MINNEAPOLIS — The success of the 2019 Minnesota Twins and the swell of fans that comes with it has convinced the ball club to change its security screening policy.
Beginning when the Twins return home for their next home stand June 11, fans will be able to enter Target Field without emptying their pockets. Screening technology has been updated to recognize common items like cell phones, keys, wallets and change while still detecting firearms and other larger metal objects. This detection setting has been successfully upgraded at other professional stadiums across the country, and it meets Major League Baseball’s Best Stadium Operating Procedures.
The change in policy was motivated by the crush of crowds that have been building as the Twins continue to win, and the growing time it takes to get inside Target Field. Complaints about long lines at heavily entrances pushed the ball club to change screening policies.
“Clearly, the safety of our fans and security of our venue is our highest priority," said Twins President & CEO Dave St. Peter in a released statement. "Those objectives are always central to our never-ending review of how we can improve the driveway-to-driveway experience for our fans. These changes, which are rooted in driving efficiencies within our security process, are designed to help improve ingress into Target Field, with the end result of getting our fans into the ballpark quickly and safely.”
A second change will come July 5, when only single-compartment bags, purses, clear bags, drawstring bags, diaper bags and medically necessary items will be allowed in the ballpark. Not allowed will be backpacks, multi-compartment laptop bags, duffel bags or any bag larger than 16" by 16" by 8".
The Twins will continue to have express lanes available at all Target Field gates for fans who come to the game without a bag, along with Sweet Spot lanes for Season Ticket Holders at Gates 6 and 34. Gate 34 will also continue to house a dedicated CLEAR lane that is available to fans with a pre-existing membership, or those who sign up for a free CLEAR Sports membership at Target Field.