Field Notes: Target Field, Home of the Minnesota Twins
As you're sprucing up your lawn this spring, baseball grounds crews are getting their turf in tiptop shape. Don't miss these great photos, fun facts and insider tips from some of the country's most popular ballparks.
By:
Twins Baseball Dot Com
Target Field, Minneapolis
Check out these photos and learn about what goes on behind the scenes at Target Field. And don't forget to vote for Minneapolis on our "Pin Your Turf" Pinterest board.
Here are some team facts:
-The team mascot is T.C. Bear (i.e., Twin Cities Bear).
-The Twins' fan slogan is "This is Twins Territory."
Here are some team facts:
-The team mascot is T.C. Bear (i.e., Twin Cities Bear).
-The Twins' fan slogan is "This is Twins Territory."
Target Field, Minneapolis
Q: What type of grass is used for the turf at Target Field?
A: The turf is Kentucky Bluegrass grown in Ft. Morgan, Colo.
A: The turf is Kentucky Bluegrass grown in Ft. Morgan, Colo.
Target Field, Minneapolis
Q: How are the turf patterns created?
A: The outfield is mowed in a three-directional pattern, lining up the mow lines up with home plate and the player.
A: The outfield is mowed in a three-directional pattern, lining up the mow lines up with home plate and the player.
Target Field, Minneapolis
Q: How is the field surface constructed, and are there special or "hidden" features to help manage irrigation or maintenance?
A: There is 10-inch layer of sand below the grass and four inches of gravel below that. There are six-inch-diameter drain pipes that run every 10 feet. In all, Target Field has roughly 40 miles of heat tubing — 1/2" tubes that run every six inches below the surface.
A: There is 10-inch layer of sand below the grass and four inches of gravel below that. There are six-inch-diameter drain pipes that run every 10 feet. In all, Target Field has roughly 40 miles of heat tubing — 1/2" tubes that run every six inches below the surface.
Target Field, Minneapolis
Q: What turf heights are used at Target Field? Are there height differences between infield and outfield?
A: The majority of the turf is cut at 1" while the infield is cut to 7/8".
A: The majority of the turf is cut at 1" while the infield is cut to 7/8".
Target Field, Minneapolis
Q: How many people serve on the grounds crew of Minnesota's Target Field?
A: The daytime grounds crew consists of eight people, while the tarp crew has 12 per game.
A: The daytime grounds crew consists of eight people, while the tarp crew has 12 per game.
Target Field, Minneapolis
Q: How are lines, logos and other decorations applied to the field? What kinds of paints are used?
A: Everything is painted — not chalked — with a water-based latex.
A: Everything is painted — not chalked — with a water-based latex.
Target Field, Minneapolis
Q: How often is the grass on the field mowed during the season?
A: The grass is mowed daily on game days and every other day while team is on the road. During winter, the grass is protected by winter blankets which keep the underneath temperature around 34 degrees F. Snow is removed as needed.
Q: What steps go into making the field game-ready?
A: Weather permitting, we begin work for a night game at approximately 8:30 to 9 am. Everything should be done by 2 pm.
Learn more about the Twins at twinsbaseball.com or check out the next ballpark: AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.
A: The grass is mowed daily on game days and every other day while team is on the road. During winter, the grass is protected by winter blankets which keep the underneath temperature around 34 degrees F. Snow is removed as needed.
Q: What steps go into making the field game-ready?
A: Weather permitting, we begin work for a night game at approximately 8:30 to 9 am. Everything should be done by 2 pm.
Learn more about the Twins at twinsbaseball.com or check out the next ballpark: AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.