Our Projects / Target Field

Target Field

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

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CHALLENGE. When our designers first walked the Target Field site, located in the historic warehouse district of downtown Minneapolis, it made them think differently about the potential for ballpark design. It would take a leap of faith by the design team and the Minnesota Twins to squeeze every element of a 40,000-seat ballpark onto an eight-acre site — one smaller than 95% of existing big league ballparks.

INNOVATION. A complex labyrinth of city elements created physical limitations for the site — viaducts, a freight train line, commuter rail lines, an interstate, two parking garages, a waste incinerator plant and an underground creek to name a few — resulting in one of the most challenging projects in Populous’ history.

The most urban ballpark in Major League Baseball, Target Field maximizes its setting with pedestrian bridges that connect the ballpark to the city. Its urban appeal is enhanced with the creation of the acclaimed Target Plaza, the park’s ‘public garden,’ which beckons Minnesotans to the site year-round.

Target Field's urban design bridges the site to its surroundings.

New and direct access to bike trails, light rail, commuter rail and all other core transportation systems of the city help to further connect the site to its urban surroundings. The ballpark’s design promotes spatial connections internally as much as it does externally. At any one time during a game, an estimated 8,000 fans roam the ballpark with clear views of the game.

IMPACT. Since opening, the $545-million ballpark has won praise for its sustainability and urban design. Construction permits in the area are up; condo sales are up; hotel occupancy is up and the ballpark has helped reposition the Twins into one of the sport’s most successful operations. Target Field ensures Minnesota’s wonderful baseball tradition for future generations and adds an exciting new dimension to the quality of life.