Minnesota Twins Now Offering Fans New Incentives For April 17 Game

After trading away several players in a historic fire sale towards the end of the 2025 season and failing to get new owners in the offseason, even the most hardcore Minnesota Twins fans went into the 2026 season without much optimism for the team.

Things would get even worse for the team when top pitcher Pablo López was hurt in spring training, and we learned that he would miss the entire 2026 MLB season after undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

When the new season began, fans showed their lack of faith in the organization by not showing up for the first games at Target Field. Through early April 2026, the Minnesota Twins have drawn a total home attendance of 121,959 over their first few home games at Target Field, according to Baseball-Reference and ESPN data.

This early-season turnout has raised concerns, as initial figures suggested low-capacity crowds, putting them on pace for historically low attendance at Target Field.

However, someone forgot to tell the 2026 Minnesota Twins team that they aren't supposed to be any good this year, as through the first 16 games, the team has a winning record at 9-7, and is currently tied with Cleveland for 1st place in the AL Central.

While they certainly miss Pablo López, the Twins have overcome early injury setbacks and have been propelled by starting pitcher Taj Bradley, who has emerged as a top-tier arm, utilityman Tristan Gray, and a resilient starting rotation.

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Now, as the team returns to Minnesota for a six-game homestand, the organization is reaching out to fans to return to Target Field to support the team, and on Friday, April 17, they're pulling out all the stops.

Minnesota Twins Want 'Opening Day Energy' At Target Field On April 17

The Twins start the week with a 3-game series against the Boston Red Sox, then the Cincinnati Reds will be in Minnesota for a weekend series that begins on Friday, April 17.

To help create opening day energy for the series opener, the Twins have announced that fans who purchased tickets directly from the Twins for the club’s Home Opener vs. the Tampa Bay Rays will receive complimentary tickets to that game.

All fans in attendance can then enjoy a Friday night party atmosphere at Target Field, which will include: 

• Pregame Happy Hour: From gates open at 5:00 p.m. through 7:10 p.m., featuring $2 beers, $2 hot dogs, $2 snacks, and a live performance by Minneapolis-based singer/songwriter Tim Mahoney and his band.
• First pitch: Twins vs. Reds at 7:10 p.m. CT.
• Postgame: Fireworks show.

Following the 6-game homestand, the Twins will then hit the road for 6 games, with series against the New York Mets and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, before returning to Target Field on April 27 to battle the Seattle Mariners.

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