Traffic Changes Around Target Field for Twins Games

MINNEAPOLIS - Businesses near the new Twins ballpark get a first look at a traffic plan near the stadium.
The increase in traffic means some streets around Target Field will close on game days. Some think that could hurt business, but others are ready to welcome more foot traffic.

It's happy hour at the 508 Bar & Restaurant in the warehouse district and the liquor is already flowing. But if the city gets its way, on game days, traffic in front of the bar would not.

The City of Minneapolis wants to close First Avenue between 4th and 6th streets for up to an hour before and after each home game at the new Target Field. The city also wants to shut down 6th Street next to the Target Center for an hour after each game.

The changes are made to make the area safer for the thousands of pedestrians walking to and from the new stadium.

"People can no longer get a cab and get dropped off at my front door. They'll get dropped off two blocks away and have to fight through the crowd and pass a bunch of other businesses to make their way to us," said Ryan Brevig, one of the owners of the 508 Bar.

The city also wants to add more message signs, have more agents out directing traffic and re-time some traffic lights near the stadium, but city officials say some congestion when the Twins play at home will be unavoidable.

Rosie Rosenthal, owner of Rosenthal Furniture on 5th street, said the two-way traffic and parking rules on 1st Avenue north have already scared some people away from coming downtown. She fears closing 1st Avenue before and after each home game would be a red light for customers coming to her store.

"It's difficult enough to do business in downtown with the light rail in front of my store," said Rosenthal. "Saturday is our biggest business day. If parking is all tied up from people partying before and after leaves me in a tough position."

First Avenue N. would only be closed before and after the games. It would be open to traffic during the games. The city plans to present it's Target Field Traffic Management Action Plan to the city council for approval on Thursday.

Metro transit has a page dedicated to transit options for getting to the Twins Stadium. The page has options, like bus routes that will drop fans off near the front gate or park and ride options, using the light rail.

Metro Transit to Target Field
http://www.metrotransit.org/twins/index.asp