Local Bars, Restaurants Offer Alternatives To Frigid Vikings Game
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Minnesota Vikings fans are on the edge of their seats as they wait for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks.
"I try to stay calm game by game," fan Megan Pelowski said. "I feel really good about it. We'll see how far we can go."
But superfans like Pelowski are not in a hurry to sit outside at TCF Bank Stadium Sunday afternoon.
"I'm actually kind of excited that I don't have tickets because I will be on my couch, surrounded by dogs, and very, very warm," she said.
It will feel below zero at the game, making tickets cheap. We even found some going for about $40.
"We have a tent going [up] on our patio," 8th Street Grill manager Michael Stewart said.
He hopes to give fans the tailgate experience with a quick, in-door option.
The downtown Minneapolis restaurant will host a party all day Saturday and Sunday, including Minnesota-themed dishes. They are also welcoming Seahawks fans.
New Brighton sports bar Big Louie's is also serving up specials.
"We usually fill up for the noon games," Manager Kelly Bjorklund said."$10.99 for a burger, steak fries, five boneless wings. A bucket of Miller Lites for $11 as well."
Bjorklund says the most important selling point on Sunday may come in degrees -- not dollars.
"Nice and warm in here, nice and toasty. Nice 71 degrees," Bjorklund said.
Wherever fans choose to watch, all eyes will be on the field.
"It's part of supporting your local team, supporting your local bar, support your local businesses," Pelowski said.
We did check with some University of Minnesota campus bars, but most will not have as many specials since they are expecting to be full. But there will still be a great feeling to be on campus and close to the action.
Mariucci Arena will open at 9 a.m., and it will be available as a pre-game warming house for fans. The Vikings will also be giving out free Caribou Coffee.
And they recommend bringing a piece of foam to put under your bottom and your feet. You may also bring a blanket in to the stadium.