MINNEAPOLIS (March 13, 2010) – In downtown Minneapolis, Twin Cities residents celebrated for the first time on Target Plaza today. The summer-themed celebration was made complete with fresh greenery and topiaries - all to help commemorate the grand opening of Target Plaza at Target Field. Twins baseball fever spread throughout the Plaza, as future all-stars took their chance in fast pitch and batting games, kids decorated baseball pennants and guests of all ages enjoyed live entertainment and photo opportunities with Bullseye, the Target dog.
Joined by representatives from the Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Ballpark Authority, oslund.and.assoc., Mn/DOT and Hennepin County, Shawn Gensch, vice president, brand marketing for Target, welcomed fans to the official grand opening of Target Plaza. On hand to provide remarks were:
- Shawn Gensch, Vice President of Brand Marketing, Target
- Jerry Bell, President, Twins Sports, Inc.
- Steve Cramer, Chair, Minnesota Ballpark Authority
- Tom Oslund, Principal and Design Director, oslund.and.assoc.
- Tom Sorel, Commissioner, Mn/DOT
- Mike Opat, Chair, Hennepin County Board
“It’s been exciting to watch Twins fans experience and enjoy Target Plaza,” said Shawn Gensch, vice president, brand marketing for Target. “Our vision for this vibrant, art-filled public space truly has come to life today, and we are honored to be a part of bringing this family-friendly gathering space to our community for people to enjoy for years to come.”
Gensch was later joined on-stage by former Minnesota Twins first baseman, Kent Hrbek. Hrbek released an oversized baseball into the bronze baseball glove sculpture, which brought Minnesota one step closer to their inaugural season of outdoor baseball at the new Target Field.
Target Plaza has more than 2,000 live plantings - including trees, shrubs, and perennials - that will grow and change the look of the Plaza throughout the baseball season. This gathering space will be open to visitors 365 days a year – on both game days and non-game days.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,740 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week.