The 2014 All-Star Game will be played at Target Field on July 15. Tickets for FanFest and All-Star Sunday are available now for the general public. Tickets for the actual game were included in an All-Star Week ticket strip that was available first to season-ticket holders. Those who don't have season tickets were able to register until March 28 for a random drawing for ticket strips that will take place in early April.

Whether you have tickets or not, the week will be a Twin Cities happening.

Here are five facts you should know:

1 This is the third MLB All-Star Game played in Minnesota, and home field has not been kind for the AL hosts. The others were in 1965 at Metropolitan Stadium (NL 6, AL 5) and 1985 at the Metrodome (NL 6, AL 1).

2 One of the newer All-Star traditions is a parade of All-Star players that will take place Tuesday, the day of the game. Exact time and parade route are yet to be announced.

3 Monday has become a popular attraction, with AL batting practice from 4:15 to 5:10 p.m., NL batting practice from 5:15 to 6:10 p.m., followed by the Home Run Derby at 7 p.m.

4 The game's best young players will be on display in the Futures Game on Sunday. A year ago Twins megaprospects Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton played in the game.

5 Three Twins were double-digit All-Stars: Rod Carew (12), Harmon Killebrew (11) and Kirby Puckett (10). Joe Mauer needs to be an All-Star five more times to reach double digits.

Dennis Brackin