Signature Saturday isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a pilgrimage. This year’s event is coming up on Saturday, January 24th at Target Field. It runs from 9:00 – 5:00 and tickets are available on their website. It’s the one day each year where generations of Twins fans stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder, chasing signatures from the legends they grew up idolizing and the players their kids cheer for today. For me, it’s become a family tradition. I get to meet my childhood heroes, and I get to watch my sons meet theirs.
After a couple years of doing this—successfully and not so successfully—I’ve picked up a handful of strategies that make the day smoother, more enjoyable, and far more productive. Consider this your insider’s guide to getting the most out of Signature Saturday.
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- Be Intentional About What You Get Signed
Not all autographs age equally. I feel cards are hands down the best choice to get signed… You always know who the autograph belongs to, they store easily and are versatile to display. If you choose to get cards signed, you also want to be intentional about which cards to get signed. Don’t be random about this or you’ll be annoyed with yourself in the future. Generally, you want to get either a Topps rookie or Bowman 1st card signed. Personal opinion here, but paper cards are better for autos than chrome. I also LOVE to build autographed team sets. I’ve curated a list of recommended cards—complete with eBay links—to help you target the best options for each player appearing at TwinsFest. It’s the simplest way to build a clean, meaningful, long‑lasting autograph collection. I’ll put that list at the bottom of the article. - Plan Your Day (Seriously—Plan It)
The Twins have the official signing schedule posted on their site, which you can find here. Print it out. Highlight it. Circle it. Build your day around it. Signature Saturday moves fast, and your time is limited. Knowing exactly where you need to be—and when—will save you from missing out on the players you care about most. Your plan should reflect your must‑have autographs and your budget. - Stay Adaptable—Especially for the First Session
The first session of the day is absolute chaos. Lines fill instantly while many fans are still trying to get into the facility. Nobody knows where to go. Spots disappear in seconds. I’ve been skunked two years in a row during the opening session—even when I was near the front of the main line. Last year I speed‑walked straight to the Oliva/Carew line and it was already full. The year before, same story with Buxton. With that in mind – have a backup plan for Session 1. You’ll have more control over the rest of the day, but that first window is unpredictable. - Prepare to Skip the Restroom
This sounds extreme, but it’s the reality of Signature Saturday. Only the strong survive. Hydrate early, manage your intake, and do whatever you need to do before the doors open. The people around you aren’t pausing for bathroom breaks, and missing even a few minutes can cost you a signature you waited all year for. If you really need to use the restroom, the best way to do this is if you’re with a group of people in line. Once you have your spot in line established, it’s safe to use the restroom. - Ignore the Yard Sale
Lots of people love the yard sale the Twins have there, but the fact is it’s simply not compatible with your day if hunting autographs. The line for the yard sale is longer than most of the autograph sessions, so you have to make a choice. You simply cannot do both. - Bring Generic Twins Team Cards
Not every player or coach appearing at TwinsFest has a mainstream card. That’s where generic Twins team cards from Topps come in handy. They’re perfect for coaches, minor leaguers, and players you didn’t expect to see in the hallway. You can fit multiple signatures on each, and they make for great keepsakes and can be picked up for a couple bucks on eBay (affiliate link), - Protect Your Autographs From Smudging
Fresh ink is fragile, so after a player signs your card: hold it by the edges, wait a couple mins and it and give it a gentle breath of air for good measure. Once it’s dry, slide it into a penny sleeve and you’re good to go. Nothing hurts more than a perfect autograph ruined by a thumbprint – I did this once with a Rob Gronkowski autograph I got for my son. - Keep Your Cards Easily Accessible
Players often sign in the hallways between sessions. When that happens, you have seconds—not minutes—to react. A small plastic card case you can fit in your pocket, like these from Amazon (affiliate link) are perfect for quick access. Keep it in your pocket or bag so you’re always ready when an unexpected signing opportunity pops up. - Respect the Players and the Fans Around You
This should go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway. Don’t cut in front of kids. Don’t shove. Don’t crowd a player who’s clearly in a hurry. If security asks you to move, just move. Signature Saturday works because fans respect the process. A little courtesy goes a long way.
Signature Saturday at TwinsFest is one of the most electric, nostalgic, and rewarding days of the year. With a little preparation—and a lot of patience—you can walk away with incredible memories, meaningful signatures, and stories you’ll share for years.