Minnesota Twins stadium model
The Minnesota Twins unveiled a model of their new ballpark the other day at the Hennepin County Government Center. The stadium, designed by HOK Sport, is due to open in 2010 on the edge of downtown Minneapolis. HOK, a firm with 27 offices worldwide, also came up with the plans for Camden Yards in Baltimore and new ballparks in San Francisco and Pittsburgh.

This Star Tribune article has details of the presentation made by Earl Santee of HOK. This Star Tribune column by Nick Coleman criticizes Santee's architectural jargon and the project's $537 million price tag, including the big percentage of taxpayer money that is being used to fund the privately-owned stadium. And this article, in the Pioneer Press, examines changes the Twins made to the design to accommodate more outfield seating.

To see video animation of the new ballpark, check out the Minnesota Twins website. Meanwhile, a city-county panel is debating pedestrian hours for the concourse. Some people are suggesting it close at 10 p.m. due to security worries; Minneapolis City Council Member Lisa Goodman wants it to stay open until 3 a.m. Read more about that here. (Images courtesy of Minnesota Twins and HOK Sports)