New Twins ballpark model on display

Checking out the design
Hennepin County Commissioner Randy Johnson checks out the model of the new Twins ballpark.
MPR Photo/Brandt Williams

Members of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners got to see a 3-D model of the Minnesota Twins ballpark Tuesday.

The 5 ft. by 5 ft. model represents the architects' most detailed depiction of what the new ballpark will look like when it's completed in 2010. The model even contained working lights to show how the field will be lit.

Architect Earl Santee introduced the model to the board.

Aerial view
An aerial view of how the new Minnesota Twins stadium will fit into the neighborhood in downtown Minneapolis.
Image courtesy of HOK Sport

"I don't know how long we've been working on the project, over a year or so -- this is the design improvement we made. We think this is the design," said Santee. "Our hope is, that by building the model that kind of demonstrates to you what you can expect for 2010."

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The final design makes only minor changes in the plans, including an upper deck that looms above the playing field down the right field line.

Other new touches include a family picnic area in center field, where designers once contemplated a club.

The model also showed features previously announced, including a limestone exterior, a spacious canopy over the stands and pine trees in the outfield.

The Hennepin County Board will vote on the plan next week. Commissioner Mike Opat said the design blends well with the neighborhood and the Warehouse District.

Earlier this month, Hennepin County officials and owners of the downtown Minneapolis land where the new Twins stadium is being built agreed on a $28.9 million price for the land.

The 40,000-seat ballpark is scheduled to open in time for the 2010 season.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)