MLB's Minnesota Twins moved into Target Field in April 2010, and fans were thrilled to have outdoor baseball again. While the Twins are the primary occupant, there have been some large-scale musical events here (Kenny Chesney, for example), and it's also used periodically for smaller events, like charitable walks and fun runs.
Target Field parking
There are 7,000 parking spots in the adjacent ABC and Hawthorne parking ramps, and about 25,000 spots in ramps and parking lots across downtown Minneapolis. The closer you park, the more it will cost you. It's also important to note that traffic into Minneapolis for a game can be heavy, especially for weekday evening games when people are competing with rush hour. Plan on heading out early to allow plenty of time.
Hotels near Target Field
Downtown Minneapolis has several hotels, some of which are within easy walking distance to Target Field. Check out the Minneapolis Marriott City Center and the Radisson Blu, both close by. Aloft Minneapolis is a longer walk (or short cab or light rail ride), but is one of the newer hotels downtown. The Residence Inn at the Depot offers a good value, particularly if you're bringing kids.
Seating at Target Field
If you want to be right up close to the action, look for seats in the Dugout Box, which is directly over the field surrounding home plate. Not surprisingly, those are the most expensive seats, but the tier right behind them is the Home Plate Box area, where prices start to drop off a bit. If you're coming with kids, consider the Our Family section. It's high up over the field, but the views are pretty good. Alcohol is not allowed, and a hot dog and soft drink is included in the ticket price.
Food at Target Field
A great deal of thought was put into the food at Target Field, and many local food icons are represented here. Yes, you can still get a hot dog, but there are plenty of other choices (including vegetarian and gluten-free). Among the most popular are Kramarczuk's Sausage (4 locations), Murray's Steak Sandwich (4 locations), and Turkey To Go (2 locations). There's also regular stadium food like burgers and nachos, along with Asian and Indian offerings and pork chop on a stick.
Beer at Target Field
Beer runs about $8-10 per cup, and there are numerous offerings, including several locally brewed craft beers. Lines can be long, but check out the outfield mezzanine area, which may have less traffic.
Parking alternatives at Target Field
There are numerous alternatives to parking at Target Field. Metro Transit offers several bus routes that stop at the stadium, and most suburban bus lines will run special routes the games, especially on the weekends. The light rail also stops near the stadium.
What to bring to Target Field
This is an outdoor stadium, and that means paying attention to the weather. Games have been played here in near-freezing conditions, rain, and blistering heat. Make sure to check the weather before attending and bring things like sweaters, jackets, hats, gloves, and blankets for cold days, or umbrellas for rain and intense sun.
Insider tip for visitors to Target Field
Because parking costs more the closer you are to the stadium, many people will park on the opposite end of Minneapolis, such as near the Guthrie Theater, and take the light rail to the stadium to save on cost and hassle.
Author's bio: Amy C. Rea is the author of Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes: an Explorer's Guide, and Backroads & Byways of Minnesota. Her third book, Camping Minnesota, will be published in 2016.