By delivering on the kind of promises for infrastructure improvements that typically go unmet in publicly funded stadium projects, the $550 million Target Field has had a "transformative effect" on Minneapolis, writes Hughes. Light rail extensions, new bicycle lanes, an accompanying bike-share program, and nearby transit-oriented development are among the upgrades.
City officials are confident the stadium will have a lasting impact, Hughes says. He quotes Andrew Dahl, assistant to Minneapolis's economic development director:
"Transit, biking and pedestrian access to games and through the neighborhoods has soared. Restaurants and bars are bursting at the seams. A few accompanying policy changes have resulted in the city's first pedicabs and street food vendors. I think when we look back 10 or 20 years from now at what Minneapolis has become, this stadium will really be the definitive turning point."
