Preparing for Twins Opening Day is not an easy task. It takes a village to get ready.
"It takes a staff of about 2,000 people to put on our opening day game," explains Minnesota Twins spokesman Matt Hodson.
The process actually began last year.
"Even within a couple of weeks of last season ending, you're already starting to see some small cosmetic things start to go into place for 2024," Hodson said.
And that process continues right up until the first pitch on Thursday just after 3:00 p.m.
"The last four to five weeks is just an all out sprint," Hodson tells WCCO. "There are some things that if you do it too early, you run the risk of it not running at peak condition. Come the opener, for that you're talking some of the lights or video board that you want to make sure that you're getting replaced and set in that nice sweet spot between where you're not waiting too long, but you're also not going too early."
There are several new features for 2024.
"We brought a pontoon boat into the ballpark that's above the right field wall."
That's cool. But there are also staples fans should always expect, including the best ground crew in the game.
"They are absolute masters," Hodson says. "They're the best of what they do."
The ballpark is ready, the Twins are ready so let's "play ball!"
DETAILS:
Join WCCO for Twins Opening Day on April 4 starting with Breakfast on the Plaza at 6:00 a.m. Fans are invited to drive through, pick up some hot dogs for breakfast, and celebrate the return of baseball to the Twin Cities. WCCO's Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar will be broadcasting from the Target Field Plaza.
After you've had breakfast, head on over to Kieran's Irish Pub, located at 85 N 6th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403 where Adam Carter will be broadcasting live from 10:00 a.m. until noon.
WCCO's Chad Hartman takes over at noon until the 2:30 p.m. Twins pregame show live from inside Target Field.
WCCO's Broadcasts are presented by Metro Transit - Let Metro Transit get you to Target Field all season long. For an easy ride, take a bus, hop on light rail, or even catch Northstar to select games.
MORE:
There are also a bevy of new food and beverage options at Target Field for 2024. Get our full rundown on what's new here.
Dick Bremer's pitching arm and Joe Mauer's countdown to immortality are part of the home opener experience when the Twins play their first game of the 2024 season.
More detail on what to expect for home opener festivities from the Twins can be found here.