MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The home opener is the game that brings fans to Target Field hours before the gates open.

Twins fan Niki Kvam said that before the field opened, she could feel the excitement in the atmosphere.

“Everybody is just so excited that baseball is back,” she said.

Kvam took advantage of what being an early bird can bring; she got an autographed ball. She, along with other early bird fans, was also welcomed in to Target Field by former Twins player Tony Oliva.

Other fans, like Hank Kemp, were there to build Twins allegiance in the family by bringing their young children to the stands.

Others just wanted that Americana experience: something that only beer, baseball, sunshine and a dugout dog can bring.

Although last year was rather disappointing, fans are enthusiastic about what a few new faces bring to the new season.