In the past, I've collected game requests, compiled them, and sat down over a weekend to dole out the results and that's worked pretty well.
This year - with more people and the added complication of different seat locations, this is starting to look a lot harder. The initial choices aren't so bad, but there's a whole new level on moving to alternates (is the seat location more important or the game date?).
I'm contemplating trying to organize a gathering for seat selection to allow you to request and adjust on the fly - and to save me from making those types of decisions. I'm thinking maybe a Saturday in March (maybe the 2nd week of the NCAAs so there's something on the tube too) - and have started scouting around for places with a meeting room (my place definitely won't hold us) - I've already found at least one that's free.
There's a little bit of "do you really want to see how the sausage is made?" aspect to this...like when people are flexible on dates, they might get shifted around a little bit after I first put them into a game to help me fit everything in later on...or when someone says "that Sat. night is my kid's birthday" they might get a little "help" in getting that date. But if you're up for sitting around for...I have no idea how long this will take...it might be fun.
For now, I've posted a poll on the blog - look in the upper right corner. Instead of replying to me on this via email, vote Yes/No/Maybe on the poll to give me a feel for what people want to do. You can add any comments or suggestions to this blog post too to give me some ideas.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Exhibition Games at Target Field
There are 2 exhibition games on April 2 & 3 vs. St. Louis that were "included" in our season ticket plan.
"Included?"
"Wow," I thought, "we got something as a bonus!"
Not so fast...I finally figured out that the invoice totals didn't quite match what I had been expecting. They aren't free (but they're 8-10 bucks cheaper than normal).
The official home opener is spoken for already...but these tickets will go up for grabs in a random draw sometime over the winter. I'll be in touch with more details when the time comes.
"Included?"
"Wow," I thought, "we got something as a bonus!"
Not so fast...I finally figured out that the invoice totals didn't quite match what I had been expecting. They aren't free (but they're 8-10 bucks cheaper than normal).
The official home opener is spoken for already...but these tickets will go up for grabs in a random draw sometime over the winter. I'll be in touch with more details when the time comes.
Video: Tour of Target Field
I'm sure there's more of these on the way, but MPR put up a "Walking Tour of Target Field" on their news site - and it's fun to start seeing some real pictures rather than just artists' renditions.
A walking tour of Target Field - MPR NewsQ - 11/13/09
A walking tour of Target Field - MPR NewsQ - 11/13/09
Current Ticket Availability - 2010
As of 11/13/09, Estimated ticket availability for 2010:
(See the post on Seat Locations for more details about each section)
Field Box: 65 tickets
Legends Club and Diamond Box- we may have a few tickets left in each section, depending on when you join.
These are now pretty solid numbers as everyone has confirmed or modified their estimates from spring and summer. As the longer-term members finalize their choices, that may affect how many tickets are available in a given section for newer people. See Seniority below.
If you're looking to join the group, what we do is have you commit to a number of tickets now (and how many in each price range if that's pertinent). We then pick games in March and at that time you can break your requests into whether you want 2 or 4 tickets per game. So just deal with total tickets right now.
Our first payment is going in on Nov 13. Full payment is due in early December...but if you're just joining the group, something ASAP or even a partial payment is great.
(See the post on Seat Locations for more details about each section)
Field Box: 65 tickets
Legends Club and Diamond Box- we may have a few tickets left in each section, depending on when you join.
These are now pretty solid numbers as everyone has confirmed or modified their estimates from spring and summer. As the longer-term members finalize their choices, that may affect how many tickets are available in a given section for newer people. See Seniority below.
If you're looking to join the group, what we do is have you commit to a number of tickets now (and how many in each price range if that's pertinent). We then pick games in March and at that time you can break your requests into whether you want 2 or 4 tickets per game. So just deal with total tickets right now.
Our first payment is going in on Nov 13. Full payment is due in early December...but if you're just joining the group, something ASAP or even a partial payment is great.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Payment Due This Week
Our first payment is due with the Twins on Friday...I need a bit of lead time before that.
I emailed my address if you want to mail a check - or you can drop off to me - or send to me via PayPal (address: jon.swanson@earthlink.net). Again, if you choose to use a credit card on PayPal, you must pick up the transaction fee (3% I think).
You don't need to pay the full bill - that's due in December...and if you need to spread it out even further than that please let me know.
I emailed my address if you want to mail a check - or you can drop off to me - or send to me via PayPal (address: jon.swanson@earthlink.net). Again, if you choose to use a credit card on PayPal, you must pick up the transaction fee (3% I think).
You don't need to pay the full bill - that's due in December...and if you need to spread it out even further than that please let me know.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Payment Coming Due
So much for a "deposit"...
Finally received the renewal information yesterday and the real option is either full payment by November 13 or half on November 13 and half on December 11.
There is a 5-month plan that I might check into...but this would be more to reduce the amount due in November and to allow for selling the final 120 or so Field Box tickets.
Assume that I'm going to need payment from you as soon as possible. I'm going to check into the details of the 5-month plan in addition to finding out if they are truly serious about a 2-week notice for coming up with $11,000 (that's the 1/2 payment).
Finally received the renewal information yesterday and the real option is either full payment by November 13 or half on November 13 and half on December 11.
There is a 5-month plan that I might check into...but this would be more to reduce the amount due in November and to allow for selling the final 120 or so Field Box tickets.
Assume that I'm going to need payment from you as soon as possible. I'm going to check into the details of the 5-month plan in addition to finding out if they are truly serious about a 2-week notice for coming up with $11,000 (that's the 1/2 payment).
2010 Target Field Seating
Three different seat locations in 2010 - See the links below for seating charts and 3-D representations of what the view will be like from the seats.
Prices listed are season-ticket package prices, which in the Dome were $5-10 below face value.
Master seating chart - and see photo below in the Sept. 2 posting.
Estimated availability by seating area.
Field Box Seats - This is what's still open
$29 each
Section 103, Row 7, Seats 21-24
On the aisle closest to home plate
Right field line - faces the video scoreboard. In the sun for early afternoon during mid-summer.
3-D View
Just across the aisle, tickets in "Diamond Box" cost $38
Here we're 7 rows from the field down the right field line. The seats are turned toward the infield.
For the next 2 sections, we have limited or no availability for new members to the group (joining in November 2009 and later). While we pick games on a random basis, the priority for number of seats available goes by seniority in the group. But get in now and there is future opportunity.
Legends Club
All tickets include access to the club amenities for that game.
Price: $55 each
Section G, Row 5, Seats 14-17
On the aisle closest to home plate
3-D View
Diamond Box Seats
$38 each
Section 121, Row 3, Seats 1-4
On the aisle closest to home plate - on the 3rd base line.
Direct view of the downtown skyline - in the sun for all afternoon games.
3-D View
Just across the aisle, tickets in "Home Plate Box" cost $50
The section in front of us is Section 15 - "Dugout Box" seats that cost $69 each
Section 15 has 15 rows...then there's a dividing wall, then we're in Row 3 of the next section. So consider this maybe about 20 rows from the field.
Prices listed are season-ticket package prices, which in the Dome were $5-10 below face value.
Master seating chart - and see photo below in the Sept. 2 posting.
Estimated availability by seating area.
Field Box Seats - This is what's still open
$29 each
Section 103, Row 7, Seats 21-24
On the aisle closest to home plate
Right field line - faces the video scoreboard. In the sun for early afternoon during mid-summer.
3-D View
Just across the aisle, tickets in "Diamond Box" cost $38
Here we're 7 rows from the field down the right field line. The seats are turned toward the infield.
For the next 2 sections, we have limited or no availability for new members to the group (joining in November 2009 and later). While we pick games on a random basis, the priority for number of seats available goes by seniority in the group. But get in now and there is future opportunity.
Legends Club
All tickets include access to the club amenities for that game.
Price: $55 each
Section G, Row 5, Seats 14-17
On the aisle closest to home plate
3-D View
Diamond Box Seats
$38 each
Section 121, Row 3, Seats 1-4
On the aisle closest to home plate - on the 3rd base line.
Direct view of the downtown skyline - in the sun for all afternoon games.
3-D View
Just across the aisle, tickets in "Home Plate Box" cost $50
The section in front of us is Section 15 - "Dugout Box" seats that cost $69 each
Section 15 has 15 rows...then there's a dividing wall, then we're in Row 3 of the next section. So consider this maybe about 20 rows from the field.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Season Ticket Seniority List
This has never really been an issue since there are typically enough tickets each season, but in the event we run out of available tickets - or fill up a particular seating option - we'll resolve it via seniority in the group - based on the year you joined (and when in that year I added you to the list). A similar situation might occur with playoff tickets, since we have to buy them in full strips, so we might have to cut off at a certain point.
At this point, based on early/updated estimates, we have enough Legends Club seats to get down through Aaron Brack in the 2010 group...but as numbers turn from estimates to final counts this fall, it's possible that more (or fewer) will actually be available. We're also starting to run low on Diamond Box seats.
This doesn't affect game choice. We randomly pick games with the highest chance of being picked going to the people who buy the most tickets. (One exception - the 2010 Season Opener)
Where do you rank? Here's the list:
2001
Me
John S.
Tom (he's getting a separate 20-game plan this year in accessible seating).
2002
Jacob
Art
Roger
Kate
Virginia
2004
Linda
Tracey
Andy A.
Ray
2005
Andy M.
Mike F.
Dennis
Jon T.
2006
Dave
Sandy
2008
Bart
2009
Jamie
2010
Steve R.
Aaron
Scott H.
Scott S./Dan K.
Clint
Mike B.
Steve H.
Josh
Jeremy
Alan
At this point, based on early/updated estimates, we have enough Legends Club seats to get down through Aaron Brack in the 2010 group...but as numbers turn from estimates to final counts this fall, it's possible that more (or fewer) will actually be available. We're also starting to run low on Diamond Box seats.
This doesn't affect game choice. We randomly pick games with the highest chance of being picked going to the people who buy the most tickets. (One exception - the 2010 Season Opener)
Where do you rank? Here's the list:
2001
Me
John S.
Tom (he's getting a separate 20-game plan this year in accessible seating).
2002
Jacob
Art
Roger
Kate
Virginia
2004
Linda
Tracey
Andy A.
Ray
2005
Andy M.
Mike F.
Dennis
Jon T.
2006
Dave
Sandy
2008
Bart
2009
Jamie
2010
Steve R.
Aaron
Scott H.
Scott S./Dan K.
Clint
Mike B.
Steve H.
Josh
Jeremy
Alan
Monday, October 19, 2009
How Do We Pick Tickets?
If you're new to the group for 2010, or are considering it, here's how we figure out who goes to which games...
2010 Opener - The home opener is out of the random mix for 2010 only. This game will be reserved for group members who joined in 2001 and 2002.
Club Seats - The Legends Club seats are part of our distribution process but my agreement with the seat owners is that they choose the games that they want first and then our distribution begins with the remaining tickets. This will be the first time we've tried it, but I hope to have an availability list in mid-to-late February before you submit your lists.
Because payment is due in December, but we're selecting in March, we may have to do some readjusting of finances in March/April. Maybe it turns out you wanted 10 Diamond Box and 10 Field Box but ended up with 8 & 12. Or instead of getting 20 tickets total we only placed you in 16 and you decide not to take your last 4 from the remaining open games. Best option is to estimate and pay for what you want in December and we'll adjust later if necessary.
We may also need to reconsider how to handle weekday afternoon games. In the past, we've had a pretty liberal trade-in option with the Twins, but I expect that won't be as convenient for the first few years of Target Field. I don't want to necessarily stick people who run out of game choices during the selection process to be stuck with multiple afternoons if they can't make those.
- In February/March, I ask you to submit to me a list of games that you want. This list includes:
- Date you want
- How many tickets (2 or 4)?
- New in 2010: Which section? (and will you change sections if your first choice is full?)
- Choices should be listed in your order of priority.
This list can be as simple or complex as you like. You can ask for specific games or you can just say - "give me 5 weekend games spread throughout the season." You can list a specific alternate(s) for each game (e.g., Aug 13. Alt: Aug. 15, Aug. 20) - otherwise I just go to the next game on your list if your choice is taken. You could say - "one game in the Milwaukee series - date doesn't matter." You can ask for 4 tickets - but say you'll take 2 if that's all that's left. And so on, etc. etc.
- In about mid-March I take the collected lists and try to go through them. So far, this group's schedules and the group size haven't really allowed for a meeting of everyone in a single place. Usually I can get through most of the distribution during the first weekend of the NCAA tournament.
- Names are picked randomly. Each ticket purchased gets you one "name in the hat" - though it's actually done electronically. The more total tickets you purchase, the higher the probability for selection.
- However, each person gets their first game before anyone else gets a 2nd. Everyone gets a 2nd before anyone gets a 3rd. Etc. So the person buying 40 tickets has a better chance of being selected first over the person buying 6, but we won't be halfway through the 40-ticket person's choices before the 6-ticket person even gets a game.
- You're in the mix until your ticket allocation is complete - or I run out of choices. After it's all done, if you don't have all your tickets, I go back to you with an updated list of availability and we do this for another round. In 2010, you will be encouraged to list many alternate selections.
2010 Opener - The home opener is out of the random mix for 2010 only. This game will be reserved for group members who joined in 2001 and 2002.
Club Seats - The Legends Club seats are part of our distribution process but my agreement with the seat owners is that they choose the games that they want first and then our distribution begins with the remaining tickets. This will be the first time we've tried it, but I hope to have an availability list in mid-to-late February before you submit your lists.
Because payment is due in December, but we're selecting in March, we may have to do some readjusting of finances in March/April. Maybe it turns out you wanted 10 Diamond Box and 10 Field Box but ended up with 8 & 12. Or instead of getting 20 tickets total we only placed you in 16 and you decide not to take your last 4 from the remaining open games. Best option is to estimate and pay for what you want in December and we'll adjust later if necessary.
We may also need to reconsider how to handle weekday afternoon games. In the past, we've had a pretty liberal trade-in option with the Twins, but I expect that won't be as convenient for the first few years of Target Field. I don't want to necessarily stick people who run out of game choices during the selection process to be stuck with multiple afternoons if they can't make those.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
2010 Payment Information
No word on a deposit yet.
Letter from Twins on 10/15 says 2010 renewal package coming "soon" - but this is about 2 months later than originally stated.
They are currently listing December 11, 2009 as the full payment deadline.
Letter from Twins on 10/15 says 2010 renewal package coming "soon" - but this is about 2 months later than originally stated.
They are currently listing December 11, 2009 as the full payment deadline.
2010 Schedule
If you haven't seen it yet: http://minnesota.twins.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp
There is an exhibition series at Target Field with St. Louis on Friday April 2 and Saturday April 3. No details yet, but will keep you up to date.
Home opener is Monday April 12 at 3:10 PM vs. Boston. Those tickets will be taken by people in the group who joined in 2001 & 2002. The next 2 games against Boston are both 12:10 PM games on Wed. & Thur. - so, all of you who put Boston #1 on your ticket requests, I'm sorry to say you'll probably have a lot of competition since it's the 2nd and 3rd games ever. That's Boston's only visit.
There is an exhibition series at Target Field with St. Louis on Friday April 2 and Saturday April 3. No details yet, but will keep you up to date.
Home opener is Monday April 12 at 3:10 PM vs. Boston. Those tickets will be taken by people in the group who joined in 2001 & 2002. The next 2 games against Boston are both 12:10 PM games on Wed. & Thur. - so, all of you who put Boston #1 on your ticket requests, I'm sorry to say you'll probably have a lot of competition since it's the 2nd and 3rd games ever. That's Boston's only visit.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Where are the seats?
Scroll down for Section/Row and pricing details.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Why join our season ticket package?
The Twins are opening up packages soon for people with end-of-season, flex plans, and other previous season-ticket plans. Later on, tickets will be available for brand new accounts. Why buy with us? Or - why buy season tickets in the first place instead of grabbing them along the way?
- Longevity and priority: We have 10 years of priority in getting seats. We selected our seats in May 2009, so we're in among the best seats in each price range.
- Club seating - we're probably sold out for 2010, but getting in the group now secures your chance to get Legends Club seats in future seasons.
- Playoff location: As full-season ticket holders, we'll get our exact location for playoff ticket strips, plus extra ticket possibilities before they go on sale to the general public.
- Flexibility: Though there are limits because of the number of people in the group (sometimes requesting the same games), the full season plan allows flexibility and choice in the games you request...without limiting you to a specific 20 games in the season. Plus, since our tickets are in blocks of 4, you can get 2 tickets to some games and 4 tickets for others if that suits your needs better.
- Metropolitan Club: If you hold a season ticket for a game, it will give you access to the Metropolitan Club that day.
Did you Know? Season Ticket Holder Club Room
When you attend a game at the dome with an original season ticket, you can gain access to the Mirassou Winery Sun Room.
A description: Located at section 109, the Stadium Club is to open Season Ticket Holders from the time gates open until one hour after the game. This non-smoking area features a full service bar, dining options, and special events and opportunities for Season Ticket Holders. To gain access guests must show their season ticket.
I didn't know this until now, but on Tuesdays they've been running a Baseball Author Series and there are 2 more opportunities to see that. The club also has a special menu - as an example, here's the one from August: http://mlb.com/min/downloads/y2009/sth_august_menu.pdf
To be honest, I went there once in 2006 or so and that was about enough for me. Nothing special. And beer in cans.
But - that should all change in Target Field. While we do have access to Legends Club tickets (and that will include an enclosed viewing area, plus special bars/restaurants and separate restrooms), everyone who holds a season ticket for that night's game will be able to get into the Metropolitan Club in the right field corner.
Other options being explored include reserving dinner spots in the Metropolitan Club before and during games, selling separate game tickets for seating in the Club, and similar separate seating options are being considered for the rooftop deck.
A description: Located at section 109, the Stadium Club is to open Season Ticket Holders from the time gates open until one hour after the game. This non-smoking area features a full service bar, dining options, and special events and opportunities for Season Ticket Holders. To gain access guests must show their season ticket.
I didn't know this until now, but on Tuesdays they've been running a Baseball Author Series and there are 2 more opportunities to see that. The club also has a special menu - as an example, here's the one from August: http://mlb.com/min/downloads/y2009/sth_august_menu.pdf
To be honest, I went there once in 2006 or so and that was about enough for me. Nothing special. And beer in cans.
But - that should all change in Target Field. While we do have access to Legends Club tickets (and that will include an enclosed viewing area, plus special bars/restaurants and separate restrooms), everyone who holds a season ticket for that night's game will be able to get into the Metropolitan Club in the right field corner.
Other options being explored include reserving dinner spots in the Metropolitan Club before and during games, selling separate game tickets for seating in the Club, and similar separate seating options are being considered for the rooftop deck.
2010 Season Opener - Who Goes?
The 2010 schedule is supposed to be announced Sept. 15. Early rumors have the Target Field opener on April 12 (a Monday) vs. Boston. If this is Boston's only trip of the season, this could be bad news for all the people who want Red Sox tickets (demand will be higher than normal for that first series, I imagine).
For the first time, this game will not be part of the random selection process that we go through in March to dole out tickets. This one will go to people who have been in the group the longest, since they started us out on the process to get this far...back before the current playoff run began and when the thoughts of a new stadium were still just that.
As a reminder, I don't own the Legends Club Seats, and those will not be available on Opening Day.
I asked all the group from 2001-2002 if they wanted a single ticket (and all would get in) or if they wanted a pair of tickets and take a chance at going/not going. Overwhelmingly, the 2nd choice was preferred.
So, in the Diamond Box seats: John Schultz and me (from 2001) will get the tickets.
In the Field Box seats, we'll randomly pick between the group that joined in 2002:
Jacob, Art, Kate, Virginia (Roger already said he doesn't plan on going until it gets warm).
We'll find a time/place to draw straws or something this fall. For those 2 not picked, I may try to get you bumped up early in the season too.
There will be a couple of exhibition games prior to the season - the Twins will announce what happens with that to season ticket holders soon (late Aug/early Sept). We'll figure out how to deal with that later.
For the first time, this game will not be part of the random selection process that we go through in March to dole out tickets. This one will go to people who have been in the group the longest, since they started us out on the process to get this far...back before the current playoff run began and when the thoughts of a new stadium were still just that.
As a reminder, I don't own the Legends Club Seats, and those will not be available on Opening Day.
I asked all the group from 2001-2002 if they wanted a single ticket (and all would get in) or if they wanted a pair of tickets and take a chance at going/not going. Overwhelmingly, the 2nd choice was preferred.
So, in the Diamond Box seats: John Schultz and me (from 2001) will get the tickets.
In the Field Box seats, we'll randomly pick between the group that joined in 2002:
Jacob, Art, Kate, Virginia (Roger already said he doesn't plan on going until it gets warm).
We'll find a time/place to draw straws or something this fall. For those 2 not picked, I may try to get you bumped up early in the season too.
There will be a couple of exhibition games prior to the season - the Twins will announce what happens with that to season ticket holders soon (late Aug/early Sept). We'll figure out how to deal with that later.
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