New Stadium

[ChrisLDuncan]

Why isn't it a domed stadium???? It's really really cold in Minnesota. I mean people there live in a climate that human beings aren't supposed to live in. I can't imagine what September baseball will be like there...let alone October baseball (do they plan on staying out of the playoffs?) But does anyone know why it isn't domed?

[FLAtwinsFan]

Why isn't it a domed stadium???? It's really really cold in Minnesota. I mean people there live in a climate that human beings aren't supposed to live in. I can't imagine what September baseball will be like there...let alone October baseball (do they plan on staying out of the playoffs?) But does anyone know why it isn't domed?

I take it you've never been to Minnesota?

The summer there is the best weather around, and nothing beats outdoor baseball, especially when you are forced to watch baseball in a dome meant for football since they closed Metropolitan Stadium to make room for the mall of america.

Minnesota isn't that much worse than Cleveland, Detroit, Boston, and New York in the fall so why is it such a shock to you? Minnesota isn't in Canadia.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Unfortunately I have been to Minnesota, awesome shows and a few ball games, the reason why the summer is wonderful is because you can feel your fingers and toes. The reason why I say that the weather there is unbearable is because when you have to plug in your car every night to make sure it starts in the morning there's a tip. By the way Detroit sucks in the fall too...it was about to Snow there for the WS

[JordanDL3891]

well that was luck. I'm sure it has snowed at Yankee Stadium before when a game was supose to be played.

Heck i know a place in Tenn. that got snow during their event - Bristol Motor Speedway in March got snow and the nextel cup qualfiying was rained out (in 2006)

[ChrisLDuncan]

Yes but it's a reasonable precaution to expect horrible Minnesota winters. I think that they should have gone with a retractable roof...that seems to be the trend.

[FLAtwinsFan]

Yes but it's a reasonable precaution to expect horrible Minnesota winters. I think that they should have gone with a retractable roof...that seems to be the trend.

I was a little unsure about the retractable roof idea. Take milwaukee for example, I've been there for a couple games where the weather has been beautiful yet the roof is closed. I think that they are actually keeping the roof shut all year this season.

I would worry about something like that happening with the new twins ballpark.

The roof was also too expensive for the Twins and the city didn't want to help with the bill.

[ChrisLDuncan]

The roof was also too expensive for the Twins and the city didn't want to help with the bill.


They'd rather watch baseball in ten degree weather? Plus there's other things that a venue that nice brings to the city besides baseball.

[FLAtwinsFan]

Minnesota watched all College Football, NFL Football, and Baseball outdoors before the Metrodome...

Its well worth weathering the cold for the luxury of watching outdoor baseball, especially after being cooped up in that poor excuse of a baseball dome since 1982.

What about Lambeau Field, they sell out, and have no problems with the winter.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Minnesota watched all College Football, NFL Football, and Baseball outdoors before the Metrodome...

Its well worth weathering the cold for the luxury of watching outdoor baseball, especially after being cooped up in that poor excuse of a baseball dome since 1982.

What about Lambeau Field, they sell out, and have no problems with the winter.


It's a bit different with football that gives teams an advantage, I find it hard to believe that pitchers and hitters can get used to pitching and fielding in 20 degree weather.

[KCGHOST]

The Twins played outside for 20+ years before the MetroDome was built. They didn't have a problem then, so why does someone who doesn't know Minnesota from Antarctica keep yammering on about it? Winter does not start in September up there nor does it last until June.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Well lets see, baseball is different now...pitchers struggle in the cold, for a team that's built on pitching it's awfully dumb to let them go cold in September. Comparing New York weather to Minnesota weather is just plain dumb. Here's NY's average temperatures.

http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/USNY0996_f.html


Minnesota

http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/USMN0503_f.html

[bryanac625]

I've wondered this same thing, why they are NOT building a retractable roof stadium. Wouldn't that make more sense?

[ChrisLDuncan]

I've wondered this same thing, why they are NOT building a retractable roof stadium. Wouldn't that make more sense?


Yeah it gets pretty cold up there.

[winningtheweapon]

Because baseball is not meant to be played indoors. I hate domes.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Obviously you haven't spent a winter in Minnesota...when you're bundled up for ball games like you are at football games, there's a problem.

[bryanac625]

Because baseball is not meant to be played indoors. I hate domes.

I'm certainly glad my teams ballparks-Camden Yards and RFK/Nats New Stadium- are not domes or even retractable roofs. But my understanding was the purpose of Minnesota having a dome was to guarantee a game for fans who come from all over the Midwest to see the team. Of course, any team has fans from all over the country, even the world, who come to see a game that could be rained or snowed or whatevered-out. For example, what if tonight's Red Sox-Royals game with Dice-K pitching is rained out? But no question it is colder on average in Minnesota than in DC or Baltimore. I know, I went to school in the Midwest.

I still think it would have made more sense to build a retractable roof ballpark.

[ChrisLDuncan]

I'm certainly glad my teams ballparks-Camden Yards and RFK/Nats New Stadium- are not domes or even retractable roofs. But my understanding was the purpose of Minnesota having a dome was to guarantee a game for fans who come from all over the Midwest to see the team. Of course, any team has fans from all over the country, even the world, who come to see a game that could be rained or snowed or whatevered-out. For example, what if tonight's Red Sox-Royals game with Dice-K pitching is rained out? But no question it is colder on average in Minnesota than in DC or Baltimore. I know, I went to school in the Midwest.

I still think it would have made more sense to build a retractable roof ballpark.


Yeah I agree, and I'm sorry to hear about your schooling experience...I share the same affliction ;) The Twins aren't the Yankees or the Red Sox where most of the tickets are gone to Season Ticket holders...they're a team where people from all over the area go to see a game, and due to obvious weather issues the Dome makes a comfortable setting, and in baseball you shouldn't have to deal with "the elements" this isn't football.

[winningtheweapon]

Baseball is mostly played during warm months. The only time you have to deal with any elements is in April and October.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Baseball is mostly played during warm months. The only time you have to deal with any elements is in April and October.


September in Minnesota too...and it's best in October so I like to watch it at it's best in a good setting.

[winningtheweapon]

September in Minnesota too...and it's best in October so I like to watch it at it's best in a good setting.

If it's cold out, just wear a coat, gloves and a hat. I prefer baseball to remain outdoors and have a nice backdrop of the selected city. But then again, that's my preference.

[redlegsfan21]

The Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs played in the snow yesterday and today, yet 25,000+ came to see the games. If the Minnesota fans are true to their team, they will still come rain, snow, or shine.

[FLAtwinsFan]

The new stadiums original design called for a retractable roof, but the city didn't want to pay for it. Personally, I don't give a damn, i'm going to go to the games anyways, and I travel 1,372 miles to get to games to use my season tickets.

Baseball is meant to be played outside, no matter the weather, its not like people from minnesota aren't foreign to cold weather. Baseball is most exciting in the months its the coldest, so people will come anyways. The Gophers new stadium is going to be outside, and its going to be great.

I cannot wait to sit in a stadium designed for baseball viewing, outside in the beautiful Minnesota summer weather (and hopefully october weather).

[ChrisLDuncan]

The new stadiums original design called for a retractable roof, but the city didn't want to pay for it. Personally, I don't give a damn, i'm going to go to the games anyways, and I travel 1,372 miles to get to games to use my season tickets.

Baseball is meant to be played outside, no matter the weather, its not like people from minnesota aren't foreign to cold weather. Baseball is most exciting in the months its the coldest, so people will come anyways. The Gophers new stadium is going to be outside, and its going to be great.

I cannot wait to sit in a stadium designed for baseball viewing, outside in the beautiful Minnesota summer weather (and hopefully october weather).

Yeah but for college football when I go too games I'm too drunk to realize that it's cold...that and football in the cold is kind of expected...not so much with baseball.

[The Dude]

Yeah but for college football when I go too games I'm too drunk to realize that it's cold...that and football in the cold is kind of expected...not so much with baseball.

No, baseball in the cold is not expected these days. Are you forgetting the period of baseball, or the majority of it, when there was no such thing as a domed stadium?

Baseball was played in (20+ years) Minnesota, (50 years) Milwaukee, and (Present) Detroit for a long time before there were domes. I'm sure Northern Midwestern fans will have no problem going back to outdoor games in April/September/October.

As for the roof in Mil-town, it won't be openned until at the earliest May.

[ChrisLDuncan]

No, baseball in the cold is not expected these days. Are you forgetting the period of baseball, or the majority of it, when there was no such thing as a domed stadium?

Baseball was played in (20+ years) Minnesota, (50 years) Milwaukee, and (Present) Detroit for a long time before there were domes. I'm sure Northern Midwestern fans will have no problem going back to outdoor games in April/September/October.

As for the roof in Mil-town, it won't be openned until at the earliest May.



That's what I'm saying baseball isn't expected to be played in the cold...which is why I'm asking why no dome? A game in Detroit was canceled due to cold today, I suppose the locals won't mind because they live in a severe cold and have no concept. When I see a Minnesotan living in that cold, I think the same thing I think when I see guys wearing sweaters when it's 90 out.

[The Dude]

You must be missing my point. In the whole history of baseball, expecting baseball to not be played outside in the cold in April/September/October is a new thing, and it's not lasting very long.

[ChrisLDuncan]

I thought you were disagreeing my bad.

[wu-tang clan]

im from minneapolis, and most people i know dont want a roof. i am sick of being inside watching baseball on a beautiful 90 degree day. i have only been to one other stadium, US Cellular, and it was the best game ive ever been to, simply because it was outdoors.

[ChrisLDuncan]

I don't know about you guys but I like to apprecaite the arcitecture of buildings I like the retractable roofs. I like Minute Maid, Safeco, Miller, Chase Field, and I like those places...roof closed or open, the buildings are fine acheivements.

[The Dude]

Appreciating the architecture of a ballpark has nothing to do with wether or not it has a retractable stadium. That is just a certain feature that some stadiums do have and some don't.

Like some cars have 4 doors and some have 2 doors.

[ChrisLDuncan]

Appreciating the architecture of a ballpark has nothing to do with wether or not it has a retractable stadium. That is just a certain feature that some stadiums do have and some don't.

Like some cars have 4 doors and some have 2 doors.


Well there are some places that pull it off and others that don't SafeCo isn't any less of a field because it has a retractable roof. There are some buildings that pull off not having a roof. Other parks I enjoy are Yankee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, Camden Yards, PNC, and Commerica just to name a few.

[redlegsfan21]

I would only be in favor of a retractable roof if it opened the stadium kind of like Minute Maid Park. I want to be able to see things outside. But, I think what would be best is just a long overhang. Fans will come. If it gets too cold, they can postpone the game just like in Detroit so there should be no worry. The Reds are playing in football weather this weekend and I plan on going to the game on Easter Sunday and I don't have a ticket yet. The only thing that would stop me from going is if they cancel the game.

[vendiamo]

You are asking the same question over and over again and the answer, several times given, is simple. Nobody wanted to pay for it.

It took many years for the politicians to figure out how to use taxpayer money to build it (eventually, they simply did it without letting people vote on it, since every previous vote, the citizens of Minnesota basically told Carl to spend part of his billions to build it himself.)

The one thing that has changed since the glory days is that all the playoffs now extend the season another 2 weeks or so. Game 7 of the 1965 World Series was played in Minnesota on October 14, for example. Game 7 of the 1987 World Series was played on October 25. Had it been necessary, Game 7 last year would've been played on October 30.

Yup that's winter jacket weather in Minnesota. But, so what? People in Minnesota can handle it and if teams from California have trouble with it, well, that's life.

[Swede]

Hear, hear, vendiamo!
I can't wait to be out drinking beer and cheering on the Twins. If you ask any sports fan in Minnesota if they mind sitting outside in April (or October, for that matter) they'll tell you they don't mind. I go trick or treating with my kids every year, and thats the last day of October. People from warmer climes will have to plan around the "cold" season.

Look at the Vikings of yore and the Packers, the cold weather became an advantage.:nod:

[skeletor]

Hear, hear, vendiamo!
I can't wait to be out drinking beer and cheering on the Twins. If you ask any sports fan in Minnesota if they mind sitting outside in April (or October, for that matter) they'll tell you they don't mind. I go trick or treating with my kids every year, and thats the last day of October. People from warmer climes will have to plan around the "cold" season.

Look at the Vikings of yore and the Packers, the cold weather became an advantage.:nod:

well in Detroit, for years, the LIONS played outside ,along with the Tigers
in Briggs-Tiger stadium...Tigers still play OUTSIDE..which is good...better
than a dome..in my opinion..

question being, when will the DOME be replaced ? and where will it be built ?

[Swede]

Too true, shouldn't have left out Detroit.... similar weather. As for the Metrodome, it will be the Vikings stadium. The Gophers Football team is breaking ground on a new stadium (Outdoors) and the Twins needed one outdoors to stay. There has been numerous proposals for a new Vikes complex (one location was Blaine, in the northern suburbs) but with two stadiums approved this year, people are sick of thinking about it.

The new Twins ballpark will be in Minneapolis not far from the Target Center where the T-wolves play. Bring your guns, you may need them.

[placount]

i say shorten division championship series down to best of five. one day off between the second game. bah at tv scheduling, make it so the games are done by the third week of october. either that or pray to al gore.

[DoubleX]

Minneapolis/St. Paul provides what is most likely the coldest climate for baseball, but I don't think it is that terrible, and playing outdoors in April in Minnesota can't be any worse than playing outdoors in Denver in April, can it? From April to October, the average high temperatures are:

April: 57
May: 70
June: 79
July: 83
August: 80
September: 71
October: 58

So the average high is at least 70 for 5/6 months of the regular season. Things might be a bit on the chilly side in early April and late October, but October is only a worry if the team gets that far, and the team could just schedule more day games early in the season.

At the very least, I think the early cool temperatures it could give some character to games played at the new park. Besides, I'd imagine that Twins fans rather sit outside on a few cold days and watch their team than have their team relocated or contracted.

[MilleRtiMeppC]

with a dome, it wouldn't cast a shadow making it hard to see the ball for the hitters:confused:

[Big_Mac]

i agree with a poster above, baseball ain't meant to be played indoors. i personally hate domes.

but the reason i posted is i wanted to know where i can find the proposed design for this stadium? is there a website were they have the design and pictures?

[Lafferty Daniel]

Hi Big Mac, there are many pics of the new Twins park at the Baseball Fever 'Ballparks' forum.

[mtortolero]

They'd rather watch baseball in ten degree weather? Plus there's other things that a venue that nice brings to the city besides baseball.
Pohlad seats are VIP with warm weather included and that is what is important in the new stadium.
Players, fans, media? they can use double underwears.

[Big_Mac]

Hi Big Mac, there are many pics of the new Twins park at the Baseball Fever 'Ballparks' forum.

thanks lafferty.