The Minnesota Twins have detailed a set of infrastructure and technology enhancements at Target Field aimed at greatly improving convenience, efficiency and the overall fan experience for the 2025 MLB season and beyond.
The Twins are due to host the Houston Astros on April 3 for the 2025 home opener at Target Field, with fans set to experience new market-style concessions at Sections 105 and 109 of the stadium.
In collaboration with the Minnesota Ballpark Authority and club food service and retail partner Delaware North, the Twins have modernised one of the most highly-trafficked concession areas of Target Field, replacing the traditional ‘belly-up’ model for food stands at sections 105 and 109 on the main concourse with new open-air, self-serve market concepts totalling 4,400 square feet of renovated spaces.
The new layouts increase point-of-sale from 29 to 41 and allows for a free-flowing shopping experience. Twins fans will be able to access a variety of hot foods and ballpark favourites, grab-and-go snack options, ice cream, a soda fountain and grab-and-go beer coolers.
The Twins have also brought in Go-Ahead Entry, an optional, facial authentication-based ticket validation system developed by Major League Baseball. Fans with tickets to a Twins home game can register for the program via the MLB Ballpark app and then walk directly into Target Field by themselves, or with their group, via four gates, without stopping to scan tickets.
By using Go-Ahead Entry, combined with the Twins’ previous implementation of the Evolv Express screening solution, the club said fans can now enjoy the “ultimate hands-free, free-flow entry experience”.
The Twins’ new partnership with American Tower will deliver an expansive, ballpark-wide upgrade to 5G via a state-of-the-art distributed antenna system (DAS). Once complete, the Twins claim cellular network coverage will be expanded by 82% within Target Field and will be upgraded to the 5G system for all three major mobile network carriers.
This will combine with Target Field’s existing Wi-Fi 6 system, which provides wireless local network connectivity via nearly 700 Wi-Fi access points installed throughout the venue. DAS infrastructure work began in January and is expected to be completed in September.
Meanwhile, in collaboration with the Minnesota Ballpark Authority and Delaware North, the Twins have upgraded Target Field’s point-of-sale technology at all concessions and premium seating locations to the MyVenue system, which is utilised at venues such as Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis and Sphere in Las Vegas.
“A hallmark of the Pohlad family’s ownership is their continued investment in, and enhancement of, Target Field to ensure our ballpark continues to evolve and provide the best possible fan experience,” said Twins senior vice-president of operations, Matt Hoy.
“This offseason has been no different, with several upgrades – both visible and behind the scenes – that modernise key aspects, markedly improve guest convenience and comfort, and elevate the overall quality of a day or evening spent at Target Field.”
