Minnesota Twins prepared to bring fans back to Target Field

The Minnesota Twins, with guidance from Major League Baseball (MLB), Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), and the City of Minneapolis announced earlier this month they will welcome fans back to Target Field for the 2021 season. The Twins will open the season April 8 with a maximum capacity of 10,000.

This announcement was proceeded by a rollback of COVID-19 restrictions by Governor Walz, as case numbers trended downward, and vaccinations increased throughout the state. It was met with a very positive reaction from the organization:

“Today’s announcement represents a wonderful milestone, as we are beyond thrilled to safely welcome Major League Baseball’s best fans – our Twins fans – back into Target Field for the 2021 season,” said club President & CEO Dave St. Peter. “Simply put, the Twins are bringing our fans back to the ballpark because we know that it can, and will, be done in a safe manner.”

10,000 fans represent 25% of Target Field’s capacity and this percentage falls in line with capacity limits at the other AL Central Division stadiums. Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago will start with a maximum capacity of 8,122 (20%). Progressive Field in Cleveland will open with a 30% capacity, which computes to 10,500 fans.

Comerica Park in Detroit will host up to 8,200 fans (20%) capacity. Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City hopes to have 10,000 fans (26%) in attendance on April 1st. As at all ballparks, as more people continue to get vaccinated and case numbers decline, the Minnesota Twins and MLB hope to welcome more fans into ballparks later this year.

Fans at Target Field will be seated in “pods,” of two to four seats, which will be offered first to season-ticket holders, before going on sale to the general public. Between the pods, the seats will be zip-tied to ensure proper social distancing. Fans will be required to wear face coverings when not eating and drinking.

The Twins will shift to digital ticketing and with only a few exceptions, bags will not be permitted in the ballpark. This is to ensure that the fan experience is as contactless as possible. The Twins are also moving to contactless ordering and payment for food, beverages, and merchandise.

And in a sure sign of spring, single game tickets for the Minnesota Twins first 17 home games went on sale Thursday, March 25. There is a limit of four tickets per purchaser. The first 9 games of the season are already sold out.

So, Rocco Baldelli and the “Bomba Squad” will welcome fans back to the ballpark in 2021. There will be restrictions, but in-person baseball is back in Minnesota. I can hear the crack of the bat and the smell of hot dogs already.