Minnesota Twins fans are going to get access to a newly renovated Metropolitan Club at Target Field next season in the largest offseason upgrade to the ballpark since it opened in 2010.
The Metropolitan Club, on the second level in the right field corner, will now be open to all fans.
In coming months, the Twins and the Minnesota Ballpark Authority, will spend a combined $15 million on renovations in and around the club, making it directly accessible from the main concourse. They're also going to make it much more alluring by installing operable glass doors and drink rails facing the field.
Since the building opened, season-ticket holders have been able to enter the club and watch the game from a porch overlooking right field. Now the team will add a new elevator and stairwell from the main concourse leading directly into the club.
The main concourse just below the club is also going to be expanded. The space between the well-used Gates 34 and 29 has been a consistent congestion point in the building.
The bulk of the work — $14.2 million — goes toward the Metropolitan Club renovations. The Twins will pay for most of the work, but the Minnesota Ballpark Authority, the public authority that oversees the building, has agreed to use up to $5 million from its capital reserve fund.
"We like that our investment will fund enhancements to the building that will improve circulation and access and it will help create another memorable gathering space for all fans to enjoy," authority executive director Dan Kenney said.
Other enhancements in recent years included the addition of Minny and Paul's above center field and the installation of LED lighting above the seats.
From 2011 through 2017, the Twins have spent $18 million on ballpark improvements. The upcoming projects bring the total to $28 million.
This is the largest expenditure from the ballpark's reserve fund, bringing the total spent from there to $6.7 million. The reserve fund balance before these renovations is $15.5.
The building is ready for work now given the Twins quick exit from the playoffs Tuesday.
Hennepin County, which helped pay for the ballpark with a sales tax, created the capital improvements fund in 2007. Both the team and the county contribute to the fund annually.
Rochelle Olson • 612-673-1747
Twitter: @rochelleolson
