Improvements to the Target Center Delayed

Last winter I asked someone from the Target Center when they were going to complete the improvements to the seasoned arena. I got a snicker and a laugh from that person. I guess this is the reason that they were laughing. The reason this story is relevant is that the NCHC has their conference tourney in the Target Center.

Per the Star Tribune:

A $129 million renovation of downtown Minneapolis' Target Center is slated to begin later than previously expected, spanning from summer 2016 through summer 2017.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the city-owned arena on Tuesday morning, Timberwolves officials said the project will require the Minnesota Lynx to relocate to another facility in summer 2017.

As late as March, Timberwolves officials still hoped to begin the project in 2015 and complete it by fall 2016. Tuesday's announcement was intended to represent the first concrete timeline of construction, however.

They also announced that a longstanding naming rights agreement with Target -- one of the first for a professional sports arena -- will be extended. Target and Timberwolves officials declined to release the terms or length of the agreement at a press conference Tuesday.

The renovation project will begin with a new scoreboard and acoustic improvements next summer. In late 2016, work will begin transforming the building's concrete exterior into a more glassy, inviting façade. Other changes include larger loading docks, improved public spaces and restrooms, and more club suites.

While they're working on the Target Center, they might want to improve the ice conditions and the class and boards surrounding the ice.