Twins to welcome fans back to Target Field for 2021 season
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Twins, in collaboration with Major League Baseball (MLB), Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the City of Minneapolis, announced today that the club has received approval to welcome fans back to Target Field for the 2021 season, beginning with the April 8 home opener at a maximum capacity of 10,000.
“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. We thank Governor Tim Walz, Commissioner Jan Malcolm, Mayor Jacob Frey and our Target Field operations partners, including 3M, for their collaboration in developing a comprehensive health and safety plan for our guests that meets local, state and Major League Baseball requirements and directives.”
Continued St. Peter: “Sports, and especially our great game of baseball, have shown time and again their innate ability to bring communities together and make them stronger. Downtown Minneapolis is proudly open for business, and the Minnesota Twins are excited to play a part in helping our region move forward by safely welcoming fans back to Target Field this season.”
“For so many Minnesotans, summer and Twins baseball go hand in hand. I count myself among the millions of Minnesotans who so missed being able to visit Target Field last year, to eat a hot dog, sit in the sun, and cheer on the Twins,” said Governor Walz. “Thanks to the hard work of Minnesotans and the Twins’ commitment to the health and safety of their fans, we’re going to be able to do that this summer, and I can’t wait.”
“Spending the day at Target Field – the crack of the bat, a swig of a cold beverage, cheering alongside friends and loved ones – is part of what makes a perfect Minneapolis summer day. And after nearly a full year of making hard decisions to stay home to keep each other safe, I know the people of Minneapolis are eager to get off the bench,” said Mayor Frey. “While we make this exciting pivot towards a Minneapolis summer we know and love, we must remain committed to good public health practices, so that we keep heading in the right direction.”
Initial 2021 Target Field Capacity and Ticket Availability
In accordance with new state guidelines for large venues issued by Governor Walz and the MDH, the Twins will open the 2021 season with a reduced capacity capped at a maximum of 10,000; the club will continue working with public health officials to increase attendance in future months, if warranted by continued improvement in health metrics. In all limited-capacity scenarios, existing Twins Season Ticket Holders will receive priority access to tickets each month. Remaining inventory will be made available to the general public on a month-by-month basis; tickets for games from April 8 through May 6 will go on-sale later this month.
A Safe, Secure and Welcoming Environment, In and Around Target Field
The Twins, in collaboration with the City of Minneapolis, the Minneapolis Downtown Council, community leaders and law enforcement agencies, including the Minneapolis Police Department, the Hennepin and Anoka County Sheriff’s Offices, and Metro Transit Police, are committed to providing a safe, secure and welcoming game day experience, both in and around Target Field. The club is working with city and state officials, and other partners, to provide game day parking and/or public transit options, with an enhanced security presence. Additionally, the organization will maintain in-ballpark law enforcement and Event Security that is in strict alignment with community policing and the commitment to Minnesota Twins principles and values.
Minnesota Twins 2021 Health and Safety Polices for Target Field
The Minnesota Twins and the club’s stadium operations partners are committed to creating the safest environment possible at Target Field for all guests, players, staff and employees. In collaboration with MLB, the Twins have implemented enhanced health and safety policies and procedures for the 2021 season that adhere to requirements and guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the MDH and the Minneapolis Health Department (MHD). These include (a full list is available at twinsbaseball.com/playitsafe):
Entering the Ballpark
Contactless Ticketing and Suggested Gate Entry: All Twins tickets will be delivered digitally via the MLB Ballpark app, and contactless ticket-scanning technology will be utilized at all gates. Guests are encouraged to enter Target Field via the suggested gate located on their digital ticket.
No-Bag Policy and Security Screening: Bags are not allowed in Target Field, with the exception of medically-necessary items, diaper bags and small clutch purses (max. 9”x5”). Guests will keep all items on their person and do not need to empty their pockets prior to using the walk-through magnetometers.
Around the Ballpark
Face Coverings: All guests ages two (2) and older will be required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth to enter Target Field and at all times while in the ballpark, other than when actively eating or drinking in their ticketed seat or location.
Physical Distancing: To maximize comfort and safety, the Twins will seat guests in “pods” of exactly two (2) or four (4) contiguous seats only, with a minimum distance of six (6) feet between pods in all directions. Additionally, capacity for any indoor locations has been modified per MDH guidelines, while signage, floor spacers, messaging and Public Address announcements will establish and enforce proper physical distancing when entering and moving about Target Field. Lastly, a “buffer zone” has been created between the playing field and the first row of ticketed seats adjacent to both dugouts (12 feet in distance) and bullpens (6 feet).
Contactless Ordering and Payments: The MLB Ballpark app provides guests the ability to order and purchase food, beverage and merchandise throughout Target Field directly from their mobile device, with designated “grab-and-go” stations for prepackaged pickup. If necessary, most credit card purchases at point-of-sale will not require signatures and/or PINs to complete purchase.
Enhanced Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitization Measures: The Twins, in accordance with the 3M™ Clean & Protect Certified Badge Program, will clean, disinfect and sanitize all in-use seats, railings, food and drink surfaces, elevators and escalators, and restrooms using EPA-approved COVID-19 cleaners and disinfectants before, during and after each game.
Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer stations can be found throughout Target Field.
Staff Health Screening and PPE Requirements: All Twins employees and Event Staff will have health and temperature checks daily upon arrival and prior to entering Target Field. Additionally, all Twins employees and Event Staff are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times, while also wearing gloves and/or gowns in all appropriate situations.
The 2021 home opener for the back-to-back American League Central Division champion Twins is scheduled for Thursday, April 8 vs. the Seattle Mariners, with a 3:10 p.m. first pitch from Target Field.