Twins prep as fans are set to return to Target Field for first time since 2019

Minnesota Twins fans will return to Target Field this week for the first time since October of 2019.

The Twins home opener is set for 3:10 p.m. Thursday against the Seattle Mariners.

"It’s a momentous day not only for the Twins but for the city of Minneapolis and the state as a whole," said Matt Hodson, the Minnesota Twins communications manager.

Fans will notice multiple changes to ballpark operations as the 2021 season gets underway.

The ballpark will start the season at about a quarter of its capacity, allowing 10,000 fans in for the home opener.

"We’ve been trying to make sure everybody who comes down here feels comfortable, feels safe," said Matt Hoy, senior vice president of ballpark operations.

Before entry, each fan will do a health screening, read a list of symptoms, and give a verbal ‘no’ before being allowed into the stadium.

Fans will not be allowed to bring in bags, except for diaper bags, medically necessary items, or small clutch purses. They will not have to empty their pockets at security before going through the magnetometers in an effort to cut down on touchpoints at the gate.

Hodson said this will also be the first year the Twins have entirely digital ticketing. Fans can find their digital tickets on the MLB Ballpark app. Contactless ticket-scanning technology will be used at the gates.

Twins announce new Target Field amenities, policies for 2021 season

"Tickets are sold in pods of two or four," Hodson added. "There’s six feet of distance between each pod, in all directions. You can see many seats have been zip-tied, including all aisle seats. That’s to allow a clean walkway up and down our aisles."

Hoy noted the stadium has used around 40,000 zip-ties to mark off seats before the home opener.

While walk-up concessions will be available, fans are encouraged to place digital food and beverage orders through the MLB Ballpark app.

"When the order is ready, you’ll get a text message saying that the order is ready and you can come to the stand and pick it up," explained Kurt Chenier, executive chef at Delaware North at Target Field.

Chenier said popular ballpark favorites, such as burgers and bratwursts, will be available this season, along with several new menu items.

Target Field will be a ‘cashless stadium’ in 2021, accepting only credit, debit or digital payments. They have installed several ‘reverse ATMs’ throughout the stadium, where fans can convert cash into cards if necessary.

Masks will be required at all times at Target Field, except if someone is actively eating or drinking.

The Twins are also partnering with 3M to put enhanced cleaning protocols in place.

The home opener and the entire three-game weekend series against the Seattle Mariners are sold out. A limited number of tickets remain available for a four-game series with the Boston Red Sox from April 12-15 and for a four-game set against the Texas Rangers from May 3-6. Details regarding on-sale dates for tickets to Twins home games scheduled for after May 6 will be announced later this month.

For more information on Minnesota Twins tickets or COVID safety protocols, click here.