Crews Put Finishing Touches On Target Field For Twins Home Opener
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Minnesota Twins are just two days away from their first home game of the season.
The team will play the Kansas City Royals in front of a sold-out crowd Monday afternoon.
At the dawn of the new season, Target Field awakens from a long winter as workers ready the ball park for nearly 40,000 baseball fans.
With six years of home openers under his belt, head groundskeeper Larry DiVito knows how to get the field game ready.
"We've got 90 percent of it right the way I want it," DiVito said.
The final touches may be the most tedious, but they're also the most recognizable.
"That'll take four guys pretty much the bulk of the day to get three logos painted," DiVito said.
Ryan Roland will spend hours stenciling and painting logos that will last the entire year.
"It's pretty important for the opening stages, making sure the field looks good for players and fans," Roland said.
But Target Field isn't the only place prepping for a busy Monday. Over at Kieran's Irish Pub, the home opener opens the door to new business.
"The patio will be open. We open at 10 a.m. for the home opener," Kieran's Manager Craig Wait said.
Sales can jump 20-30 percent on game day. It's a welcome change after nine months of nearby construction forced Kieran's to close off some of its patio, keeping some customers away.
"It's beautiful to come out the other side and be able to enjoy the summer again and see our favorite Twins fans," Wait said.
For fans like Dan Illi, the new season means adding options to show team loyalty. He spent the morning shopping for a new Twins T-shirt for his fiancée.
"Super excited! We've got Torii Hunter!" Illi said.
On Monday, Illi says he won't be thinking of past losses. If anything, the home opener reminds us all that a slow start can easily turn to a strong finish.
"Look at the Wild, how they did in the beginning of year and now," Illi said. "I have faith."
The Twins have plenty of fan activities planned for opening day. The team is serving a breakfast on Target Plaza from 6 a.m. until 9 a.m.
You can enjoy live music on the plaza and at Target Field Station starting at noon.
The gates open at 1 p.m. The first pitch is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. against the Kansas City Royals.
