Minnesota Twins: Is the stadium roof debate on again?
By Nate Palmer
The Minnesota Twins are facing a historically cold baseball game for Thursday’s home opener. That has one player calling for a roof on all stadiums.
The Minnesota Twins are set to play their home opener on Thursday at Target Field. Just as a weather front has come through the area dumping a substantial amount of snow. As result crews at Target Field have work ahead of them to clear the field for game day. What is of more immediate concern for the game on Thursday is the lingering cold temperatures.
With temps projected to hit lows of 15 degrees and a high of 38 degrees according to weather.com, Thursday’s game has the potential to be historically cold as far as MLB games go. Looking back at weather.com and hourly temperature projections those taking in the game will be enjoying 37 degrees and it will feel like 30. Not exactly the sun glistening off of bunting, green grass, and cracker jacks that we associate with home openers.
Roof Debate returns, kinda
That has caused one current Twins player to not think too kindly about the present weather conditions.
There it is everyone. In one Logan Morrison Instagram post, the roof debate has returned. One of the most debated aspects of Target Fields construction when the plans surfaced those years ago.
More from Minnesota Twins News
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Twins’ Joey Gallo signing
- Minnesota Twins: Grading the Christian Vazquez Signing
- Minnesota Twins: Twins jump into Top 5 in first MLB Draft Lottery
- Minnesota Twins: Byron Buxton wins 2022 Bob Feller Act of Valor Award
- Minnesota Twins: A Twins Homage to the Turkey of the Year Award
Saying the debate has returned may be a step too far. This is simply one player who just happens to play in a city that turns quite cold for a good portion of the calendar calling for roofing. Even though the potential to endure some of the cold and harsh weather on the bookends of a baseball schedule is there. Target Field wouldn’t be the beautiful ballpark it is if they would have somehow slapped a roof on it.
Miller Park
All fans and players alike need do is take a field trip down Interstate 94 to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to see how a roof could take away so many of the positive features of Target Field. While it is always fun to find ways Minnesota is better than Wisconsin, this isn’t meant to be one of those moments. There are actually some very great attributes to Miller Park. For instance, the parking is certainly better and allows for pre-game tailgating for those who enjoy that.
Hands down the in-game experience of Target Field is much better than Miller Park. The structure that is needed in order to hold the roof in place in Milwaukee detracts from the view that would be available if it was not there. It also limits the true ability to enjoy a nice summer’s breeze. That lack of breeze on the hot dog days of summer could turn an enjoyable game into a sweat-soaked prison.
Ten years ago I was sceptical of building a sports stadium in the middle of Minnesota that didn’t include a roof. After taking in games at Target Field I now understand why not having a roof is a positive. It has created a beautiful and enjoyable game experience, even if every once in a while weather will create issues.
Next: Berrios gaining attention after complete game shutout
So while April 5th at Target Field may feel awful. Warmer weather is on its way Morrison, and that is when you will be able to appreciate the stadium in all its glory. Also, the first 30,000 fans will receive a hoodie sweatshirt in case they forgot how to dress for Minnesota weather. Everyone in attendance will survive. They are Minnesotans.