Mar 31, 2008 9:02 pm US/Central
Fans Sound Off On Snowy Twins Opener
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
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Twins tailgating parties looked more like a Vikings pregame celebration, weather-wise. That calls for extra attire.
CBS
It wasn't exactly the kind of weather Minnesota Twins fans were hoping for the home opener. Fortunately for them, the game was in the dome -- but two years from now, the new ballpark opens.
Twins fans were throwing snowballs instead of baseballs outside the dome Monday. They came prepared to dodge the snowflakes and greet the Twins with a wintery welcome.
"I usually make signs, and actually this one didn't come to me I just made it across the street in the parking garage when it started snowing," said Twins season ticket holder Kate Jorges.
Twins tailgating parties looked more like a Vikings pregame celebration, weather-wise. That calls for extra attire.
"It's a garbage bag, you just rip a few holes, stick your arms and head through, it works fine. Got a little drawstring at the bottom if you want it tighter, too," said Twins Fan Rick Vail of his homemade poncho.
Gloves, space heaters, and tents complete the ensemble.
"I'd have a hard time sitting out watching baseball today," said an Inver Grove Heights Twins fan.
If the new stadium were finished today he wouldn't have to.
"We wouldn't play -- done. Rain out. Snow out," said Twins Spokesperson Kevin Smith.
Knowing how unpredictable weather can be here, the Twins already have a strategic plan for scheduling in the new ballpark. he explained.
"We're hoping that we are able to negotiate some scheduling changes with the league to perhaps open up on the road for a couple series and then get a little bit deeper into April."
But for now, Twins fans will enjoy the opener in the comfort of their own dome.
"An outdoor stadium is nice, but we've been led to comfort now for quite a few years. It's going to be nice to be warm and dry tonight," said Vail.
The new ballpark has state-of-the-art technology, like heating coils under the field to melt snow and dry wet turf.
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