How a Minneapolis arena became a cultural landmark through decades of reinvention and sport
In short: Since opening in 1990, the Target Center has evolved from a standard basketball venue into a versatile hub for everything from championship sports to political rallies. While it remains the second-oldest arena in the NBA, constant renovations and a unique green roof have kept this Minneapolis icon at the center of action.
Opened in 1990, the Target Center was built and initially operated by Timberwolves owners Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner. The facility quickly became a cornerstone of Minneapolis, though its early years were marked by a notable refusal from the NHL's Minnesota North Stars to play there due to conflicting soft drink pouring rights. Despite this, the arena established itself as a premier venue, hosting the 1994 NBA All-Star Game and witnessing Tonya Harding land a historic triple axel during the 1991 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
The arena's management has shifted several times, moving from private operators like Ogden Entertainment and Clear Channel to its current arrangement where the city of Minneapolis owns the building and AEG Facilities manages operations. This structural stability has supported significant physical transformations. A major 2004 renovation replaced all 19,006 original seats, and a subsequent $140 million project completed in 2017 modernized the exterior, technology, and loading bays. Notably, the venue also pioneered environmental design by unveiling the first green roof on an arena in 2009.
Beyond sports, the Target Center serves as a cultural barometer for the region. It has hosted diverse events ranging from the 1999 'People's Celebration' for Governor Jesse Ventura to high-profile concerts by artists like Prince and Taylor Swift. The venue also maintains a flexible identity, capable of shrinking into the U.S. Bank Theater for smaller performances. With a record attendance of 20,412 set in 2017, the arena continues to adapt, securing its future through a lease extension with the Timberwolves that runs until 2035.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Target Center
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