Target Field, the new Minnesota Twins ballpark designed by Kansas City-based Populous architects, has been named Sports Facility of the Year by a national sports business publication.

The ballpark in downtown Minneapolis, which also has its own light-rail station, completed its first season last year.

The award was announced Wednesday at a ceremony in New York City by Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily.

In winning the honor, Target Field topped three other Populous-designed sports facilities including the Arrowhead Stadium renovation project. The others were Amway Center, home of the Orlando Magic, and Consol Energy Center, home of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The New Meadowlands Stadium designed by 360 Architecture of Kansas City, home of the New York Giants and Jets, also was a finalist.

The honor by Street & Smith’s was the latest accolade for Target Field. It was named the number one stadium experience in all professional sport last year by ESPN the Magazine, and also was named 2010 Ballpark of the Year by Ballpark Digest.

“We knew from the outset it would be a great project,” Earl Santee, Populous senior principal, said in a statement.

“It’s nice to receive validation as the best sports facility in the country, one that is a model to be revered and studied for future stadia development.

Source:  Kansas City Star

Direct link to Target Field Website