MINNEAPOLIS — On what would normally be one of the busiest days of the year, with people outside tailgating in the surrounding parking lots near U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis, it was unusually quiet.
“In general, I would say downtown just doesn't have any traffic anymore, ever since March,” said Cindy Harrison, who owns Sawatdee Thai Restaurant.
Sawatdee Thai Restaurant is located right across from U.S. Bank Stadium. Harrison's family has been in business for more than 30 years, but she said this year's Vikings season opener was out of the norm.
"Even on the cold days the Vikings fans are out tailgating, and obviously not today," said Harrison.
The Vikings announced there will be no tailgating during the 2020 season due to COVID-19. Harrison said it's another blow for businesses struggling to survive. "We hope people will come. We have some outdoor seating and a really large dining room so social distancing is really easy in our location,” she said.
Photos: Vikings vs Packers Sept. 13, 2020
The Vikings will not have fans filling up stadium seats for at least the first few home games, as COVID-19 guidelines limit large crowd gatherings.
Harrison hopes things return to normal soon with Vikings fans stopping by for a quick bite to eat. “Seeing what's out there before they go in, and also frequenting places afterwards as well," says Harrison.
Harrison hopes that the vibrant downtown scene she's used to makes a comeback soon. “It’s been hard to transition but we have,” said Harrison. “We just really want to see people come back out and enjoy themselves."
