Pix and Tips from the Twins Game

Driving up to Target Field.

Tip: The lot at 10th and Hennepin is only $10 and provides easy access to the insterstate after the game.

Checking out the stadium.

Tip: If you want to save $4, find the "Good Sport" kiosk and sign up to be a designated driver (basically that you won't drink at the game) and they'll give you a ticket for a free soft drink plus enter your name in a drawing for a prize.

Sunbathing in center field before the game.

Tip: If you're going to an afternoon or night game, sit along the baselines if you don't want to look into the sun. It's pretty bright in center and right field until after 8pm.

We saw an action-packed game!

Tip: As easy as it is to get swept up in the action, shop for Twins T-shirts and hats at department stores or sporting goods stores away from the stadium. I picked up a Mauer t-shirt a day after the game at Kohl's--yes, it was a day too late to wear to the game, but it saved me $23.

Night time at the ballpark.

Tip: Bring some of your own snacks if you plan to be hungry, but not hungry enough to fork out the big money for dome dogs or walleye on a stick (this is Minnesota).  We snacked on licorice, trail mix, and sunflower seeds, all of which the security saw in my purse but didn't care that I was bringing into the park. It's nice they aren't being super-picky for those of us trying to make the game affordable since ticket prices are so much higher.

It was fun seeing lots of famous (and infamous) players!

Tip: Go early to watch batting practice and you'll get some closer views of the players.

Adam's name was drawn as the Good Sport "Designated Driver of the Game". Unfortunately, they notified him by putting his name on the giant Jumbotron, which was directly behind our seats in center field, so we didn't know he had won until after the game when a friend who was at the game asked what he had won.  Too bad you had to be present to win and claim your prize! Oh well, we don't know what the prize was but we're trying to convince ourselves it wasn't anything good so we're not too mad about it.

Tip: If you sign up to be a Good Sport, watch the screens at the end of the 8th inning to see if you're the winner!

• Cheers to a bachelor party dressing up in ties and fedoras and having fun at the game. 
• Jeers to the White Sox fans who chanted lame cheers like "Defense XX, Defense XX". 
• Cheers to the dude with the vuvuzela who blew it just enough to get a head-turn and a chuckle once or twice, but not enough to be annoying. 
• Jeers to the lady behind me who thought the game was the perfect opportunity to catch her dad up on every detail of her life. Mine is more complete now that I know her bank manager has the lead in the community production of the Music Man, her apartment cost $830/month (half her take-home pay), and her weight-loss plan is to eat a power bar for breakfast and a Lean Cuisine for lunch (her dad told her to watch the sodium).

 We got Ryan a Twins softie bat and ball and presented it to him the next morning. He loves picking up and throwing the ball (okay, and eating it too) and he can pick up the bat. We may need to work on his stance a bit.

Tip: You can also buy these at Scheels for $1 less than the ball park, but they don't have the stars on them.

Maybe in a few years, this guy will be ready for his first Major League game!