Right-field scoreboard, Wi-Fi planned for Target Field

by Matt Sepic, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — A second video screen and graphics display tower top the list of improvements the Minnesota Twins are planning for Target Field in 2011.

During the inaugural season, many fans had to crane their necks to see instant replays on the left-field screen.

Twins Sports Inc. President Jerry Bell said a display in right field will solve that problem.

"You want everyone in the ballpark to have the same experience," Bell said. "And there were a few sections where it was difficult to see video replay, which nowadays is expected as part of the game day experience."

The screen will have another benefit for the Twins: It will partly block the view of an advertising sign the Timberwolves put on the Target Center last month, infuriating the Twins front office.

But Twins officials say their plans were in the works before the ad went up.

"We've been working on the placement of the scoreboard, and specifically the placement of the tower for probably about four or five months, really dating back to the early part of the season," Twins President Dave St. Peter said.

Other improvements for next season include free Wi-Fi, better heating and more Minnesota-based food at the concession stands.