Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Updated: April 5, 9:37 a.m. | Posted: April 4 11:30 a.m.

If you want to enjoy every minute of the Twins' home opener at Target Field Thursday, you're going to need to plan ahead.

The game starts at 3:10 p.m. against the Seattle Mariners. Gates open about 90 minutes before the first pitch. There are five gate entrances at Target Field, each on the main level. All are handicap-accessible.


After their win Wednesday, the Twins are tied for first in the AL Central with the White Sox. Both have a 3-2 record. The Mariners' record is 3-2, and they sit third in the AL West division.

Target Field is in Minneapolis' Warehouse District. The stadium has a capacity of 39,504. The game is sold out. 

You can drive, bike, bus or take the Green or Blue light rail lines, which both have a 

 Rush hour rates are $2.25 each way. You can plan your trip 

Biking to the ballparks is encouraged. Bicycle stands are available on the promenade and at 

There's a lot of parking in and around the field. 


 lists some of the best prices, including $5 at 731 S. Marquette Ave., or $6 for RBC Plaza Garage. Both are within a 15-minute walk to Target Field. 

There are also event zones near Target Field, with special metered parking rates. 

Rates closest to the stadium charge $2.50 an hour, while fees farther away are about $1.50 an hour. Check out this 

If you're using metered parking, remember you can 

 that lets you add more time to your meter from your phone. 

You can also use pay-ahead parking apps like 

Soft-sided containers and bags 16 inches by 16 inches by 8 inches or smaller are permitted. Hard-sided coolers are not. Sealed water bottles 32 ounches or less, and soft-sided single juice or milk containers for children are the only beverages allowed in. Umbrellas are allowed into the park, but they can not be used in the stands once the game starts. 


All bags and containers are subject to search as fans enter the stadium.


There is no smoking inside Target Field. Electronic cigarettes also are prohibited.


The first 30,000 fans at the game will receive a free hoodie.

And layering will be important since it could be one of the 

coldest first games for the Twins on record

Keep in mind that cold weather exposure can increase risk to hypothermia or frostbite. 

Dress in layers, with one layer that wicks sweat away, a middle layer (maybe you can add a brand new hoodie) to insulate heat, and outer layers that can repel wind and moisture. 

Check out this guide for more information

And it's important to have plenty of liquids. 

Dressing for cold weather

The city has set the northeast portion of downtown as a tailgate-friendly zone, from the Mississippi River to Sixth Street, and from 11th Avenue to Fourth Avenue east to west.

You can bring food inside the park, but it must be in food containers that are soft-sided and fit under your seat. Outside food is not allowed inside a restaurant, club lounge or suite. 

 dozens of eateries and plenty of beverage options. 

This year, the park added a new dining area called 

 which replaces the Metropolitan Club dining area.

There are vegetarian and gluten-free options as well. 

Remember to take your identification if you will be drinking alcohol. There are numerous ATM stations in the park and most restaurants and food stations take major credit cards. 

If you leave the ballpark, you can't re-enter. 

Of course, you might decide to enjoy the game from the comfort of your couch. You can watch the game on 

And if you miss the opener, no worries: There are another 

 left in the season, and 81 of those games are at home. The next one is at 1:10 p.m. Saturday.

Correction: (April 4, 2018): A previous version of this story incorrectly reported the ballpark's re-entry policy. The story has been updated.

Sports

NewsPartners

Matt Mikus

Author

If you want to enjoy every minute of the Twins' sold-out home opener at Target Field Thursday, you're going to need to plan ahead. We've got the all the details you need to know.

Twins home opener: Food, parking and what to leave at home

Go Deeper.

Like this?