Rain At Target Field? No Problem
MINNEAPOLIS (WCC0) - While most fans protect themselves from rain by a thin poncho, Target Field uses a little more sophisticated technology.
While water just runs off into the sewer system at most stadiums, Target Field employs the Rain Water Recycle System - designed by Minneapolis-based water solutions company Pentair.
Kevin Smith, Executive Director of Public Relations for the Twins, is proud of his stadium's distinction.
"What better way to be a leader in sustainability and lead by example with using water as your example," said Smith
When it rains, a porous field acts as the first line of defense. The first of the multiple layers is grass, the second is sand, and the third is rocks. Underneath it all is a complex drainage system that covers this entire field.
"You'll go out there, half hour after a rain storm and it's like it never happened," said Smith.
And then the water takes its most interesting turn.
"What happens with that dirty water is then funneled through the Pentair filtration system, cleaned and cleaned…It goes from dark gray and gross, to being perfectly clean," he said.
According to Smith, a large portion of the water is recycled in the ball park for watering the grass and cleaning the lower levels.
It's not only a green solution, but one that allows the game to resume quickly.
"You'll go out there half hour after a rain storm and it's like it never happened," he said.
Target Field has the first and only underground filtration system in America, saving more than 2 million gallons of water each year.
