Minnesota Twins spring home almost ready
In eight weeks, Minnesota Twins pitchers and catchers will report to the refurbished Hammond Stadium and the rebranded CenturyLink Sports Complex.
In six weeks, 99 percent of that construction and reconstruction work is slated to be complete, Minnesota Twins president Dave St. Peter said tonight in an exclusive interview with news-press.com.
The project costs $42.5 million and is being funded by tourist taxes over a 30-year lease extension with the Twins. The improvements bring the Twins up to par with the Boston Red Sox, who will be entering their third spring training at JetBlue Park.
"Based on what I've heard, the job will be complete by Jan. 31," St. Peter said of Phase 2 of the project. Phase 1, which included the construction of a walk-around outfield at Hammond Stadium, was completed early last February.
"Any time you do a project of this nature … there will be work being done throughout spring training," St. Peter said. "We call that the 'Punch List' items. But the fans and the players won't be noticing what's going on."
That's because, St. Peter said, the fans will be noticing an almost brand new ballpark, one that has served the Twins as their spring home since 1991.
A second spire, mimicking the ones at Churchill Downs in Kentucky, has been built.
"We absolutely love the architectural enhancements with the grand entrance behind home plate," St. Peter said.
Bleacher seats are being replaced with chair-back seats.
The third-floor offices are being transformed into third-floor suites.
A fourth-floor "sky suite" will give fans an overhead view of spring training and Fort Myers Miracle games.
The previous gift shop literally has been blown up. So when fans walk up the final staircase leading to the stadium, they will see blue sky on a fair-weather day, just prior to viewing the greenest of grasses and some of the top prospects in baseball.
A new gift shop is taking shape near where the former ticket office, since demolished, used to sit.
Other improvements are being made to the big-league clubhouse.
St. Peter toured the progress a month ago and will do so again with the media Wednesday morning.
"It was exciting to see the level of progress that has been made," St. Peter said of his last walk through the construction zone. "There's a tremendous level of excitement, not only that the project will be completed in time, but it will take the fan experience to another level."
Connect with this reporter: David Dorsey (Twitter), @DavidADorsey (Facebook).