Twins hoping to have fans at Target Field this season
The Minnesota Twins are hopeful they'll be able to welcome fans to Target Field this spring amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Twins last week said it has partnered with 3M to prepare for the possible return of fans to the Minneapolis ballpark this year.
“As we continue working with Gov. Tim Walz, public health officials and Major League Baseball toward safely welcoming fans back to Target Field in 2021, we are ecstatic to have the people and science of 3M to help guide us on our path,” Twins President and CEO Dave St. Peter said in a statement. “The health and safety of our fans, partners, players, staff, employees and communities is driving the process, and we are grateful to 3M for bringing their product solutions to Twins Territory.”
The Twins are working with 3M on disinfecting, cleaning and physical distancing solutions at Target Fied in hopes of reopening the ballpark to the public this season. Further details will be announced later.
#MNTwins officials and @3M experts have already begun collaborating on items ranging from ballpark ingress and egress, to protocols and materials for cleaning, disinfecting and sanitization of Target Field. https://t.co/15in3AfFbi
— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) February 17, 2021
Meanwhile, FOX 9 says the Twins have submitted a proposed plan to Walz that would allow Target Field to welcome about 10,000 fans (25% capacity) during the season, with people sitting in socially distanced pods of two to four people.
The plan is still awaiting approval, but the governor is hopeful that the COVID-19 situation will continue to improve in Minnesota.
"Gov. Walz is eager to get back to Target Field. If Minnesotans continue to work hard to keep the virus under control while vaccinations ramp up, we’re optimistic we can get fans back in the stands in some capacity this season. The Administration will remain in close communication with the Twins," Teddy Tschann, the governor's spokesperson, told Bring Me The News on Monday.
The Twins' home opener is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. on April 8 vs. the Seattle Mariners.
Until then, the Twins are holding spring training in Fort Myers, Florida, where about 2,400 fans are allowed inside Hammond Stadium to watch the preseason games, the Star Tribune says.
The Twins host the Boston Red Sox at 12:05 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28.
