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Twins Blog: Whose Ballpark is Better?

The Twins played a 3-game series in what may be the National League's finest ballpark -- AT&T Park in San Francisco.

San Francisco AT&T Park 1
(credit: CBS)

After being there for one of those games, several people have asked me how it compares to Target Field. It definitely has an unbeatable location in the San Francisco Bay, surrounded by palm trees, seagulls and gardens -- and easily accessible by public transit.

San Francisco AT&T Park Trolley 2
(credit: CBS)

It features some nice local accents including a retired cable car in right field (with a sign that reads "No Dodgers fans allowed"), and several seafood restaurants next to a nice dining area in left field with tables, chairs and umbrellas.

San Franciscon AT&T Park 3
(credit: CBS)

But in the main concourses, you start to see some of the issues that Target Field definitely improved on.

San Francisco AT&T Park Concources 4
(credit: CBS)

The concession areas at AT&T Park are much narrower and fans do not have a clear view of the field as they walk to their seats.

San Francisco AT&T Park Concources 5
(credit: CBS)

In fact, to enter the stadium, you have to follow the crowd through a series of dark ramps before you get to the seating areas, as opposed to Target Field where you go through the gate and you have an instant view of the ballpark.

San Francisco AT&T Park Stadium 6
(credit: CBS)

Target Field's designers also created a lot more seats on the lowest level, with fewer seats in each row -- so you don't have to step over so many people on your way to get a beer.

San Francisco AT&T Park Scoreboard 7
(credit: CBS)

I also like that Target Field has fewer ads in the outfield, a larger video board and a more modern style than AT&T Park.

Both stadiums are beautiful, but I honestly prefer the one on Twins Way.

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