Here’s How the Twins Will Play It Safe With Limited Fans Back at Target Field
The Minnesota Twins will welcome a limited number of fans back at Target Field to start this season and while that is a step in the right direction for a return to normalcy, there is still an active pandemic so they will make sure to have health and safety protocols in place.
The Twins have created Play It Safe At Target Field, an extensive plan for fans attending a game. The Twins have made it clear that they, along with their operations partners, are committed to creating the safest environment possible at Target Field for all guests, players, staff and employees.
You can click here to view the entire Play It Safe At Target Field health and safety policies and procedures for the 2021 season. Those who do attend a game at Target Field can expect to encounter these measures as they enter the ballpark:
- Contactless Ticketing and Suggested Gate Entry: All Twins tickets will be delivered digitally via the MLB Ballpark app, and contactless ticket-scanning technology will be utilized at all gates. Guests are encouraged to enter Target Field via the suggested gate located on their digital ticket.
- No-Bag Policy and Security Screening: Bags are not allowed in Target Field, with the exception of medically-necessary items, diaper bags and small clutch purses (max. 9”x5”). Guests will keep all items on their person and do not need to empty their pockets prior to using the walk-through magnetometers.
Once inside Target Field, the following protocols will be in place:
- Face Coverings: All guests ages two (2) and older will be required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth to enter Target Field and at all times while in the ballpark, other than when actively eating or drinking in their ticketed seat or location.
- Physical Distancing: To maximize comfort and safety, the Twins will seat guests in “pods” of exactly two (2) or four (4) contiguous seats only, with a minimum distance of six (6) feet between pods in all directions. Additionally, capacity for any indoor locations has been modified per MDH guidelines, while signage, floor spacers, messaging and Public Address announcements will establish and enforce proper physical distancing when entering and moving about Target Field. Lastly, a “buffer zone” has been created between the playing field and the first row of ticketed seats adjacent to both dugouts (12 feet in distance) and bullpens (6 feet).
- Contactless Ordering and Payments: The MLB Ballpark app provides guests the ability to order and purchase food, beverage and merchandise throughout Target Field directly from their mobile device, with designated “grab-and-go” stations for prepackaged pickup. If necessary, most credit card purchases at point-of-sale will not require signatures and/or PINs to complete purchase.
- Enhanced Cleaning, Disinfecting and Sanitization Measures: The Twins, in accordance with the 3M™ Clean & Protect Certified Badge Program, will clean, disinfect and sanitize all in-use seats, railings, food and drink surfaces, elevators and escalators, and restrooms using EPA-approved COVID-19 cleaners and disinfectants before, during and after each game.
- Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer stations can be found throughout Target Field.
- Staff Health Screening and PPE Requirements: All Twins employees and Event Staff will have health and temperature checks daily upon arrival and prior to entering Target Field. Additionally, all Twins employees and Event Staff are required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth at all times, while also wearing gloves and/or gowns in all appropriate situations.
Now the big question is, how do you get a ticket to a game? The Twins say that with the maximum capacity currently set for 10,000 fans, they will give priority access to Twins Season Ticket Holders each month. Remaining inventory will be made available to the general public on a month-by-month basis, with tickets for games from April 8 through May 6 going on-sale later this month.
2021 Minnesota Twins Schedule Highlights
LOOK: Answers to 30 common COVID-19 vaccine questions
While much is still unknown about the coronavirus and the future, what is known is that the currently available vaccines have gone through all three trial phases and are safe and effective. It will be necessary for as many Americans as possible to be vaccinated in order to finally return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, and hopefully these 30 answers provided here will help readers get vaccinated as soon they are able.