Target Field ranked #1 by ESPN...

A shortened version of the email we got from Dave St. Peter!

Hi Everyone,

Earlier this week ESPN: The Magazine released the publication’s 8th annual Ultimate Sports Standings which ranks all 122 MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL franchises in a variety of areas including Stadium Experience, Ownership, Coaching, Fan Relations, Players and Affordability (see criteria and complete rankings below. Note that I’ve highlighted MLB teams in yellow and our fellow Minnesota franchises in green).

I’m absolutely thrilled to report that the Minnesota Twins and Target Field were ranked No. 1 overall (among all 122 teams) in the Stadium Experience category. CONGRATS to each and everyone for your help in shaping America’s premier sports and entertainment experience. It’s quite a statement considering we ranked 114th when playing at the Metrodome a year ago. The Top 10 Stadium Experiences in American Sport according to this survey are as follows:
1. Minnesota Twins – Target Field
2. Green Bay Packers – Lambeau Field
3. Minnesota Wild – Xcel Energy Center
4. Seattle Mariners – Safeco Field
5. Philadelphia Phillies -- Citizen’s Bank Park
6. Milwaukee Brewers – Miller Park
7. San Francisco Giants – AT&T Park
8. Indianapolis Colts – Lucas Oil Stadium
9. Pittsburgh Pirates – PNC Park
10.St.Louis Cardinals – Busch Stadium

In terms of the global survey, I’m also pleased to report that the Twins fared quite well in this survey – ranking 14th overall; 1st in the Minnesota market; and 4th in all of MLB (only behind the Angels, Rays and Rockies).

In terms of global rankings, here is how we compare to recent years:

2010
· Twins – 14th Overall – 4th in MLB
· Minnesota: Twins 14; Vikings 59; Wild 78; Wolves 116

2009
· Twins -- 23rd Overall – 4th in MLB
· Minnesota: Twins 23rd; Wild 66th; Vikings 89th; Wolves 113th

2008
· Twins – 39th Overall – 8th in MLB
· Minnesota : Wild 31st; Twins 39th; Vikings 110th; Wolves 118th

2007
· Twins – 14th Overall – 3rd in MLB
· Minnesota: Twins 14th; Wild 29th; Vikings 119th

CONGRATS to all for your collective efforts in shaping the Twins brand – on and off the field of play!!!!

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I'm adding the link to the ESPN site: http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/teamrankings