On the floor and within the front office, little will change, in terms of vision. President of basketball operations Tim Connelly was brought in by Lore and A-Rod three offseasons ago. Tim’s contract is up and needs extended, something that is expected to take place very soon.

Most noticeable changes will happen on the business side, where the new owners have big plans and even bigger dreams. At the top of their priority list is bringing a new NBA arena to the Twin Cities area, preferably in downtown Minneapolis.

Lore, A-Rod determined to build new Minnesota Timberwolves arena

But it’s not just a new arena the new owners covet. According to Chris Hine (Star Tribune), who recently sat down with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ new owners, Lore and A-Rod want to build an experience around their new arena.

The two entrepreneurs are in search of a place they can use to host pregame festivities, a space that they can use to help develop a culture around this new-look organization. Or as Lore and A-Rod are selling it, the two are in search of a new arena and surrounding area that the Minnesota Timberwolves can build a “footprint” around.

…just where they will play their games in Minneapolis is a future that is undecided and still unknown to Lore and Rodriguez. What appears certain is the current set-up at Target Center is not good enough long term…when it comes the possibilities of the arena generating revenue that can then go back into the team.

Ideally, they would like an arena in downtown Minneapolis, because having the Twins, Vikings, Wolves and Lynx “does so much for our community,” Rodriguez said. But they have to find a location with the right kind of “footprint,” Rodriguez said, to support their vision of an all-encompassing arena entertainment district around the area.

Chris Hine – Star Tribune

Of course, history has shown that building a new billion dollar home arena/stadium in the Minnesota pro market is much easier said, than done, a reality that is not lost on Marc Lore or Alex Rodriguez. Nonetheless, our new owners appear undeterred.

No, they will not threaten to move or sell the team, even if the state of Minnesota, city of Minneapolis or whatever public entity within the Twin Cities are unwilling to help them with the funding. Instead, they’re threatening to finance the build themselves.

Lore, A-Rod claim they’re willing to privately fund new Minnesota Timberwolves stadium

When other local pro sports organizations have gone to the state of Minnesota for stadium/arena funding, they’ve done so while down on their hands and knees. Each time, local lawmakers have understood full-well that, without the public funding they desire, the build is dead.

But not with Lore and A-Rod’s plan. Instead, the Wolves new owners are doubling down on something they’ve hinted at previously. If necessary, they’ll privately fund the entire project, which will surely cost well into the billions of dollars.

Lore and Rodriguez have repeatedly squashed the notion that they would ever move the team out of Minnesota. “Alex and I said this from the beginning, we’re never moving the team,” Lore said.

Lore said while they haven’t discussed the specifics of where the funding would come from for this project, they were “prepared to fund it privately.”

Chris Hine – Star Tribune

I do not think that Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez — or the other rich people now involved in the Minnesota Timberwolves organization — want to privately fund a new $1B+ arena.

Having local government involved and invested in a massive stadium build will make the entire process much easier (and cheaper) for the new owners. And let’s not get things confused. Lore and A-Rod can’t pay for a new Timberwolves arena themselves, nor would they attempt to finance one that way.

Would the state really WANT out on everything a new arena brings?

Whether it’s private or public investments, they’ll need financial help building their new home. What Lore made clear is that a new Minnesota Timberwolves “footprint” facility is not reliant on government assistance.

But… do you believe in FOMO? Because both the state of Minnesota and city of Minneapolis profit from their major investments into US Bank Stadium and Target Field. Why? Because those utilities were paid for in billions of dollars worth of public funds, and both are considered “publicly owned”.

Related: Lore, A-Rod Targeting Farmers Market Location for New Timberwolves Arena

And if the Minnesota Timberwolves build a new arena in the Twin Cities, will the public sector really want to miss out on all the future revenue it will generate? On top of that, does the state really want to lose all control of what happens in the future with the Timberwolves’ new home? Probably not.

Thus, from a strategy standpoint, I think the way Lore and A-Rod are playing this is genius. Because here’s a free life lesson, kids — He who holds the money, holds the control.

When Lore and A-Rod go to the state or local government for public funding, their pitch won’t be, ‘we need you’. Instead, it’ll be, ‘do you want in on this opportunity’… which completely flips the conversation.

Saturday night, in a win vs the Denver Nuggets, Gobert had one of the more impressive stat lines of his Timberwolves career — 14 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, (+26). Monday, he looked great again, scoring 18 points (7-of-9) to go with 10 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Falling piece of Minnesota Timberwolves home arena nearly strikes Rudy Gobert

But early on during his latest impressive performance, Gobert came two feet away from falling victim to a decaying Target Center. Just after the buzzer sounded at the end of the 1st quarter Monday, a horn-shaped object fell from the Target Center roof fell, barely missing Rudy, instead landing approximately two feet directly in the path of where the Wolves’ big man was walking.

Piece of the Jumbotron falls, almost hits Rudy Gobert pic.twitter.com/qL2KhZ7gwE

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) January 28, 2025

pic.twitter.com/ydH2M9n3bU

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) January 28, 2025

Target Center is old

The Minnesota Timberwolves are hosting the Atlanta Hawks on Monday night at Target Center, a 35 year old multi-purpose arena in downtown Minneapolis; home of the Wolves since 1990. Of 30 NBA teams, only the New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden -1968) plays home games at an older venue.

There are a lot of reasons why the Timberwolves have been playing better, but the improved play of Rudy Gobert on both ends of the floor is at the top of the list. This has been a very important stretch for Minnesota, after showing some signs of life lately.

Related: NBA Insider Floats Realistic Julius Randle Trade Opportunity for Timberwolves

Tonight’s near unconscious experience seemed to rattle Rudy Gobert a little bit, right after it happened. Hopefully, he can parlay this ‘new lease on life’ feeling into a better version of the Minnesota Timberwolves center than what we have seen for most of this season.

So, it’s that time of year. Season tickets are being sent out to fans across the fanbase, a practice that usually only draws attention when something goes terribly wrong, or an organization swings and misses with some sort of appreciation package that flops.

Minnesota Timberwolves pull valet parking from most season ticket holders

But for Wolves season ticket holders who subscribe to seats in Target Center’s “Lexus Club”, they got an unwelcome surprise notice recently, prior to receiving their fresh batch of tickets.

It was a letter from the Minnesota Timberwolves informing them of a new valet-less reality at home games this season. That’s right, no more valet parking services will be included with their season tickets. [insert favorite ‘devastated’ GIF here]

We are excited to welcome you back to Target Center in October for the start of what should be an exciting season!

In the next week you will be receiving your season tickets and complimentary parking pass in the Timberwolves app. This season your parking pass will be in Ramp A. Here’s how to park in Ramp A:

1. You will be provided with a digital parking voucher in your Timberwolves account.
2. Upon entry of Target Center, the usher will scan your ticketing ID to redeem your seat locators and digital parking voucher for the game.
3. You can redeem your parking voucher with the club concierge who will provide a parking pass to use at the Ramp A parking ramp exit.

You can continue to access the Lexus Courtside Club from the Target Center Lobby (located on the corner of First Avenue and 6th Street) or the First Avenue entrance.

Thank you for your patience and understanding with this last-minute change.

Email from the Timberwolves to ‘Lexus Club’ season ticket holders

Related: When Will the Timberwolves Ownership War End? Put it on Your Christmas List…

This surprise change isn’t just affecting pretty people, in the Lexus Club. According to Minnesota Sports Fan sources, only “full-time Row A season ticket holders” get to keep their complimentary valet parking at 2024-25 Wolves home games.

That’s a lot of mad, angry rich people being forced to park themselves. Is that, in itself, a safety hazard? That’s not for me to decide. Rich people REALLY hate parking themselves, so there’s not a lot of data on the subject.

Upper-Class Timberwolves season ticket holders big mad

How about a discount for these poor Lexus Club members, who now have to PARK THEIR OWN CARS and WALK to the entrance of Target Center unassisted?

Nope, my sources say that club-level season ticket prices actually went up from 2023. Thus, let’s just say there are some big money Timberwolves fans who are big mad this weekend.

The Wolves are contending that, technically, they can’t discount for the discontinued valet service, since it wasn’t being invoiced separately from the tickets. In other words, there is nothing to discount. To that, one Lexus Club member told his season ticket rep, “you have to be f*cking kidding me”.

“I sent some very strongly worded emails to my rep, but of course, he can’t really do anything but apologize.”

“I’m beyond pissed and devastated. I’ll figure out something, I bet, but it’s criminal not to offer a discount on the season tickets. Like, should be legit criminal.”

Lexus Club member – via text messages obtained by Minnesota Sports Fan

Apparently, the lack of valet availability isn’t a Minnesota Timberwolves thing. It’s a City of Minneapolis thing. Unbenounced to me, until this morning, valet services in Minneapolis must be approved and registered with the city.

Related: Timberwolves Remain Very Interested in Rudy Gobert Extension

And it seems the Wolves are being squeezed for downtown valet parking space, for permits or something else that is limiting how many vehicles they are able to valet park during games.

So, get out your prayer beads and say a few words tonight for valet-less Lexus Club members. Maybe pour one out tonight, while watching the Vikings game. They need our thoughts and prayers now, more than ever.

But Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore aren’t your run of the mill Minnesota Timberwolves fans. They are minority owners trying to gain majority stake and majority control from Glen Taylor. Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen.

Minnesota Timberwolves moving to Farmers Market area?

Right now the Minnesota Timberwolves have free advertising in the form of Bullseye the dog just beyond the Minnesota Twins Target Field. If they are going to abandon the aging arena though, keeping things downtown Minneapolis may not be the path forward.

Why? The City Council. But more on that in a moment. For now, they want to stay in the city and they are eyeing a location just a hop, skip and jump away from where they are now.

Longtime local insider, David Shama (ShamaSportsHeadliners.com) writes that Lore and A-Rod are “targeting land adjacent to the Minneapolis Farmers market at 312 East Lyndale Avenue North.”

A chance encounter with Alex Rodriguez at Target Center led to timely comments by the man, who along with partner Marc Lore, is in litigation to acquire controlling interest of the Timberwolves and Lynx.  “This team will never leave here.  We’re going to build down the street,” Rodriguez said recently to Sports Headliners.

If the two wrest control from Minnesota native Taylor, it appears a new arena near downtown could replace Target Center as the home venue for the Wolves and Lynx.

While Rodriguez didn’t elaborate on his comments during the brief encounter, multiple sources tell Sports Headliners he and Lore are targeting land adjacent to the Minneapolis Farmers market at 312 East Lyndale Avenue North. 

David Shama – Shama Sports Headliners

Things couldn’t be more murky at this point, but there is no denying a new arena must be in the works. As the 29th oldest arena in the league, renovations continue to cost the franchise more than the building is worth, and banking in on public support is a surefire way to avoid backlash.

Related: Tim Connelly Agrees to Contract Restructure with Timberwolves

Target Center location is cramped

Similar to Target Field, Target Center was built on a very small footprint. While Minneapolis is a thriving city, it is a small downtown area in relation to other large locales.

When being utilized for events outside of basketball, the arena often directs support traffic to parking locations across from the Salvation Army under Interstate-394. The space around the arena leaves little room from operating procedures, and the parking situation can become tumultuous.

This isn’t the first time that land near the farmers market area has become a hot commodity. Shama says, “The United soccer club wanted to buy land in the area and build a stadium.  In the 1990s the Twins, looking to escape indoor baseball at the Metrodome, had the area on its list of possible sites for a stadium.”

Related: Kyrie Irving Wanted to Play for the Timberwolves but Danny Ainge Ruined it

How new ownership would go about funding the stadium remains unclear, but without a doubt, Lore and A-Rod would want public funding for this project. The problem with doing that in Minneapolis, according to Shama’s reporting, is the Minneapolis City Council, just as Uber and Lyft, which were nearly forced to vacate the city too.

It’s known the city has limited financial resources to keep up with Target Center improvements and probably limited intent to help with a new arena.  Members of the council are viewed by many Minnesotans as having anti-business positions and for taking controversial stances such as their spring ordinance for higher pay for Uber and Lyft drivers that almost ended badly needed service in the city for everyone from bar patrons to people with disabilities needing transportation for medical appointments.

“That city council is kind of crazy,” said the former NBA insider.

A former city insider said council members “don’t get it” as to where money comes from to run the state’s largest municipality.  She cited a lack of awareness about how important city sports and entertainment venues are to tax revenues. During and after the pandemic and George Floyd phenomenon, the number of downtown workers and visitors dropped dramatically. A saving grace for city coffers, she said, are the ticket tax revenues generated by patrons at Target Center, Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium.

David Shama – Shama Sports Headliners

There are a multitude of suburbs that could work, if the city of Minneapolis (or Hennepin County) stands against public funding downtown. The Minnesota Vikings explored Arden Hills before settling on land downtown for their ship-inspired U.S. Bank Stadium.

Eagan is the home of TCO Performance Center, too, and other suburbs would love to put their bid in for a new arena to build their community around. But as of now, it seems that Rodriguez and Lore are most interested in the Minneapolis Farmers Market location.

But even if the aging, richest man in Minnesota Glen Taylor stays in charge, Target Center has to go. Outside of winning a title, no time has presented itself as a better option to spark those discussions than now. The future is bright for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and they need an arena that befits that hope.

Kyle Anderson hit one, Jaden McDaniels hit five (yes, five), Anthony Edwards hit a couple and so did Karl-Anthony Towns too. In total, Minnesota hit 11 three pointers (44%) in the first 24 minutes of play. It was an unbelievable shooting performance.

Target Center roof leaking during Minnesota Timberwolves vs Dallas Mavericks, Game 1?

But it wasn’t just raining Wolves 3’s in Target Center Wednesday night. Apparently, it was raining actual water from the roof, too. At least that appears to be what this video — shot by Zach Halvorson (KFAN) — appears to show and what further video evidence has since began to prove (see below).

Jaden McDaniels' threes 🤝 water from the ceiling

raining inside Target Center pic.twitter.com/6P9xpfGX3e

— Zach Halverson (@ZachHalverson) May 23, 2024

While it may not be raining in Minneapolis tonight, the Twin Cities area has been hit with a blast of recent storms and a lot of rain to go with them. The Target Center roof is fool of shrubbery and one of the only “green” roofs in professional sports. But tonight, it appears mother nature is proving too powerful for the Wolves’ aging home arena.

Target Center opened in 1990, after the Minnesota Timberwolves played their debut NBA season in the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome. It didn’t take long for the cement hallways and limited concession options became outdated compared to other arenas and stadiums around the country, and soon, others around the Twin Cities.

Now it’s really coming down.

Reminds me of covering Super Bowl XLI in Miami (that’s the Prince / Peyton Manning one).

Sat out in the open. Got soaked.@EvanWFitzgerald @jskurtz07 pic.twitter.com/UlaJjE5wpA

— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) May 23, 2024

Good chance floor is wet. We were getting rain drops from roof in aux press box at back of 100 level. I ain’t lying … drip, drip, drip.
Water must be pooled on roof from yesterday’s gully washer.

— Patrick Reusse (@Patrick_Reusse) May 23, 2024

Now, it’s by far the oldest building in the metro that is used to house a Minnesota professional sports franchise. Xcel Energy Center (Minnesota Wild – St. Paul) is the closest in age and it opened a decade after Target Center (2000).

Related: Timberwolves Rising Superstar Anthony Edwards Named 2023-24 All-NBA

We’ll make you a deal, Glen, Mark and Alex. You guys win the NBA Finals and we’ll be happy to pay half for a new state of the art facility. Because it would be impossible to argue that the other teams deserve it more than you.

Where is Target Center located? 

Target Center is in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The address of Target Center is 600 N 1st Ave, Minneapolis, MN, 55403.

Who plays at Target Center?

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx play at Target Center. 

What is the capacity of the Target Center?

The capacity at Target Center is 20,000, which is the number of seats at the arena. During Timberwolves games, capacity drops to 18,798.

What time do the doors open at Target Center?

Target Center doors open one hour before the game starts. 

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves schedule 2023: TV, channel, and more

How much is parking at the Target Center?

Target Center has almost 25,000 parking spaces in 38 parking lots and ramps downtown, with most providing a short walk or a light rail ride. You can expect to pay around $9 to $15 for parking at Target Center. 

Related: Minnesota Timberwolves Throwback Uniforms Honor Franchise Originals from 1989-96

What can you bring into Target Center?

Target Center allows items and bags no larger than 5” x 9″. Diaper bags and medical bags are subject to a security search.

Is Target Center cashless? 

Target Center is cashless and accepts all major credit cards as payment. You must use credit or debit cards to pay for food, beverages, and merchandise. You can also download the Timberwolves + Target Center app and navigate payment through your smart device too.

How much is a suite at Target Center?

Suites at Target Center cost between $4,000-$8,000 depending on the event and game. Suites at the Target Center feature lounge seating, a bar, and an HDTV. The guests will also receive exclusive access to the Club Level, VIP parking, and private entry into the Target Center.

• Chairman’s Club Suites are an exclusive sideline-located suite option at the Target Center. Chairman’s Club Suites can accommodate groups of 12-22 guests. 
• TCL Theater Boxes offer an all-inclusive premium option for small groups on a semi-private balcony overlooking the court. 

Related: Timberwolves Fans Flock Back to Target Center in Droves

What is there to eat at Target Center?

There are several delicious spots to eat at Target Center. We have listed locations where you can grab a bite to eat before or during the game. 

• Butcher and the Boar: Brats, onions, cheese, water, beer, soda, and more are out in sections 106, 205, and 237.
• The Breakfast Sandwich: Serving breakfast during a basketball game has never been better. The breakfast sandwich stand serves bacon, egg, cheese sandwiches, and more in sections 129 and 225.
• Chicken Shack: Fried Chicken Tenders, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Cheese Curds, and House-Seasoned Fries – Served with house-made condiments like the Target Center exclusive HOWL Sauce and Midwest favorite ranch dressing are in section 109.
• Craft Minneapolis Beer: Fans looking to drink local craft favorites from Minnesota can do so at section 104.
• Molten Melts: The classic Philly cheesesteak and more are in section 136.
• Budweiser Beer Garden: In section 121, this beer garden offers plenty of drinks on tap for fans to enjoy during game day.
• Mac Time: Offering a wide range of mac and cheese dishes like smoked brisket for fans to have during a basketball game in section 133.
• Northwood Diner: Enjoy classic burgers along with fan favorites like the Patty Melt and Mushroom Swiss Burger in section 129.
• Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich: Serving up the classic hot chicken sandwich and more in section 231.
• Rolling Smoke: House-smoked Meats like pulled pork, brisket and chicken. Served with classic BBQ sides, and sauces like Jack Daniel’s BBQ Sauce in section 126.
• Firehouse Burger: Hamburgers with jalapenos, cheese, lettuce, French fries, and more out in sections 113 and 211.
• Frozen Spoon: Grab Acai bowls, sundaes, and floats. For adults, spiked floats can be found in section 136.
• Tot Dish Tacos: Serving up warm tacos and more for fans to enjoy.
• Gourmet Burger: Fans looking for signature burgers, fries, beers, water, soda, and more can head to section 129.
• Fhima’s La Belle Epoque: Offering top-of-the-line cocktails and more for fans during a basketball game out in section 126.
• Life Café: Offering up the Beyond Burger, plant-based chicken dishes, and more in section 106.

Related: Rudy Gobert is Who Timberwolves Thought He Was

Wait, it gets better. Not only have the Wolves sold out all of their home game, so far this season, but they’ve won all five of them too.

Last night was the loudest I’ve heard the Target Center crowd since the Play-In game vs. the Clippers.

The “DEFENSE, DEFENSE, DEFENSE” chant was deafening down the stretch.

Wolves fans have been showing out and creating a true home-court advantage.pic.twitter.com/zotecKox9L

— Charlie Walton (@CharlieWaltonMN) November 7, 2023

Timberwolves Fans flocking back to Target Center

It’s the first time in over 20 years that has happened. The early Jimmy Butler hype didn’t do that, Kevin Love + Ricky Rubio never either. Even the entire Kevin Garnett era (1995-2006) never packed the Target Center to start a season like Wolves fans have invaded it through five games in 2023-24.

The T’Wolves anticipate a sellout tonight at Target Center, which would be the team’s fifth in a row to start the season. The four sellouts to date (18,204 per game) have given the team its best mark to start a season since the 1991-92 campaign, when it sold out the first seven games.

Sports Business Journal

Currently, the Wolves sit 6th in home attendance, for NBA teams in 2023-24. They are only one of eight teams to play five or more home games, so far this season, but don’t let that number deter you. Target Center holds just over 18,798 people during Wolves games.

Related: Rudy Gobert is Who Timberwolves Thought He Was

Others hold approximately 20,000. Of the other 5 teams who have played 5 home games, only the Milwaukee Bucks (100.9%) have sold out a higher percentage of their seats than the Wolves (95%). The 76ers and Bulls have both had more overall fans at their games but have sold out a lower percentage of their seats.

Win games and they will come

I’ve said it before and I will say it again. Minneapolis is a basketball town, and when the Minnesota Timberwolves are good (which isn’t very often) the State of Hockey transforms into the State of the Wolves.

If this team continues to win games, especially if they do it playing as well as they have to start this season, then the hype is only going to get louder and Target Center is only going to get more full.

Target Center is electric tonight. Feels like the roof is going to come off this place as Ant takes over in overtime.

— Judd Zulgad (@jzulgad) November 7, 2023

**For those who cannot make it downtown to catch every game, make sure you have a Fubo TV subscription, so you can catch every game that is broadcast on Bally Sports North (no matter how poorly their app is working that night).

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Thankfully, a 3rd quarter rally changed the course of the game for Minnesota. And a solid 4th quarter finish sent the Heat back to warm weather with an ice cold L on their record. So, all was good in the winning locker room postgame, right?

Well… not exactly. Because the boos heard earlier in the night were still weighing heavy on some of the Timberwolves roster. Most notably, Rudy Gobert.

I followed up asking if Gobert thought that the boos came from higher expectations from the fans. “I appreciate when they cheer, but I hope they support us in tough moments, too.” pic.twitter.com/mUEbt8y3L5

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) November 22, 2022

Anthony Edwards: "I love the crowd, man. Tell them, Hey y’all, if y’all listening to this, keep coming, showing us love, stop booing us. We’re going to give you everything we got, man. We trying.”

— Jace frederick (@JaceFrederick) November 22, 2022

Reminder for Gobert, Edwards

Why is Rudy Gobert so concerned about how fans at Target Center are fanning? Shouldn’t he and the rest of the Minnesota Timberwolves be more concerned with their struggle to remain over .500? I mean, Gobert has yet to prove he was worth the plethora of draft picks and roster assets that new President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly, gave up for him. And that’s a large part of why the boos are happening.

Lucky for Rudy, there’s an easy remedy for boo birds at Target Center: Play better.

Which the Timberwolves did later that same night. And guess what? The crowd responded immediately. In fact, Jon Krawczynski’s (The Athletic) question, which prompted Rudy’s complaints, actually surrounded how loud the crowd got in the 3rd and 4th quarters.

That’s when the Wolves turned things around and flipped the momentum in their direction. Jon asked about how that support felt during the run. It was one of the more raucous the home crowd has been all season.

21-5 RUN pic.twitter.com/HiEq9JljBN

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 22, 2022

???????????? pic.twitter.com/sZ97wVgcf1

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) November 22, 2022

But instead of answering the question as asked, Rudy (and Ant to a lesser extent) steered the conversation back to the boos heard earlier; trying to tell fans how to cheer, or in this case, when it’s ok to boo.

But there’s one problem. Fans can boo whenever they want. They pay for the tickets, thus they decide when and when not to cheer or boo their team. If Rudy & Co play better, the boos go away. Just like they did on Monday night. Pretty simple.

Wolves Fans Called Out Again

Remember, this isn’t the first time Minnesota Timberwolves fans have been called out by a newcomer. Last season, it was D’Angelo Russell who called them out from the podium and challenged fans to stand up early at home games until the Wolves scored their first field goal of the day/night.

When DLo did it, the Target Center “quiet ass fans” weren’t loud enough. Now this year, their boos are too loud for Rudy Gobert. But here’s the thing. Professional athletes cannot have their cake and eat it too, in this situation.

If they want sports fans to invest themselves financially and emotionally, then they should expect negative ramifications when they play poorly. Because when you invest in something and it fails, that’s frustrating. If fans are uninvested, then failure is met with apathy.

It’s been a long time since the Minnesota Timberwolves entered a season with the high expectations they did this season. Fans were promised a winner, something they haven’t really seen in nearly two decades. If those expectations aren’t met, players shouldn’t point fingers at fans. They should look in the mirror.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

D’Angelo Russell when asked what the energy Patrick Beverley plays with provides:

“I think the energy more than anything forces guys to want to turn their energy up, compete. It gets our quiet-ass fans involved, too.”

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) February 6, 2022

DLo wants more energy in the building, given how well the squad is playing of late. At 28-25, the Timberwolves are looking more and more like a playoff team as the season moves along. But basketball fans here have been mentally beaten, battered and assaulted by this franchise over two decades of embarrassment.

Russell Can’t Understand

Those who grew up in Minnesota and consider themselves a Timberwolves fan have had few reasons to cheer on their favorite team. Three games over .500 in February isn’t going to turn on a majority of fans who’ve been forced into Wolves impotence for most of two decades.

That was pointed out by Jon Krawczynski, who’s from MN and has covered the Wolves for much of their existence. He wrote a piece in The Athletic on Tuesday, trying to explain to Wolves fans and to Russell where each side is coming from.

DLo Doubles Down

Timberwolves color commentator for Bally Sports North, Jim Peterson, thought both sides could learn a lot from Jon’s article. D’Angelo Russell, however, wasn’t fazed. He doubled down on his ask for Wolves fans to be better and even had a suggestion.

DLo wants the crowd at Target Center to start a new game tradition, in an effort to pump up the energy early in games. He’s asking Wolves fans to stand up from first tip, until the home team scores their first basket.

Hey Jim I’m just challenging our fans to adjust to this special team. If it’s not to much to ask from here on standing until we score to start the game, That would be cool. Love all yaw #Peace https://t.co/YFy1tRyCWq

— D’Angelo Russell (@Dloading) February 8, 2022

As a Minnesota kid who was born in 1989, the same year the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise was founded, I rolled my eyes at Russell’s initial comments over the weekend. He doesn’t understand what we’ve been through.

But on the contrary, I’m impressed by his willingness to double down. At the end of the day, what happened in the past doesn’t matter when you think about the rest of this season. DLo knows what we all do. Loud home crowds can make a big difference on any given night. Naturally, he wants that home-court advantage as games start to matter more and more down the stretch.

Consider Me Impressed

I’ll also give him credit for working to find a solution. Way too many people complain without any solution in mind. But Russell didn’t just complain. He took a step forward in trying to help fix the quiet situation with a plausible ask of fans at Target Center.

So, I guess the ball is in the court of Target Center fans. The Wolves next home game is Tuesday, February 15 vs Charlotte at 7 PM. We’ll see how they react.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Going to arenas and stadiums to watch high-level college and professional sports teams, is dying. TV’s are getting bigger and clearer. Lives are getting busier and relying more on convenience.

And going to high-level sporting events is expensive as fuck. The profit margin for fountain pop at a [insert favorite team here] game still give rich old men like Glen Taylor and Jim Pohlad erections that last longer than 4 hours.

But with times changing, so must these sports organizations, when it comes to the game day experience. Making concessions and apparel cheaper is a huge step in the right direction and the Timberwolves realize that.

If you buy season tickets with the Wolves for 2020-21, you get 50% off concessions, including apparel…. food… and ALCOHOL.

That’s right. You can now get hammered at a Wolves game, if you hold season tickets, for half the cost of any previous season.

Wolves have put out season ticket plan for 2020-21:
-No price increase
-2 year price guarantee
-season ticket holders get 50% off concessions, including alcohol, and merch
-If you have tix to a game and can’t make it/don’t want to, you can turn exchange them for another game

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 12, 2020

Wolves are last in attendance this season. They know they need to get fans back. Of course: best way is to win.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) February 12, 2020

Let’s be real. Glen wasn’t going to raise prices after the product he’s put on the floor over the last two years. A two-year price lock is nice, I guess.

But again, how big time are the 50% concessions? You need to eat/drink while you watch games. It’s as necessary as breathing. But, seeing the $27 price tag on a small pop and a pack of Twizzlers, makes me want to pickpocket the guy next to me…

Add a couple beers + a Mike’s Hard Pounder… and now I’m out here begging for spare change after games like I’m Latrell Sprewell. But not next year for season ticket holders.

So, if you are bought in on the new vision of the Timberwolves, go get season tickets. Don’t do it for the team or to make Glen feel better…

…do it for the 1/2 price snacks and foam fingers.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan