Target Field Travel Guide

Thinking about heading to Target Field? This ballpark in Minneapolis isn’t just about baseball—it’s about making memories. If you know a few things before you go, you’ll probably save yourself some time, cash, and stress, and get more out of the Twins game experience.

Getting to the stadium? It’s pretty straightforward once you know your options. Sure, you can drive, but honestly, a lot of fans choose public transportation to skip the parking headaches. Target Field’s easy to spot at 1 Twins Way, right in downtown Minneapolis.

ESPN actually named the stadium a Top 10 MLB Stadium Experience, and it’s not hard to see why. There’s something for everyone—family attractions, tons of food choices, and a vibe that’s both modern and classic. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just tagging along, you’ll find something to love.

Overview of Target Field

Target Field really stands out as a modern baseball venue in downtown Minneapolis. It’s got that limestone look and a bunch of fan-friendly features, giving you an outdoor baseball experience that feels genuinely Minnesotan.

History and Construction

Target Field opened its doors in 2010, taking over from the Metrodome as the Minnesota Twins‘ home turf. The place cost $545 million and took three years to build, squeezed onto just eight acres in the Warehouse District. Populous architects designed it to blend Minnesota’s natural vibe with modern touches.

You’ll notice local Kasota limestone all over the exterior, giving the stadium a real Minnesota feel. Even though the site’s small, designers managed to build a venue that feels both intimate and roomy, seating about 39,500 people.

Construction crews had to get creative, especially with those active railroad tracks running nearby. They pulled it off, and the stadium snagged a LEED Silver certification for its green design.

Major League Baseball and Minnesota Twins

Since 2010, the Minnesota Twins have called Target Field their home. As one of MLB’s northernmost stadiums, it hosts games from April through October, and sometimes longer if the Twins make the playoffs.

Target Field has been the site of some big MLB events, like the 2014 All-Star Game. The Twins have attracted plenty of talent here, and fans get a first-class baseball experience.

You’ll spot tributes to team legends—statues of Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, and Kirby Puckett are scattered around the grounds, keeping the team’s history front and center.

Key Features of the Ballpark

The design at Target Field puts you close to the action with steep seating angles. Open concourses let you keep an eye on the game while you grab food or hit the restrooms.

You get some pretty awesome views of downtown Minneapolis, especially if you’re at a night game. The limestone walls, local wood accents, and artwork all nod to Minnesota’s roots.

There’s a right field overhang that calls back to old Tiger Stadium, and the center field celebration sign with Minnie and Paul shakes hands after home runs. The “Budweiser Roof Deck” gives you sweeping city views.

You’ll find great amenities: tons of local food, bars, social spaces, and spots for kids to play. Even when it’s packed, the wide concourses make it easy to get around.

Getting to Target Field

Target Field sits smack in downtown Minneapolis, so getting there isn’t tough. You’ve got options—light rail, bus, car, or even just walking if you’re nearby.

Directions and Transportation Options

The METRO Blue Line and Green Line run right to Target Field Station. These trains link up with downtown Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, and more.

Coming from Mall of America? Hop on the Blue Line northbound. It’s about a half-hour ride and drops you at Gate 6. On busy game days, this is honestly the way to go.

Metro Transit buses serve the whole Twin Cities area. Their Trip Planner makes it easy to figure out your best route.

If you’re staying downtown, you can usually walk to the field in 10-15 minutes. The area’s pedestrian-friendly, so if the weather cooperates, walking’s a solid choice.

Parking Information

You’ll find several parking ramps near Target Field, but you really want to plan ahead—especially for big games.

Ramps A, B, and C are closest. Expect to pay $15-$25, depending on the event. These fill up fast, so showing up early helps.

The stadium’s website has a live parking availability tool, so check it before you leave.

Street parking is out there, but it’s tough to snag and usually has time limits. Meters run until 10 PM.

If you’re looking to save a few bucks, park farther out in a downtown ramp and catch the light rail. It’ll usually cost you $5-10 less than the ramps right by the stadium.

Proximity to Twin Cities Landmarks

Target Field’s location puts you close to a bunch of Minneapolis attractions—perfect if you want to make a day of it.

You’re just a few blocks from the Mississippi River and the Warehouse District, which is loaded with shops and restaurants. Great for grabbing a bite before or after the game.

The Minnesota State Capitol is only about 15 minutes away on the Green Line, so you can squeeze in some sightseeing.

Nicollet Mall, a pedestrian shopping strip, is within walking distance. It’s ten blocks of food and shopping, perfect for a little pre-game wandering.

If you’re into art, the Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden (yep, that’s where the Spoonbridge and Cherry live) are a short bus ride away on routes 4 or 6.

Experiencing a Game Day

Game day at Target Field feels like true Minnesota baseball—great views, fun activities, and a laid-back vibe. If you know what to expect, your visit will go a lot smoother.

Arrival and Entry Procedures

Gates open about 90 minutes before first pitch on regular game days. Gate 3 (behind home plate) and Gate 6 (right field) usually move quickest.

Public transit drops you right at the stadium. If you’re driving, buy parking in advance through the MLB Ballpark app—it saves time and probably a few bucks.

Security’s standard: metal detectors and bag checks. Target Field sticks to the MLB clear bag policy, so only bring small purses (under 9″ x 5″) or clear plastic bags.

Honestly, it’s smart to show up at least half an hour before game time. You’ll catch some batting practice and skip the biggest crowds at the gates.

Seating and Ballpark Views

You’ll get solid views from almost any seat. The Home Plate View sections (upper deck behind home) offer a panoramic look at the field and the Minneapolis skyline—pretty good bang for your buck.

Want to splurge? The Delta SKY360° Club seats come with in-seat service and climate-controlled lounges.

On a budget, try the U.S. Bank Home Run Porch in left field or the Grandstand in right. Both offer good sightlines at wallet-friendly prices.

The Budweiser Roof Deck and Bat & Barrel restaurant double as social hubs with food and drinks during the game.

Best Times for Baseball Games

Day games (1:10 PM starts) usually mean the best temps in spring and fall. Since the stadium faces east, you won’t be blinded by the sun late in the game.

Weekend night games (6:40 PM) hit the sweet spot—you get baseball and time to hang out in the North Loop before or after. Plus, the city skyline looks awesome at night.

Target Field’s open-air setup means weather can be a factor. Late April through early June is usually pleasant, with less humidity than July and August.

If you want a chill experience and maybe cheaper tickets, look for midweek games against non-division teams. The crowds are smaller and seat selection is better.

Amenities and Concessions

Target Field brings together a bunch of Minnesota flavors, classic ballpark eats, and local drinks. There’s something for every taste and budget.

Food and Beverage Options

You’ll find plenty of concession stands all over the stadium, with prices that run the gamut. For family-friendly deals, check stands by sections 120, 133, and 311.

The stadium’s new Dock area with pontoon seating gives you a lakeside Minnesota vibe and some fun new menu items.

If you’re watching your wallet, bottled water runs $5.49-$6 at most stands, but the Family Concession Stand is cheaper.

You can actually bring your own food, but leave the hard-sided containers, coolers, and Thermos bottles at home—they’re not allowed.

Hrbek’s and Signature Stands

Hrbek’s—named after Kent Hrbek—is a fan favorite. It’s a bar and grill with field views and a bunch of memorabilia from Hrbek’s career.

You’ll also find the Tony Oliva Cuban sandwich stand, serving up family recipes from the Hall of Famer himself. It’s a cool nod to his Cuban roots.

Local craft beer fans are in luck. You’ll spot Summit, Surly, Fulton, and more at stands all over the stadium.

For anyone with a sweet tooth, new desserts pop up every season along with classics like ice cream in little batting helmets.

Architecture and Design

Target Field mixes Minnesota’s natural style with modern engineering. You’ll see local materials everywhere, and the open-air setup keeps you connected to both the game and the city.

Ballpark Seating Layout

The seating at Target Field offers great views from nearly every spot. Designers skipped support columns and used cantilevers, so you won’t have to crane your neck around any poles.

With about 39,500 seats, it’s one of the more intimate MLB parks. The horseshoe layout puts you close to the field—some seats are just 45 feet from the action.

Premium options include:

• Champions Club (behind home plate)
• Delta Sky360° Club (field level)
• Thomson Reuters Champions Club
• Treasure Island Terrace

The upper deck’s smaller than most, so even the nosebleeds feel pretty close.

Outdoor Features and Spaces

Target Field’s open-air design really shows off Minnesota’s beauty. You’ll see limestone, glass, and steel everywhere, echoing the state’s landscape and industrial past.

The concourses stay open to the field, so you can keep tabs on the game while grabbing a snack. It gives the whole place a connected, lively feel.

Some standout spaces:

• Target Plaza – Main entrance with the golden glove statue
• Minnie & Paul Celebration Sign – Lights up after home runs
• Budweiser Roof Deck – Killer views of downtown
• Bat & Barrel – Gathering spot with memorabilia

Big glass panels on the west side frame downtown Minneapolis, making the stadium feel like part of the city instead of walled off from it.

Notable Events and Legacy

Since opening in 2010, Target Field has delivered some unforgettable moments and helped shape the community around it. The ballpark stands out as both a baseball landmark and a spark for growth in Minneapolis.

World Series and Historic Moments

Target Field hasn’t hosted a World Series yet, but it’s definitely seen its share of unforgettable moments. The 2014 MLB All-Star Game brought baseball’s brightest stars to Minneapolis and put the stadium in the national spotlight.

Brian Dozier hit a walk-off grand slam against the Tigers in 2018—probably one of the most electric moments fans have witnessed here. People still remember Joe Mauer‘s emotional final game in 2018, when the hometown favorite put on his catcher’s gear one more time.

Francisco Liriano threw the park’s first no-hitter on May 3, 2011, shutting down the White Sox. Playoff baseball returned to the Twin Cities when Target Field hosted the 2019 American League Division Series.

Impact on the Twin Cities

Target Field really gave downtown Minneapolis a boost, turning the North Loop into a lively entertainment district. Before games, fans crowd into nearby spots like Fulton Brewery and The Local, grabbing food and drinks.

ESPN Magazine called Target Field one of the top MLB stadium experiences, and that attention has brought more visitors to the Twin Cities. The ballpark reportedly adds over $200 million to the local economy every year.

Architects used local materials and drew inspiration from Minnesota’s landscape and industrial past when they designed the stadium. Target Field stands out for its green initiatives too—water recycling systems, for example—making it one of the most eco-friendly venues in baseball.

You can hop on the city’s light rail and get to the ballpark easily from Minneapolis or St. Paul, which really ties the two cities together.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Target Field sits right in the heart of Minneapolis, so there’s plenty to do before or after a game. The area around the stadium is packed with entertainment, restaurants, and cultural spots, all within walking distance.

Minneapolis and Downtown Experiences

The North Loop neighborhood around Target Field is always buzzing. You might grab a pre-game drink at a local brewery like Inbound BrewCo, which has a chill vibe and food trucks that change up regularly. If you’re hungry, Cowboy Jack’s is just steps from the stadium and always busy on game days.

Peavey Plaza offers a quiet spot for a quick walk nearby. It’s free and a nice way to stretch your legs before settling in for the game.

Downtown Minneapolis features the unique skyway system, a network of 9.5 miles of enclosed bridges connecting 80 city blocks. It makes exploring the city comfortable any time of year, especially when winter hits hard.

Other Sports Venues

Target Center sits just across the street from Target Field, so you can easily wander over for some NBA action when the Timberwolves are playing. Both venues use the same transit and parking, which honestly makes life a lot easier if you’re bouncing between games.

The Metrodome is gone now—U.S. Bank Stadium took its place. When football’s out of season, you can actually tour the Vikings’ new home. It’s about a mile from Target Field, so not exactly a quick stroll, but totally doable if you’re up for it.

If you don’t mind heading a bit farther out, Mall of America could be worth the trip. It’s not close enough to walk from the ballpark, but this gigantic mall has, well, just about everything—hundreds of shops, an indoor amusement park, and even an aquarium. Kind of wild, honestly.

You’ll find that public transit links most of the big Minneapolis attractions, so you can mix a baseball game with plenty of other adventures if you want.