If you’ve ever stood outside Target Field in 90-degree heat, watching the first pitch happen on a jumbotron while stuck in a security line that isn’t moving, you know the pain. You just want a beer and a seat. But instead, you're stuck behind a family of twelve who didn't realize they couldn't bring in a literal suitcase. Most fans default to Gate 34 because it’s the big, flashy entrance by the statues. That is a rookie mistake.
Target Field Gate 6 is the actual pro move. It's tucked away, slightly hidden, and honestly, it's the fastest way into the park if you know what you’re doing.
Located on the southeast side of the stadium along 6th Street North, Gate 6 sits right near the light rail station and the parking ramps. It’s the gateway for people coming from the Cedar Lake Trail or anyone who hopped off the Blue or Green lines. Because it’s somewhat "below" the main plaza level, a lot of casual fans don't even realize it exists until they’re already halfway to the main gates.
Why Target Field Gate 6 is the local favorite
Most stadiums have a "main" entrance that handles 60% of the traffic. At Target Field, that's the gate near the Kirby Puckett statue. It’s iconic. It’s also a bottleneck. Gate 6 is different. It feels more utilitarian, but in a good way.
You’ve got direct access to the 100-level concourse right near some of the best food in the park. If you enter through here, you’re basically a thirty-second walk from the Town Ball Tavern. That’s where you get the Jucy Lucy. If you're coming in for a Friday night game against the White Sox and you're already running late, this is your best bet to see the top of the first inning.
There’s a specific flow to Minneapolis traffic. People come out of the skyways and naturally gravitate toward the Target Plaza. It’s magnetic. They see the gold glove, they see the fans, and they join the herd. By choosing Gate 6, you’re essentially going against the grain of the casual crowd. It’s the entrance for the commuters.
The light rail factor
The proximity to the Target Field Station is the biggest selling point for Gate 6. If you’re taking the train from the airport or St. Paul, you step off the platform and you’re practically staring at the gate. It’s efficient. No walking around the entire perimeter of the brick-and-limestone exterior.
Security here moves differently. Maybe it’s just my imagination, but the staff at Gate 6 seem used to the "I just got off the train and the game started five minutes ago" energy. They move fast. They’re efficient.
Navigating the rules before you reach the scanner
Don't be the person who ruins the speed of Gate 6 for everyone else. Target Field has strict bag policies, and they updated them recently. Basically, if it’s bigger than a clutch purse, don't bring it. They want small, clear bags or nothing at all.
- Single-compartment bags (tote bags, drawstring bags) are usually okay if they’re under 16" x 16" x 8".
- Backpacks are a hard no. Don't even try it. You’ll be walking back to your car or paying for a locker.
- Soft-sided coolers? Nope.
If you have a medical bag or a diaper bag, you’ll likely be steered toward a specific lane. At Gate 6, this can sometimes be a bit of a squeeze because the physical footprint of the entrance is smaller than Gate 34.
One thing people forget is the "no outside water" rule unless it’s a sealed, plastic water bottle under 20 ounces. If you try to bring in your fancy HydroFlask, you're going to have a bad time. Dump it or lose it. Honestly, just buy a soda inside; the hassle isn't worth the five bucks you're saving.
What’s nearby once you’re inside?
Once you clear the metal detectors at Gate 6, you are in a prime spot. You aren't just in the stadium; you're in the right part of the stadium.
You’re near Sections 101 through 105. This is the right-field corner. It’s home to the Truly On Deck area, which is a massive social space if you don't feel like sitting in your actual seat for three hours. If you’re a "wanderer" during baseball games, Gate 6 is the perfect starting point.
Food and Drink access
Coming in through Gate 6 puts you near:
- Town Ball Tavern: Famous for the pot roast sliders and the aforementioned Jucy Lucy. It’s got a great "old school" vibe with floorboards from the old Minneapolis Armory.
- Red Rabbit: If you want something that isn't a hot dog, their pasta and wood-fired pizzas are legit.
- Hrbek’s: Named after the legendary Kent Hrbek. It’s a bit of a hike from Gate 6 compared to other spots, but it’s accessible via the main concourse once you’re in.
There's also a smaller merch stand right near the entrance. If you realized you forgot your hat or it’s a "Los Twins" night and you want the special jersey, you can usually grab gear here without the insane lines at the main Majestic Clubhouse Store.
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The elevator and accessibility reality
If you have mobility issues, Gate 6 is okay, but it’s not the most spacious. There are elevators nearby that can take you up to the 200 or 300 levels. However, because this gate is at a lower elevation relative to the street level of the main plaza, you might feel like you’re in a basement for a second.
The ramps are close by, though. Target Field is surprisingly vertical for a baseball park. If you’re sitting in the nosebleeds, be prepared for a climb or a wait for the elevators. If you enter at Gate 6, you're starting "low," so the journey to the top is a bit longer than if you entered at a higher-level gate.
Real talk: When to avoid Gate 6
It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. If a train just pulled in—especially a Northstar Commuter Rail train—Gate 6 gets slammed. Suddenly, 500 people are all trying to scan tickets at the same time.
If you see a train unloading, do yourself a favor. Walk up the stairs to the plaza. It might seem counter-intuitive, but the surge at Gate 6 during train arrivals is real. You'll spend ten minutes standing behind people who can't find their digital tickets on the MLB Ballpark app.
Speaking of the app, have it open. Screenshots don't always work because of the rotating barcodes meant to stop scalpers. The cellular service right at the gate can be spotty when thousands of people are all pinging the same towers. Open your ticket while you're still walking down the street.
Practical steps for your next Twins game
Don't just wing it. If you want the smoothest experience at Gate 6, follow this workflow:
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- Check the schedule: If it's a promotional giveaway night (like a bobblehead), Gate 6 usually has a decent supply, but they run out faster than Gate 34 because they get fewer units delivered to that specific entrance. If you want the loot, get there 90 minutes early.
- Park in Ramp A or B: These ramps are connected by skyways and leads you right toward the Gate 6 area. It’s the most "sheltered" way to get to the game if the weather is looking sketchy.
- The "One Bag" Rule: Even if your bag is legal, every bag requires a manual check. If you go "bagless," you can use the express lanes. This can save you 15 minutes of standing in the sun.
- Meeting Spot: If you’re meeting friends, tell them "the gold glove" or "the Puckett statue," but then tell them you're actually going in through Gate 6. Meet at the statue for the photo op, then walk over to 6 together. You get the best of both worlds.
The beauty of Target Field is its integration with downtown Minneapolis. It’s not a suburban island surrounded by a sea of asphalt. Gate 6 represents that urban connection perfectly. It’s raw, it’s busy, and it’s efficient. While everyone else is taking pictures of the flowers on the main plaza, you’ll be at the bar with a cold drink, watching the warm-ups.
Next time you head to the yard, skip the main entrance fanfare. Head down to the lower level, look for the Gate 6 sign, and enjoy the fact that you’re inside the park while the rest of the crowd is still checking their pockets for keys and loose change on the plaza. It’s the little wins that make the game better.