Being approximately a six-hour drive or less from Thunder Bay and Winnipeg, Target Field in Minnesota is a popular spot for Canadians to catch the Blue Jays on the road.
If you’ve never been you’re in luck. We’ve put together everything you need to know to plan a Toronto Blue Jays package to Minnesota to see them play the Twins.
But first, to inspire your planning, here’s some interesting trivia about Target Field:
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Target Field was designed by Populous, the firm that also designed Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, PNC Park in Pittsburgh, and Oracle Park in San Francisco.
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Outside the ballpark, the Stars and Stripes flagpole is from the team’s first home, the Metropolitan Stadium.
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The home plate at Target Field is the same one that was used at the Metrodome, the Twins’ previous diamond.
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The Minnie and Paul sign in centre field features the two characters that were depicted on the Twins’ original uniform back in 1961.
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Out in centre field, below the words “Target Field”, you’ll seen panels of glass. Some are clear and some are tinted blue and red. They represent Morse code and spell “Twins”.
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In 2011, Francisco Liriano of the Minnesota Twins pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox at Target Field.
The first 3 things to do when planning your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Minnesota
1. Book your accommodations and flight
By booking your flight and hotel accommodations at the same time you will save money. To do this we suggest using Expedia. There are a few reasons why:
- The Expedia booking platform is simple and easy to use.
- By bundling your flight and hotel purchase on Expedia you can save an average of $600.
- When you sign up and become an Expedia member (it’s free) you will earn rewards points on both flight and accommodation bookings. You can then use these points to reduce the cost of booking flights and hotels for your next Toronto Blue Jays travel package.
- As an Expedia member you will save an additional 10% on select hotel accommodations.
To book your accommodation and flight at the same time go to the Expedia website. On the home page, click on “Packages” which is displayed in the main menu. (Don’t forget to sign in so you can earn your rewards points.)
A few Minnesota hotel suggestions near Target Field
For your Jays game at the Minnesota Twins ballpark there are several accommodation options nearby. Here are a few to consider:
Rooftop sauna, hot tub and bar. Hewing Hotel. 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor: Easy walk to Target Field. Stylish rooms and modern amenities. A historic warehouse building transformed into boutique hotel. Features exposed timber and brick, tall ceilings and industrial elements.
A sophisticated, affordable stay. AC Hotel by Marriott Minneapolis Downtown. 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor: Close to the Minnesota Twins baseball stadium. Modern, European-inspired design with comfortable rooms. Rooftop bar.
Complimentary breakfast. Embassy Suites by Hilton Minneapolis Downtown. 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor: Every room is a suite (i.e. separate sleeping and living areas). Directly linked to the Minneapolis Skyway System for quick access to the Twins ballpark.
Even has a golf simulator! The Marquette Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor: Walkable distance to Target Field. Luxurious, upscale hotel with modern rooms and amenities.
2. Buy your tickets to the game
After losing 18 playoff games in a row over 18 seasons–the longest losing streak in major American professional sports history–the Minnesota Twins snapped the streak in 2023 and advanced to the American League Division Series. The Twins continue to have a strong, entertaining lineup and local interest in the team is high.
Ensure you have tickets for your Jays game at Target Field. Plan to buy your seats in advance.
Tickets can be bought by visiting the Twins website or a reseller like Stubhub or SeatGeek.
JAYS FAN INSIDER TIP: If you purchase tickets for a Twins game taking place on a Friday night during the summer, you’ll get to enjoy a free, post-game fireworks show.
Seating suggestions for your Jays vs. Twins game at Target Field
Need help deciding on what seats to purchase? Here are a few ideas to consider when organizing your road trip to see the Blue jays play in Minnesota:
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Affordable ticket: Field View 301-307. Your cheapest ticket into the stadium. You’re covered from the elements but keep in mind the view of the field from these seats is just okay.
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Best view & price ticket: Home plate Terrace 210-220. The upper deck behind homie plate. Buy a ticket in the lower rows of the section.
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Catch a home run ticket: There are two seating options at Target Field that provide your best chance at catching a dinger. They are the Bleacher Sections 128-131 in left field or the Overlook Sections 136-138 in right field.
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Avoid the sun ticket: Buy a seat along the third base side of the Minnesota Twins baseball field as the sun sets on this side of the ballpark.
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Splurge ticket: Club sections 7-10: Right behind home plate. Pricey but padded with a great, up close view of the game.
3. Include a tour of Target Field in your Toronto Blue Jays travel package
Get up close and personnel with Target Field and the history of the Minnesota Twins by taking a tour of the ballpark.
There are two types of tours offered during the baseball season.
Public Tour: Wear your best walking shoes because you’ll be traveling all over the Minnesota Twins baseball stadium on this public tour. Stops include the press box, exclusive member areas, as well as the visitors’ clubhouse, the batting cage, and dugouts.
Pregame Tour: With this ballpark tour you get to see everything that the Public Tour offers plus you’ll get to watch either batting practice or player warmups from the cushy club seats located behind home plate at the Twins field. But keep in mind–the Pregame Tour of Target Field is not available prior to day games.
Tour tickets can be bought online, through the Ballpark app, the Ticket Box open (weekdays only) or by calling 612-33-TWINS.
JAYS FAN INSIDER TIP: Tours of the Minnesota Twins baseball park are always popular. As a result the Twins recommend you purchase your tour ticket in advance, online to ensure your spot.
Things to do before your Jays game at Target Field in Minnesota
The gates to Target Field open at different times depending on what day of the week and time your Twins game is scheduled for.
- For Monday to Thursday evening games: gates open 1 hour before first pitch.
- For weekday afternoon games: gates open 1.5 hours before first pitch.
- For Friday to Sunday games: gates open 2 hours before first pitch.
Here are a few of the reasons why should do your best to enter the Minnesota Twins baseball park right when the gates open.
Check out over 40 display cases of memorabilia: The Minnesota Twins have existed since 1961. To celebrate the history of the team, there is game-used items as well plaques and trophies located throughout the stadium. For example, in the Club Level in right field there’s a bar called Truly On Deck. Here you’ll find the Twins’ 1987 and 1991 World Series trophies.
Chat with organist Sue Nelson: For over 25 years Sue Nelson has been the organist at Minnesota Twins baseball park. Head to the Terrace Level (5th floor) behind home plate before game time and pop into Twins Pub. Here you can meet and chat with Sue (she’s very friendly) and see her play the organ.
Enjoy a Twins craft beer: The Summit Brewing Co. is the official hometown brewery of the Minnesota Twins. To celebrate this fact, Summit created the Summit Twins Pils, a light, refreshing unfiltered German-style pilsner that pairs perfectly with ballpark foods.
Get a Giveaway: if there’s a game day promotion going on at the Minnesota Twins baseball field, the earlier you enter the stadium the better your chances are of getting the item they’re giving away.
What time is batting practice at Target Field?
The Twins typically take batting practice 2.5 hours before first pitch. An hour later the visiting team takes their cuts. Since the earliest the gates open at the Minnesota Twins baseball park is 2 hours before first pitch on Friday to Sunday games, these are the days that offer you best chance for seeing the Twins taking BP.
If you want to see the Blue Jays in the cage, a Friday, Saturday or Sunday game will work or a weekday afternoon game when the gates open 1.5 hours prior to game time.
NOTE: There’s no guarantee batting practice will take place before every Twins game. If a team’s manager wishes, they can cancel batting practice.
JAYS FAN INSIDER TIP: Book yourself on a Pregame Tour of Target Field and you can watch BP from the seats right behind home plate.
Best place for autographs at the Twins ballpark
If getting a baseball or program autographed by a player is a big part of planning your Toronto Blue Jays package to Minnesota, be at Target Field right when the gates open.
Once you’re inside make your way down to the sections that are beside where the players will be stretching and tossing to warm up. For Twins player autographs this would be Field Box Sections 102-103. For Jays player autographs head to Field Box Sections 125-126.
Another option is to hang out in the sections that are around the dugouts. These are Dugout Box Sections 1-6 on the Twins side and Dugout Box Sections 11-17 on the Visitors side. The ushers will let you be there until 45 minutes before first pitch then they will start asking to see your ticket. If you don’t have a ticket for one of these section, you’ll be asked to leave.
Don’t forget epic selfies as part of your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Minnesota
Looking for the perfect place to capture a pic during your visit to Target Field? These are our photo opp recommendations for both inside and outside the stadium.
Beside a player statue: In Target Plaza outside Target Field you’ll find statues of Twins all-time greats Kirby Puckett, Rod Carew, Tony Oliva, and Harmon Killebrew. All four are selfie-worthy.
Next to the giant golden glove: Also located in Target Plaza, this larger-than-life glove is in honor of the gold gloves won for outstanding fielding by Twins players.
Beside World Series trophies: As mentioned earlier, trophies and Twins’ artifacts can be found throughout the interior of the Minnesota Twins baseball stadium. A great photo opportunity is with the Twins’ World Series trophies located in the Truly On Deck bar.
With Sue Nelson: How many of your friends can say they have a pic with the long-time organists for the Minnesota Twins? Head to the Twins Pub where organist Sue Nelson resides and you’ll be able to.
With the Minnie and Paul sign: Once you’re in the seating area of the Minnesota Twins baseball park get a picture with the iconic Minnie and Paul outfield sign in the background. Synonymous with Minnesota Twins baseball, the characters in the sign represent the two minor league baseball teams that played across the river from one another before the Twins’ arrived in 1961.
5 ballpark foods you gotta try at Target Field
If you go to Target Field hungry, no worries as the lineup of food options to choose from has something for everyone. If pleasing your palate is an important part of planning your Toronto Blue Jays package to Minnesota, here are a few of our favourite things to gnosh on at the Twins ballpark.
Juicy Lucy Burger: A Minneapolis favourite. Why? Because it’s a burger with a cheese-stuffed patty, creating a molten center of cheese.
Andrew Zimmern’s Canteen Dog: Created by Minnesota celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, this hot dog features pulled pork, coleslaw, and pickled jalapeños.
Tony O’s Cuban Sandwich: Named after Twins legend Tony Oliva, this Cuban sandwich features slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on a pressed roll.
Walleye Tacos: The walleye is a popular freshwater fish which calls the waters of Minnesota home. Enjoy it in taco form.
Cheese Curds: Bite-sized pieces of cheese that are breaded and deep-fried to perfection. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Lumberjack Bites: Bacon-wrapped pork belly served with a maple glaze. Mmmm.
Tiny Tim’s Mini Donuts: Make a great dessert option or sweet treat. Served warm and sprinkled with sugar.
JAYS FAN INSIDER TIP: Tiny Tim’s Mini Donuts are popular. Don’t wait till near the end of the game to indulge as often they run out. Play it safe and get your mini donuts before the 7th inning.
Shop for a souvenir of your Toronto Blue Jays vacation package to Minnesota
If you want to bring home some Minnesota Twins swag the place to shop is the Twins Team Store located next to gate 29 at Target Field.
Whatever you can imagine and more is available here. Bobbleheads, commemorative baseballs, artwork that captures significant moments from Twins history, vintage style pennants, miniature replicas of the Minnesota Twins baseball park, hats, jerseys, and more.
Take home game-used memorabilia
Want to step up your memorabilia shopping? Be sure and check out the Twins Authentics Store located at Target Field.
Here you can snag an authentic, game-used item to add to your man den and forever remember your visit to the Minnesota Twins baseball stadium.
Choose from things such as bases, bats, helmets, jerseys, baseballs and more. Or get something quirky like a beer opener made from a game-used baseball. The Twins Authentics Store is located on the Plaza between gates 34 and 29.
After-the-game plans to include in your Blue Jays road trip itinerary to Minnesota
5 restaurant recommends near Target Field
Is getting a bite to eat before or after your outing to Target Field part of your game plan? Here are some dining destinations worth considering:
Bar La Grassa: Famous for its house-made pasta dishes. A lively and energetic atmosphere with an open kitchen. Try the Soft Egg and Lobster Bruschetta.
The Freehouse: A brewery and gastropub, The Freehouse is known for its diverse menu, including burgers, pizzas, and a selection of craft beers brewed in-house.
Smack Shack: Love seafood? Head to the Smack Shack for lobster rolls, lobster boils, crab cakes, shrimp tacos and more.
The Loop: Diverse menu to satisfy a wide range of preferences. Plus, it’s home to one of the largest 360-degree bars in Minnesota.
Black Sheep Coal-Fired Pizza: Delicious ‘Za’ cooked in traditional American coal-fired pizza ovens. Premium, fresh ingredients. Full bar featuring Minnesota craft beers and cocktails.
A sports bar to check out before or after your game at Target Field
The Office Pub & Grill: Within walking distance of Target Field. 18 flat screens for watching sports. USB ports everywhere for charging your phone. Nice variety of bar foods and brews to choose from.
Other things to add to your Toronto Blue Jays vacation package to Minnesota
In town for a few days? Spend some time discovering and exploring some of Minnesota’s other attractions. To help you plan your itinerary here are a few things to see and do.
Watch Minnesota’s other major league sports teams: Minnesota is also home to NFL, NBA, and NHL teams. Depending on when you’re here for your Twins game at Target Field you may be able to take in a Vikings, Timberwolves and/or Wild game too. Check Stubhub or SeatGeek for tickets.
Take a tour of the Minnesota Vikings stadium: Go behind the scenes at U.S. Bank Stadium, including the locker rooms, press box, and field.
Shop the Mall of America: If you love to shop till you drop this is the place to do it. With over 500 stores and 520,000 sq. ft., it’s the largest mall in not only the United States but the entire Western Hemisphere.
St. Paul Historic Cave Tour: Discover the stories of how these caves, carved from the hillside have been used for many years, including by gangsters.
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden: Stroll past over 60 mesmerizing outdoor sculptures, including the famous “Spoonbridge and Cherry.”
Minnehaha Park and Minnehaha Falls: Located just a 20-minute drive from Target Field, the park is a natural gem located within the city, providing a tranquil escape with walking trails, gardens, scenic beauty, and the striking Minnehaha Falls.
Plus, I would suggest checking Groupon and Viator for more money-save discounts on things to see and do in Minnesota.
Enjoy your Toronto Blue Jays travel package to Minnesota!
Photo Credit: Populous
