Saints to play ball for first time at CHS Field

CHS Field
Players fielded fly balls during Saints tryouts at CHS Field in St. Paul, Thursday, May 7, 2015.
Jeffrey Thompson | MPR News

The St. Paul Saints play baseball for the first time Monday in their new downtown ballpark.

It's the first of two exhibition games against the Sioux City Explorers. General Manager Derek Sharrer said the team is treating the games as a test run to prepare for Thursday's home opener.

"It'll give us an opportunity to work out any operational kinks and make sure the toilets flush and the sinks run and the concession stands open up and sell hot dogs and beer the way they're supposed to," he said. "It also helps our team, of course, get ready for the season."

Monday's game is open only to season ticket holders. Tuesday morning's game is for reserved for school groups.

The home opener Thursday is sold out, but fans who want to sit on a grass berm in the outfield can buy tickets for $5.

State and local taxpayers are footing most of the bill for the $63 million ballpark.

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