Author: David Shama

Talk of building a structure to house a retractable roof on Target Field persists but has no fact.  “That falls into the category of urban legend,” Twins president Dave St. Peter told Sports Headliners.  “For the 100^th time, we’re building an open air ballpark.”

St. Peter said the Target Field facility, which opens next spring, isn’t designed to accommodate a roof with existing technology.  He also said there are no plans to relocate the Hennepin County garbage incinerator that’s adjacent to the stadium and rumored to be the site for housing a retractable roof.

It’s too soon for the Twins to know the date of their regular season home opener in 2010 but they have requested major league baseball that the team open on the road.  It’s likely, according to St. Peter, that the Twins will play two exhibition games at Target Field against a major league team, probably Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3.

Those games will ease some demand for tickets to see the first regular season game in the 40,000 seat ballpark.  Single game tickets will be available for all three games, although the Twins haven’t announced an on sale date.

The Twins will sell a franchise record 15,000 to 20,000 season tickets in 2010, St. Peter said. Group sales will also lessen inventory for single game tickets throughout the 2010 season.  St. Peter expects about 11,000 season tickets to be sold in 2009, bettering the franchise mark of approximately 10,500 set in 1993.

A season ticket base of 15,000 to 20,000 will make the Twins about average compared with other franchises, according to St. Peter.  He also said the team has nine unsold suites at Target Field from an inventory of 60.

All those college kids who fantasize about a front office job in pro sports could head to St. Paul for a field trip and watch the operation of the Minnesota Swarm.  A 21^st century professional sports model is on display for Swarm games at the Xcel Energy Center where college students might take a lesson in game day operations and promotions.

Can’t make it to the game? The National Lacrosse League serves up Swarm games and those of other franchises on the Internet.  But do try to show up at one of the Swarm’s remaining regular season home games, all scheduled during the next three Saturday nights.

A visitor last Saturday found bag pipers rehearsing more than 90 minutes before the 7 p.m. game.  Closer to game time, down on the field, the U.S. Army swore in a group of recruits.

Pre-game activities included a Hollywood style introduction of Swarm players, with an on-field welcome by selected fans, and also a Swarm player interview.  There was also a tongue-in-cheek, low key introduction of the Swarm’s opponent, Calgary. The public address announcer struggled with whether to describe Calgary as the “Roughnecks,” or the “Rednecks.”

Something lacrosse fans don’t struggle with is pricey player salaries.  Most players in the NLL make under $20,000 per season and almost all have other jobs.

Game time included an occasional lacrosse tutorial over the P.A. system.  Reference was made to the 30 second game clock and opinion offered that lacrosse is more similar to basketball than hockey.

The audience included motorcycle enthusiasts who were in town for a show and received a special ticket offer from the Swarm.  That’s part of the business plan for indoor lacrosse teams like the Swarm who hustle for ticket buyers and sponsors like the Onion, U.S. Army and Budweiser who appeal to their young audience.

After the game, part owner Andy Arlotta can be found thanking fans for their attendance.  He and his dad, John Arlotta, are in their first year of ownership, although the franchise is in its fifth season.

John, a former health care executive and Notre Dame grad, said the Swarm is a passion for his son.  “He loves this business,” John said.

John is enjoying the experience, too, and that helps during a season where the Swarm will lose a lot of money, perhaps deep into six figures.  John wouldn’t specify a figure but hopes two years from now the operation will be at break-even.

The Swarm announces average attendance of about 12,000, although not all of it’s paid.  Average ticket price is about $20 with some seats selling for $63.  The total attendance and average ticket price both must go higher to improve the budget.

But John said their ownership of the team is expected to be long term, partially because of Andy’s passion.  The other reason is professional sports franchises appreciate in value a lot over time.  A lacrosse franchise worth several million dollars today might command $10 million or more in the years ahead.

For now John is reminded of his days as an athlete and how he can identify with the competitive play he sees from his players on the field.  “I didn’t know I’d have that kind of reaction to it,” he said.

Both Sporting News Magazine and ESPN The Magazine predict the Twins will win the Central Division in their baseball previews.  Twins president Dave St. Peter said he likes former manager Tom Kelly’s philosophy of preferring to be picked lower and “ambushing people.”

Sporting News said the Twins “have a strong rotation, and you never can underestimate a Ron Gardenhire-managed team.”  The magazine also wrote to “look out” for 23-year-old left fielder Delmon Young.  The publication quoted pitcher Kevin Slowey as saying Young’s “talent is amazing.”

ESPN wrote about the organization’s edict to pitchers throughout the farm system and big league club to throw strikes.  ESPN reported the Twins have “ranked first or second in fewest walks allowed in baseball for six consecutive seasons.”

The Twins’ radio rights with Hubbard Broadcasting expire after the 2010 season, while the Vikings’ deal with Clear Channel is up after this coming season.  It’s a good guess that CBS and WCCO Radio are paying attention.  

Minnesota Monthly’s latest issue includes a feature on Sid Hartman, “The Last Sports Reporter,” https://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/April-2009/The-Last-Sports-Reporter/

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference can do a little boasting after Minnesota State (32-2) won the NCAA DII Women’s Basketball National Championship on Friday night against Franklin Pierce.  Conference teams have won three national titles this school year, Minnesota State’s championship along with Concordia-St. Paul in volleyball and Minnesota Duluth in football.  The conference has six national titles since 2006.

Carleton senior forward Zach Johnson and Bethel senior guard Tim Madson have been named to the D3hoops.com All-American teams. Johnson was a second team selection and Madson a third team choice.  Johnson averaged 22.8 points per game, including 22.4 in MIAC games.  Madson averaged 18.9 points per game and was the best free throw shooter in the conference, making more than 90 percent of his attempts.