Target Center Unveils Renovations Before Timberwolves Home Opener
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The $140 million renovation of the Target Center is complete and now ready for a new Minnesota Timberwolves season.
The project was seven years in the making and Monday we got a tour of what's been done to improve the fan experience.
Game-goers will be amazed at what's been done inside the nearly 30-year-old facility.
Gallery: Target Center Unveils $140 Million Renovations
"The construction people, I don't know how they did it but it's amazing," Coach Tom Thibodeau said.
Timberwolves players spent a little time getting used to a new floor, new seats and a whole new look to Target Center.
"We feel really good about the building now and I think that's important for our players and our fans," said Thibodeau.
Fans will walk up to a new entrance at Sixth Street and First Avenue featuring a naturally lit Lifetime lobby.
The lobby shows off some public art and its clean lines and open feel will welcome basketball fans for years to come.
"We spent a lot of time trying to ensure there were amenities that we were providing in this renovation for every fan," said Timberwolves and Lynx Chief Strategy Officer Ted Johnson.
Johnson says fans will immediately notice a wider concourse, revamped bathrooms and more places to gather.
Once inside the arena, new floors with the new logo will greet you.
All new digital boards and new seating courtside will usher in a new chapter for the Wolves.
"And what you see here at the arena, it's sort of the physical manifestation of that new chapter of Timberwolves history," said Johnson.
All of the arena's suites were updated and a corporate sponsored room was added where the ticket office used to be.
The Lexus Club will feature food from chefs from across the country.
A new beer garden will allow fans to grab a cold one and walk out onto a platform to watch the game.
And the locker rooms, state of the art to include 8 foot showers and a training room.
The renovation did eliminate about 400 seats, but executives believe it creates more space for fans.
The first game is Friday night against the Utah Jazz -- featuring former Timberwolf, Ricky Rubio.
