Groundskeepers rush to get Target Field ready as Twins' home opener nears
The Minnesota Twins open their 2014 season in Chicago this afternoon against the White Sox. Meanwhile at Target Field, preparations are under way for the team's home opener next week.
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Snow removal has taken more time this year because of the heavy snows this winter, head groundskeeper Larry DiVito said. Workers have been melting snow and ice in the stands hosing them down with hot water. The temperature of the field was kept at about 33 degrees by the stadium's underground heating system throughout the winter.
The groundskeepers need a little fair weather to finish things up, he said.
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"I'm just looking forward to two good days next weekend to be able to paint the logos, have dry weather, get the last mowing done, get the details done so we come in the morning of opening day and it's ready to play," DiVito said.
Last year was a challenge because the field had to open April 1 "and we had a lot of ice damage," he added. "This year, the extended snow cover made for more snow removal for us but it also insulated the grass. And you'll probably find that at a lot of golf courses this spring as well is that snow cover, as long as it's just snow, is a pretty good thing for grass."
The season opener is next Monday against Oakland.