Target Center

Infobox_Stadium
stadium_name = Target Center

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location = 600 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55403-1416
opened = October 13, 1990
owner = City of Minneapolis
operator = Midwest Entertainment Group
construction_cost = $104 million USD
surface = Multi-surface
architect = KMR Architects
tenants = Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA) (1990-present)
Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) (1999-present)
Minnesota Fighting Pike (AFL) (1996)
Minnesota Arctic Blast (RHI) (1994-1996)
seating_capacity = Basketball: 20,500
Hockey and Arena Football: 17,500
Center-stage Concerts: 19,500
End-Stage Concerts: 13,000-19,000

The Target Center is an arena in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, sponsored by Target Corporation that is home to the National Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves and Women's National Basketball Association's Minnesota Lynx. In 1996 it was home to the Arena Football League team Minnesota Fighting Pike.

History

The Timberwolves originally built and owned the arena in 1990. The City of Minneapolis purchased the arena in 1995, although management has changed hands a few times. Most recently, the management was changed in May 2004 from Clear Channel Entertainment to Midwest Entertainment Group, a joint venture of the Timberwolves and Nederlander Concerts.

On May 2, 2007 AEG Facilities assumed the Management contract of Target Center. The city of Minneapolis owns the arena and AEG Facilities manages day to day operations. AEG's operational capabilities include complete staffing services, vendor evaluation and selection, as well as technical services and support.

In 2004 Target Center underwent a major renovation that saw the replacement of all 19,006 of its original seats plus the addition of nearly 1,500 new seats as well as the reconfiguration of the lower bowl to make the arena more fan-friendly. In addition the arena's original scoreboard was replaced with a new state-of-the-art 9-by-16 foot video screen and state-of-the-art LED signage, LED signage on the upper deck fascia, a new luxury lounge (Club Cambria) and improved access for fans with disabilities. Today Target Center seats 20,500 for basketball and from 13,000 to 19,000 for end-stage concerts, 19,500 for center-stage concerts and 17,500 for ice hockey.

The Target Center has been the host of the Minnesota State High School Boys' and Girls' State Basketball tournament.

Target Center is one of three NBA arenas with parquet floors, including TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, and Amway Arena in Orlando. It hosted the 1994 NBA All-Star Game and the 1995 NCAA Women's Final Four.

In the summer of 2006, the Target Center was one of the audition locations for the FOX reality series "American Idol"; the episode aired on January 16, 2007.

On September 29th, 2008 WWE will retun to Target Center for WWE Monday Night Raw.

On October 9th, 2008 Tina Turner will bring her "".

On September 2, 2008, the Target Center was the venue for Ron Paul's Campaign for Liberty "Rally for the Republic".

The top grossing event at the Target Center was UFC 87 which sold over $2,300,000 in tickets.Fact|date=September 2008

World Wrestling Entertainment

Target Center has hosted many memorable WWE events. Among the most memorable was a tribute to Eddie Guererro, who died November 13, 2005, at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. Target Center also hosted a WWE Pay-Per-View in August 1999. The then-Governor of Minnesota (Jesse Ventura) refereed the main event and also the Hardcore Match between Al Snow & Big Boss Man who fought in downtown Minneapolis. Target Center also hosted the WWE's Judgment Day 2005 event featuring an "I Quit Match" between John Cena and John "Bradshaw" Layfield. WWE is set to return to the Target Center on September 29, 2008. Tickets were sold out 5 minutes after going on sale, making it the fastest selling event in Target Center history. The Target Center is expected to host WWE One Night Stand on June 7, 2009.

U.S. Bank Theater

Target Center can convert into a 2,500-to-7,500-seat theater known as the U.S. Bank Theater. The Theater contains a moveable floor-to-ceiling curtain system that allows the venue to be transformed based on specific show needs. In addition to concerts, the U.S. Bank Theater can also be used for family and Broadway shows.

Target Center is a block away from the Warehouse District/Hennepin Avenue terminus of the Hiawatha Line. The arena is also across the street from the well-known Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue and an entertainment complex known as Block E. In addition, the new Minnesota Twins stadium to be called Target Field will be located just across Highway 394 from Target Center, and will likely share the public parking that Target Center uses.

succession box
title = Home of the
Minnesota Timberwolves
years = 1990 – present
before = Metrodome
after = currentsuccession box
title = Home of the
Minnesota Lynx
years = 1999 – present
before = first arena
after = currentsuccession box
title = Home of the
Minnesota Fighting Pike
years = 1996
before = first arena
after = last arenasuccession box
title = Host of the
NBA All-Star Game
years = 1994
before = Delta Center
after = America West Arena

External links

* [http://www.targetcenter.com/ Target Center]
* [http://www.seats3d.com/nba/minnesota_timberwolves/ "Seats3D" - Interactive Seating Map at Target Center for Minnesota Timberwolves]