The Twins success at Target Field has much to do with design

By Jon Rapoport October 6, 2010

This season, the Minnesota Twins celebrated their inaugural season of play at Target Field by winning the American League Central Title for the sixth time in nine years. Playing home games outdoors for the first time since 1981, the Twins led the AL with a 53-28 home field record. Aside from the talented Twins roster, much of the credit for this success can be attributed to the buzz associated with this quaint, yet surprisingly imposing ballpark.

Target Field's viewing capacity is roughly 41,000, including standing room capabilities. The most unique aspect of the park's design involves the vertical feel of the building. The facility's total size equates to nearly 12 acres. But, this 12 acre venue was constructed on a plot of land that measures only eight total acres. As a result, 41,000 spectators are literally right on top of the playing surface, with 18,500 seats located between first and third base. Many Minnesotans seriously doubted the possibility of building a Major League stadium on such a tiny parcel of land.

In comparison, the new Yankee Stadium holds more than 52,000 paying customers and is situated on approximately 24 acres of former Bronx park land. So, while Target Field is considerably smaller, in terms of capacity and size, the close proximity of fans to the field adds a dimension different than what is found at the loud, yet cavernous Yankee Stadium.

The Twins and Yankees can both claim top of the line home ballparks for many years to come.

Below is a look at some of the viewpoints the players and fans will be experiencing during the American League Division Series.

Views from the third base visitors' dugout.