Target Center
Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner built the Target Center in 1990. They owned and operated the venue for five years after its opening. The city of Minneapolis purchased the arena in 1995. Glen Taylor acquired the Timberwolves in 1994 and the Lynx in 1999. SFX Entertainment took over the contract in 2000. Management changed from Clear Channel to Midwest Entertainment Group in May 2004. AEG Facilities assumed the management contract on the 2nd of May 2007. The city owns the arena while AEG handles day-to-day operations. Target Corporation has held naming rights since the 7th of August 1990. The retail chain renewed these rights every five years.
Target Center underwent a major renovation in 2004. All 19,006 original seats were replaced during this project. Nearly 1,500 new seats were added to the facility. The lower bowl was reconfigured to make the arena more fan-friendly. A new video screen and LED signage replaced the original scoreboard. Club Cambria opened as a new lounge area. Access for fans with disabilities improved significantly. The green roof was unveiled on the 15th of September 2009. A $155 million proposal emerged in February 2011. The Minneapolis City Council approved final plans on the 3rd of April 2015. Total costs reached $140 million for the exterior and interior upgrades. Glen Taylor paid $60 million toward the project. The renovated building reopened in October 2017.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have called Target Center home since its opening. The Minnesota Lynx also play their games at this venue. The 1994 NBA All-Star Game took place here. The 1995 NCAA Women's Final Four occurred within these walls. The 2000 NBA draft happened at this location. The 2018 WNBA All-Star Game filled the arena. The 2011 WNBA Finals marked the first championship event hosted by the center. The Minnesota Lynx won their first title during that series. The 2022 NCAA Women's Final Four returned to Minneapolis. The Big Ten women's basketball tournament will be held in 2023 and 2024. The men's tournament is scheduled for 2024. The highest attendance record stands at 20,412 people from a the 10th of March 2017 game between the Timberwolves and Warriors.
Prince performed at the Target Center as a local legend. Taylor Swift headlined multiple shows inside the building. Metallica played a concert that drew large crowds. The Spice Girls brought their tour to this venue. WWE held SummerSlam 1999 at the arena. Judgment Day 2005 took place within these walls. Bragging Rights 2010 was another major wrestling event. Elimination Chamber 2014 occurred here. TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs events were staged in 2017 and 2019. AEW Rampage taped an episode on the 12th of November 2021. UFC 87: Seek and Destroy happened in August 2008. Georges St-Pierre defeated Jon Fitch during that match. The highest grossing one-day event was UFC on the 8th of August 2009.
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Common questions
Who built the Target Center and when was it opened?
Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner built the Target Center in 1990. The venue opened that same year with naming rights held by Target Corporation since the 7th of August 1990.
When did the city of Minneapolis purchase the Target Center from its original owners?
The city of Minneapolis purchased the arena in 1995 after Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner owned and operated the venue for five years following its opening.
What major renovation happened to the Target Center in 2004 and how many seats were added?
Target Center underwent a major renovation in 2004 where all 19,006 original seats were replaced and nearly 1,500 new seats were added to the facility. The lower bowl was reconfigured to make the arena more fan-friendly during this project.
Which events have been hosted at the Target Center including championships and tournaments?
Major events include the 1994 NBA All-Star Game, the 1995 NCAA Women's Final Four, and the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game. The Minnesota Lynx won their first title during the 2011 WNBA Finals which marked the first championship event hosted by the center.
Who owns the Target Center and who manages day-to-day operations as of May 2007?
The city owns the arena while AEG handles day-to-day operations since AEG Facilities assumed the management contract on the 2nd of May 2007. Management previously changed from Clear Channel to Midwest Entertainment Group in May 2004 before this transfer.