Twins’ New Ballpark Gets the Go-Ahead
Minnesota lawmakers gave final approval Sunday to a financing plan for an open-air stadium for the Twins, who share the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome with the Vikings and the University of Minnesota football team.
“We’ve come away from this place with so many defeats,” said Jerry Bell, president of Twins Sports Inc., after the ballpark was approved 71-61 in the House and 34-32 in the Senate. “It’s hard to believe.”
Gov. Tim Pawlenty said on a radio station that he plans to sign the bill, possibly at a Twins game this week. Pawlenty said he also planned to sign a bill, also passed this weekend, authorizing a $248-million on-campus football stadium for the Golden Gophers.
A $522-million Twins ballpark, which would be paid for mostly by taxpayers, is scheduled to open for the 2010 season.
Passage of the financing plan also eases any concerns that the franchise would be moved.
The 42,000-seat stadium, which will be funded by a Hennepin County sales tax increase and $130 million from owner Carl Pohlad, is planned for the west edge of downtown Minneapolis -- to be built a few blocks from Target Center, where the Timberwolves play.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
