The Twins are planning to erect a canopy about 25 feet wide over all of Target Field's entrance gatesGETTY IMAGES
The Minnesota Ballpark Authority, which oversees Target Field, "has approved" the Twins' $5-6M offseason renovation project to "expand the plaza area outside Gates 34 and 29, where two-thirds of fans enter" the ballpark, according to Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The Twins last season "made some changes inside Gate 34, to ease congestion." Now the team is "doing the same outside the gate, reconfiguring entrance points" while planning to "erect a canopy about 25 feet wide over all gates." Twins Senior VP/Operations Matt Hoy said, "We're trying to create a better experience for guests coming in the door. We've been sensitive so we don't create a big concrete monolith of the space." The team will move its "larger-than-life" Gold Glove sculpture as part of the renovations. The Twins also are "adding a new lawn inside Gate 34, laying down more than 5,800 square feet of turf." The team "plans to install a permanent 'multipurpose shell' inside Gate 34, with glass doors and a fabric canopy, that might be used for all sorts of activities such as autograph signings, a pop-up store, beer hall or concert." The Twins also "plan changes on the plaza outside the ballpark, moving and replacing some planters with a permanent bench." Olson notes the Twins also are "adding security measures," along with all of MLB. Architectural firm Populous was "working out the final details on the plan" (STARTRIBUNE.com, 11/14).
