Concerts In Future

U2 Could Be TCF Bank Stadium's First Concert

TCF Bank Stadium is likely to be "up and rocking with concerts by next summer," while Target Field operators said that they are "anxious to host concerts, but will likely hold off until 2011 to guarantee smooth operations," according to Chris Riemenschneider of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. U2's '10 tour "could be the kickoff rock show" at TCF Bank Stadium, and U2 promoter Live Nation Midwest Music President Mark Campana said that the company is "strongly considering both" the stadium and Target Field as venues. Twins Exec Dir of Public Affairs Kevin Smith said that Target Corp. execs are "especially eager to host rock shows in their namesake venue since it could promote the company as a music retailer." But Target Field's "one big disadvantage will be the Twins' 81-game home schedule, which would take precedence over any concert dates." Smith said that Twins officials "attended a Madonna concert at San Diego's Petco Park last summer for research purposes." Smith: "We're going to be cautious about it, but we certainly intend to host concerts when we can under the right circumstances." Riemenschneider noted TCF Bank Stadium will be "more readily available, but it also might have a major downside if alcohol sales are prohibited at concerts, as they are at" Univ. of Minnesota (UM) football games. But UM Associate AD Phil Esten said that the stadium's crew is "going ahead with plans to host concerts, with or without beer lines" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 10/10).