Target Field debuts self-serve beer station

The first station, on the third-base side along the main concourse, debuted Sunday during the Minnesota Twins’ loss to the New York Yankees.

In a first for major league baseball stadiums, Target Field now has a self-serving beer station and intends to have a second one up and running in time for next week’s All-Star Game.

The first station, on the third-base side along the main concourse, debuted Sunday during the Minnesota Twins’ loss to the New York Yankees. A second station will be added on the same concourse along the first-base side, said Twins spokesman Chris Iles.

Iles said Target Field is the first MLB venue to have one of the stations and added that he’s unaware of any NFL, NBA or NHL teams having one.

Here’s how they work:

A patron goes to a concession cashier, shows proper identification to verify age and buys a vending card with either $10 or $20 on it for use at the station. There will be $50 cards available for the All-Star Game.

There are four beers to choose from, and they can be bought by the ounce: Bud and Bud Light (38 cents per ounce), and Shock Top Lemon Shandy and Goose Island 312 Urban Pale Ale (40 cents per ounce).

Customers can withdraw up to 48 ounces every 15 minutes. If that sounds like a lot, there is an employee at each machine to not only check identification but also to intercede should a patron appear intoxicated.

And just like at the concession counters or when buying from vendors in the stands, the machines will shut down by the seventh inning.