The Boys of Summer are Back: Twins Baseball Begins

Get ready to root, root, root for the home team: The Twins will officially kickoff their season at home on April 13.

The home opener is indeed sold out, but if you were lucky enough to snag tickets—or are still planning on doing so by buying a season ticket package or via a third party—there’s a lot more to expect on game day than just a battle against the Kansas City Royals. At 1 p.m. the gates will be opened by legendary former Twins players, including Bert Blyleven, Tony Olivia, Kent Hrbek, and Tom Kelly, then fans can take their seats for a pregame performance by recording artist Shawn Mendes, who will be around to meet after in the new Twins Digital Clubhouse. But all will want to make sure to be back in their seats by game start as not to miss hearing Greta Oglesby (who can be seen in the Guthrie’s upcoming production of The Crucible) sing the national anthem, or watch local legend and Timberwolves player Kevin Garnett toss out the opening pitch.

Even if you can’t be at Target Field, there are still free public events around the ballpark to enjoy. Head to Seventh Street from 6-9 a.m. for a free breakfast—if you’re driving in, you’ll want to be on the side adjacent to the Twins Majestic Clubhouse Store, or if you’re walking or biking, go to the side of Target Plaza. Following, from noon-2:15 p.m., DJ Mad Mardigan will perform on the balcony that overlooks Target Plaza, while at Target Field Station there will also be live music performances by Field Trip and Golden Hippie, as well as food and drinks for sale. That will all end just in time for you to make it to a nearby sports bar to take in the game at.

Remember, this is just the beginning—we’ve got months of games ahead of us to plan for. How should you plan, might you ask? Buy your tickets, certainly, but I’m talking about deciding what you’re going to eat and drink on game day, as Target Field just announced its new food offerings, and they sound pretty freakin’ great. Here’s a look at what’s now being served—plan accordingly:

  • Barrio (near Section 127): This is sure to be the hot spot this summer, with margaritas, chips and guacamole, and tacos, plus big screen TVs and seating.
  • Red Cow (Section 126): Three options: the Blues Burger (apricot jam and blue cheese), Ultimate Red Cow Burger (lettuce, tomato, onion, and Red Cow sauce), or the 60/40 Bacon Burger (60 percent beef, 40 percent bacon with cheese, Summit Beer mustard and candied bacon).
  • Hot Indian Foods (Section 120): Choose from Chicken Tikka or Vegan Aloo Gobi.
  • Andrew Zimmern’s Canteen (Section 114): Now in a full-time space, here you can select from Korean fried chicken, smoked meat, or bacon sandwiches.
  • Murray’s (all Mill City Grills): Not a new spot, but the Cheese Steak Sandwich is: sirloin steak, cheddar cheese sauce, peppers, and onions.
  • Darby’s Bacon Hot Dish (Section 133): Here you’ll find the buzzed about tater tot nachos—tots loaded with cheese, bacon, jalapenos, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
  • Hrbek’s: A $19 College Daze Bloody Mary that comes with a slice of cold pepperoni pizza, among other accompaniments like a beef stick, cheese slice, and celery. They’ve also added Oreo churros, a brat-stuffed burger, and shrimp corndogs.
  • Panther Distillery and Du Nord (Section 111): Craft cocktails, including an Apple Fizz at Panther, and Moscow Mules and spiked hot chocolates at Du Nord.

Go Twins!