The Minnesota Twins and their fans find themselves in a tough spot. Following a massive trade deadline sell-off and ownership’s decision to halt a potential sale of the team, frustration is running high across Twins Territory. Combine that with inconsistent play on the field, and the result has been heavily felt in the stands at Target Field.

Setting the Wrong Kind of Record
Tuesday night’s home game against the Chicago White Sox painted a sobering picture. On a beautiful 75-degree evening, the Twins announced a crowd of 11,721 fans, a number that was boosted thanks to about 300 dogs for “Bark at the Park Night.” That figure marked the lowest September attendance in Target Field history, breaking the old mark of 14,222 set in 2021.

It wasn’t just a blip. This year’s overall home attendance is on pace to finish at 1.8 million fans, down from 1.95 million last season. That drop would make 2025 the lowest-attended full season in Target Field’s 15-year history. For a franchise that relies heavily on season-ticket sales locked in before the year even begins, that trend is concerning as the organization looks ahead to 2026.

Much of next season’s attendance picture will be shaped by what happens this winter. The Twins’ season-ticket base has long been the backbone of Target Field crowds, and if renewals decline sharply, it will be challenging to avoid swaths of empty seats next year.

The challenge is not only convincing fans to come back, but also rebuilding trust in an era where patience has worn thin. That’s no small task, but it’s not impossible.

5 Ways to Bring Fans Back
Winning is always the best cure for empty seats, but the Twins can take specific steps to avoid Target Field looking like a ghost town next season:

1. Keep Core Players in Place
Fans need to see a commitment to competing. Holding on to pitchers like Pablo López and Joe Ryan (instead of shopping them around) would send a strong message that the front office still believes in this roster’s potential. 

2. Promote Young Talent Early
Minnesota has some of baseball’s most exciting prospects, and fans want to see them. Giving players like Walker Jenkins or Emmanuel Rodriguez a chance to debut early in 2026 would inject energy and buzz around the club. An offseason extension for Jenkins (a la the one Jackson Chourio signed with the Milwaukee Brewers in December 2023), though unlikely, would be an especially compelling and concrete way to ratchet up anticipation for his arrival.

3. Be Active in Free Agency
The Twins don’t need to spend like the Dodgers to win back fans, but targeted moves—especially on offense—could help build credibility. Adding veterans who can make an immediate impact would show that the organization isn’t simply focused on cutting costs. After dumping payroll at the deadline, there should be room to add salary for next season. Some substantial number of fans won’t believe the team is serious about winning again until they splash some cash; ownership needs to demonstrate that they understand that.

4. Enhance the Fan Experience
When the team struggles, the ballpark can still be a draw. Keeping concessions affordable, improving season-ticket perks, and expanding family-friendly promotions could help keep fans engaged, even when the standings aren’t as kind. The Colorado Rockies are one of baseball’s worst teams and still draw an average of over 30,000 fans per game. Despite underinvestment in the roster and sluggish attendance, the Twins rank in the middle of the pack in affordability; they can and should make it more affordable for working-class fans and families to come to the park.

5. Communicate a Clear Direction
Transparency matters. Whether the Twins view 2026 as a retooling season or believe they can contend, fans want honesty. Clear communication from leadership can help manage expectations and show that the franchise values its supporters.
 

Target Field Attendance By Season

2024

1.95 million

2023

1.97 million

2022

1.80 million

2020-21 (COVID)

1.31 million

2019

2.30 million

2018

1.96 million

2017

2.05 million

A Crossroads Moment
Target Field has been one of MLB’s most beautiful venues since it opened in 2010, but its charm alone can’t fill the seats. Fans want to believe in this team again, and they’ve proven in the past that they’ll show up when there’s excitement on the field and accountability in the front office.

The Twins now face a critical offseason. If they can find the right balance between developing young stars, retaining proven players, and showing real investment in the product, they’ll give fans reasons to come back. If not, the sight of empty seats and even the occasional barking fan could become all too familiar in 2026.

How else can the Twins get more fans into the seats for 2026? Leave a comment and start the discussion.