1:30Walk-through metal detectors are coming to Target Field in time for the home opener, making the Minnesota Twins the first among the Twin Cities' major sports franchises to take such a heightened security precaution.
The additional security measure is being mandated for all teams by Major League Baseball, with the 30 stadiums required to be in compliance by 2015, the Twins said in announcing the upgrade.
The Target Field walk-through devices will be phased in starting with the first home game on April 7. All five gates will have them by early May.
"We'll be taking a phased approach as we want to ensure these new procedures are efficient and provide no inconvenience to our loyal fans," said Dave Horsman, senior director of ballpark operations for the Twins.
Twins spokesman Chris Iles said fans can be assured that what they will encounter at Target Field will be nothing like what travelers experience at airports.
"This is not the TSA," he said. "It's a lot less invasive than that. You won't have to take off your shoes or belts or anything."
Iles added that anyone who declines to walk through the metal detector can opt to have a detection wand passed over them.
Fans will be required to remove cellphones and other large metal items before passing through, the team said. Fans' bags and purses will continue to be inspected at the gates.
