The first-ever football game to be held at Target Field will be a clash between two of Minnesota’s oldest rivals.
The “Tommie-Johnnie” clash between the University of St. Thomas and Saint John’s University will be held at the home of the Twins in downtown Minneapolis on Sept. 23, 2017, it was announced Monday.
The NCAA Division III MIAC rivals have played 86 times since 1901 and this will be a St. Thomas home game.
“The Twins organization is honored and excited to be hosting one of Minnesota’s great sports traditions – the St. Thomas-Saint John’s football game – at Target Field,” Twins President Dave St. Peter said in a news release.
“As the first-ever football game at Target Field, the historic Tommie-Johnnie rivalry should help create a special experience for the players, coaches and most importantly – the fans. We cannot wait for kickoff.”
Tickets for the game will go on sale beginning December 13, 2016. There will be a special presale opportunity on December 6, 2016 for University of St. Thomas, Saint John’s University and Minnesota Twins stakeholders.
It won’t be the first time a sport other than baseball is played at Target Field. In June, Minnesota United played a soccer match against Mexican side Leon in front of around 18,500 fans.
There was also talk of the stadium hosting one of the NHL “Stadium Series” games this year, but it went instead to TCF Bank Stadium.
Back in September the Fargo Forum indicated that North Dakota State University could also play a football game at Target Field. However, the article indicates NDSU wouldn’t be able to play in Minneapolis until the 2018 season.
