I recently had a rare behind-the-scenes look at the Minnesota Twins and their home, Target Field. I walked away extremely impressed. Just opened this April, Target Field is the newest stadium in major league baseball. According to ESPN Magazine, it is ranked No. 1 in all sports for stadium experience. Located in the Warehouse District just west of downtown Minneapolis, the 39,504-seat stadium was designed by Populous, who wanted to create an original yet classic ballpark. Populous incorporated local limestone and Minnesota fir trees in the design. The stadium gates are numbered after retired numbers worn by former Twins stars (and Jackie Robinson). Because of an afternoon of storms, batting practice was canceled, but that didn’t wash out our experience. We started out in the state-of-the-art, spacious visitors’ clubhouse. The Chicago White Sox were in town, and we encountered pitching coach Don Cooper, pitcher Mark Buehrle and pitcher Bobby Jenks enjoying small talk. We briefly joined them but moved on before overstaying our welcome. Heading to the field, we were immediately struck by the immaculate Kentucky blue grass. A handful of players and coaches gave us their opinions on the new park, and all were very favorable. Twins coaches (and baseball lifers) Rick Stelmaszek and Tony Oliva stated that the park was incredible and one of the best either has ever seen. Soon it was time for manager Ron Gardenhire‘s pre-game interview session in his office. Gardy kept it short and light, answering questions about a few injuries and the pitching rotation (of course, we asked him about travel). We talked to a few more players and headed to the pressbox, where we met broadcasters Bert Blyleven and Jack Morris (former pitching greats). Each praised Target Field for its amenities and local touches. The food at Target Field represented traditional ballpark fare along with some creative choices, all while incorporating delicious local flavors. Hrbek’s (named after former Twins star Kent Hrbek) is a lively bar near first base (naturally). Minnesota’s own Schweigert Meats supplies four local hot dog varieties. Great food and aromas were everywhere. We checked out sightlines around the park and were amazed before we settled into our seats. Then we sat back and enjoyed a 3-2 Twins win in just under two hours. Twins management must carefully screen the Target Field service staff, since everyone we encountered couldn’t do enough in terms of service and friendliness. For  instance, Ron (the head guy in the press lunchroom) not only provided excellent service and quality food but offered interesting facts about the ballpark and downtown area. I really want to thank the Minnesota Twins and especially Molly Gallatin, manager of publications and media services, for their time and consideration. — John Wroblewski, distribution specialist