Model of new Twins ballpark on display

The Hennepin County Board got a look at a model of the 40,000-seat Twins stadium at its meeting this afternoon.

By Tim Harlow, Star Tribune

Last update: October 30, 2007 - 1:56 PM

The Hennepin County Board got a look at a model of the 40,000-seat Twins stadium at its meeting this afternoon.

Fans will be able to see the model during Twinsfest Jan. 25-27 at the Metrodome.

The stadium, being built between 5th and 7th Streets at 3rd Avenue N., incorporates vegetation native to Minnesota - trees, flowers and shrubs and limestone forms the mass of the ballparks façade, along with pedestrian-friendly access bridges and stations for the Hiawatha Light Rail and North Star Commuter lines, said Earl Santee of HOK Sport, the firm designing the ballpark.

The final design includes an upper deck that looms above the playing field down the right-field line. Other new touches include a family picnic area in center field, where designers once contemplated a club, and a spacious canopy over the stands and pine trees in the outfield.

The new ballpark is set to open in time for the 2010 season.

Tim Harlow • harlow@startribune.com