Minnesota Bill Would Allow Twins to Play Home Games in Wisconsin
Could the Minnesota Twins play their home games this season... in Wisconsin? They could if a bill proposed Friday is signed into law in Minnesota.
The Twins have called the Land of 10,000 Lakes their home since they've moved here from Washington, D.C. back in 1960. Since then, they've played their home games in Minnesota at Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington (where the Mall of America now sits), as well as the Metrodome and now at Target Field, both in Minneapolis.
But could the Twins call American Family Field in Milwaukee (the stadium formerly known as Miller Park, and home of the National League's Milwaukee Brewers) home, too?
They could... if a proposal by Minnesota State Representative Pat Garofalo is signed into law. The bill, which Rep. Garafalo introduced on Friday, would allow the Twins to play their home games over in America's Dairyland-- and give them a chance to play before fans in the stands.
According to the Minnesota Legislature's website, the bill would "free the Minnesota Twins to play 'home' games in Wisconsin until Governor Walz gives the Twins organization the chance to have fans at Target Field," it noted.
That news comes as the Milwaukee Brewers noted they were recently granted permission from local health officials to host games with over 10,000 fans at American Family Field. The Twins are trying to persuade Minnesota health officials to allow a similar plan for the regular season at Target Field.
In fact, the Twins are utilizing a plan right now at their Spring Training facilities in Fort Myers, Florida that allows a limited amount of fans to watch their games at Hammond Statdium, this KSTP story notes. The story says capacity has been at about 28% of the stadium capacity.
If state health officials approve a similar plan allowing around 30% capacity for the Twins' regular season here in Minnesota, that would mean between 10,000 and 12,000 fans might be able to fill the socially-distanced stands at Target Field.
Or, they could just play all their games over in Wisconsin, as Rep. Garofalo's bill noted. Of course, his plan is really just an attempt to get Gov. Walz and other Minnesota officials to hurry up approval of having fans at Target Field this season. His proposal doesn't stand a realistic chance of passing both the Minnesota House and Senate, and neither the Twins, nor Brewers, have commented on moving Minnesota's home games to Wisconsin.
Interestingly, though, the Twins are set to open the 2021 regular season this year on Thursday, April 1st on the road... against the Brewers in Milwaukee! And speaking of the difference between Wisconsin and Minnesota sports fan, keep scrolling to check out what Wisconsinites REALLY think about Minnesota!