Minnesota Twins Asking State to Allow Limited Fans This Season
The Minnesota Twins have submitted a plan to the State of Minnesota for allowing a limited amount of fans for the upcoming season.
According to the Star Tribune, the Twins have asked the state to allow 10,000 fans or about 25% capacity for each game at Target Field with the hopes that the number could increase as more people are vaccinated.
The ultimate decision to allow fans would fall on Governor Tim Walz, and he has said previously that he hopes to be among the people enjoying a Twins game at Target Field in 2021, but will a decision be made before the home opener on April 8th?
Spokesman for Gov. Walz, Teddy Tschann, told the Star Tribune, "If Minnesotans continue to work hard to keep the virus under control while vaccinations ramp up, we're optimistic we can get fans back in the stands in some capacity this season."
This would be a big change from last season after the home opener was delayed until July and no fans were allowed at Target Field, only essential staff was allowed at the ballpark on game day.
The Twins are currently getting ready for the 2021 season in Fort Myers, Florida and they will to allow about 2,400 fans into Hammond Stadium which can hold just over 8,700. The Twins first preseason game will be this Sunday, February 28th against the Boston Red Sox.
During training camp the Twin will split up into two clubhouses and fans will not be allowed into the facility to watch any practice, just the games. There will also be a "buffer zone" setup, distancing fans from players, for instance, there will be 12 feet of distance from dugouts to the first rows of ticketed fans and six feet from bullpens. There will also be no interaction with fans, like signing autographs.