A graduation trip for our son turned into a long weekend in Minneapolis. We started with a night game followed by a day game at Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins.

We’ve learned that our favorite seats at many big league ballparks are in the upper deck. These seem to have the best view of the ballgame and the city skyline. For just $22 a seat, we sat up high on the 3rd base side with an exceptional view of the field, the screen, and the skyscrapers of Minneapolis.

Highlights of the night included:

• Souvenir soda cups, refillable (for free) around the stadium
• Ice cream helmets
• Great selections in team store - “M” magnet and “M” hat were my choices in honor of my first initial 
• Wide selection of concessions, food and beer - including an entirely gluten-free stand for my family
• Fun activities between innings, such as crowd sing alongs
• Fair pole in reach
• Signage and statues around the stadium

While it was nice to enjoy the night game with my family, I returned solo for the day game the next afternoon. The same seats were selling for $18. The starting pitcher for the Twins was Bailey Ober, a Charlotte area product.

All-in-all, Target Field seemed to be a family-friendly environment where value and comfort represented well.

The Smokies moved from Kodak, TN back near the Old City of Knoxville in 2025. Finally, on July 3 2026, we were able to get back to East Tennessee and see the newly constructed Covenant Health Ballpark.

As much as we loved the old Smokies Stadium, Randy Boyd and company built another masterpiece. While a little more sleek and chic, much of the small town comfort and charm remains.

On arrival, we could tell this place was going to be special. There is a parking deck adjacent to the stadium. While it is a paid lot, the team had an employee in the deck telling people that game day parking was complimentary: a genuine attempt to make the Smokies experience affordable and family friendly.

The walk up to the stadium featured new apartments, team offices, the team shop, and finally, an iconic staircase. All of this built suspense to what’s actually inside…

We love solid branding. Affiliation, location, and iconic imagery builds a sense of belonging. The Knoxville Smokies excel in all of these areas. The video board is in the shape of Tennessee. Many items at the park feature the tri-star from the Tennessee flag. There are several references to the Wrigley Field and their affiliation to the Cubs. The Smokies also have their brand on most of the drinking cups at the stadium.

I can’t give enough praise to the Knoxville Smokies on their affordability. Our experience started with the complimentary parking. Many of the drink options are refillable throughout the ballgame. The team sells a plastic mason jar that is refillable for beer ALL SEASON. At a $6 price point, the refill includes any beer on draft, not just the cheapest domestic options. Fountain drink cups are sold and refillable (for free) at any fountain station ALL GAME. With this consideration, I felt like I could afford some food…and EVEN AN ICE CREAM HELMET. So grateful!

More features around the stadium:

• Very open concourse, 360 walkability
• New living around the stadium, pleasing aesthetic
• Ability to touch fair poles
• Overlook to the bullpens
• River running through the stadium
• Drink stations all over

We wish we could have made it to Covenant Health Ballpark in 2025 for the inaugural season, but we know we were meant to be there in July 2026 celebrating America 250 weekend. This is such a great facility that clearly works very hard on marketing, branding, and making a Smokies game a destination for family entertainment.