Not satisfied that they've played just one season in their super new, outdoor, state-of-the-art, baseball-only stadium, Target Field, the Twins have announced enhancements to the stadium for the 2011 season. To me, the greatest link between baseball and entertainment is the stadium experience. Baseball, and sports in general, are a form of entertainment all their own, so it needs to be fun to come out to the ballpark. ESPN the Magazine named Target Field the best stadium experience in all of professional sports, so if you don't have a trip to Minnesota on your itinerary for 2011, time to start making plans.
Enhancements include:
- An additional 28' high, 50' wide video screen in right field
- A 100' high LCD covered display called "Twins Tower" located right next to the new screen
- An expanded menu at concession stands
- Additional radiant heat units for the Home Run Porch and Terrace Level for those cold Twin Cities nights
- Free WiFi throughout the entire ballpark, as well as improved cell phone coverage for all carriers
One might ask if all of these elements were simply skipped over to assure they would open up on time for the 2010 season, and they may be on to something. But with the reputation they earned in just one season, the bump in revenue that follows the opening of a new park (not to mention the ability to raise ticket prices), and the continued success of the franchise and its marquee players, it seems as though the Minnesota Twins are putting their money where their mouth is.
Steve Cramer, Chair of the Minnesota Ballpark Authority, says, "These investments underscore the Twins commitment to maintaining a first-class facility and delivering a first-rate game day experience," and it would be hard for me to think he was just blowing smoke up my ass with this news.
Link: Twins Announce Ballpark Enhancements for 2011
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