Here's what's new at Target Field for the 2021 Twins season
With just days until the Minnesota Twins' home opener, the club is sharing what fans can expect at Target Field this season.
For the first time in more than a year, the Twins are welcoming a limited number of fans back to the downtown Minneapolis ballpark (the last time they were at Target Field was Oct. 7, 2019).
There will be "enhanced" health and safety protocols in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin currently underway, with the Twins noting the Anoka County Sheriff's Office will provide in-ballpark law enforcement coverage during the trial.
Health and safety at Target Field
The State of Minnesota is allowing 10,000 fans at Target Field for the home opener on April 8, with the Twins noting it has worked with health officials and 3M on protocols and enhanced disinfecting and sanitizing to keep people safe.
Face masks are required for everyone 2 years old and older unless someone is "actively" eating, there will be health screenings, digital ticketing and contactless entry.
In the stands, the Twins' seating plan utilizes "pods" of two or four seats that are a minimum of 6 feet apart from other "pods" to allow for physical distancing.
While in-aisle food and beverage vendors have been discontinued, fans will still be able to get food and beverages from select locations in the ballpark.
Fans can order and purchase food, drink and merchandise from their phone via the MLB Ballpark app using Target Field's upgraded WiFi 6, which is nearly three times faster than the ballpark's previous iteration, a news release says. The app will also let you know what food and retail locations are closest to your seat.
When you order something through the app, it'll be available for express pick up at designated "grab-and-go" stations, with everything packaged in disposable containers or are already prepackaged, and "refillable" drinks have been discontinued.
Capacity at indoor bars and restaurants, as well as outdoor gathering spaces, will be limited per public health guidelines, and masks will be required whenever someone isn't actively eating or drinking. Fans are only allowed to eat or drink while in their seat, so no snacking on the way back to your seat.
Cash is not accepted at the ballpark this year — only credit, debit or digital wallet payments can be used to buy concessions and retail items.
Bags and outside food are not allowed. However, fans can bring in one factory-sealed or empty water bottle (32 ounces or less).
More information on health and safety protocols is available here.
New foods, vendors
With a new baseball season comes new foods and vendors at Target Field.
Among the new vendors, according to a news release:
- Truly on Deck, formerly Bat & Barrel, is new this year, offering signature foods and beverage options, including Truly Hard Seltzer. Among the times on the menu is Blue Door Pub's popular cease and desist burger, which is new to the ballpark this season.
- Summit Brewing Pub, formerly the Goose Island Pub space, will offer Summit beer on the Club Level.
- Gray Duck Deck, which was developed prior to the fan-less 2020 season, will make its debut this season in the former Barrio space in the area adjacent to the left-field foul pole inside Gate 6. The open-air bar will feature signature drinks from the Minnesota brand.
- Jack Daniel's Bar, developed prior to the 2020 season but debuting this year at Gate 34, will offer signature cocktails made with the popular alcohol.
- Schneiderman's Lawn, developed prior to the 2020 season but debuting this year at Gate 34, is a 5,600 square foot area with weather-resistant chairs, tables, benches and bar tables.
The new vendors in Gray Duck Deck, Jack Daniel's Bar, Summit Brewing Pub and Truly On Deck will all have new food and beverage offerings, but details on what those are haven't been released.
