Empty stadium, decreased bar capacity add up to deflating game day experience for Vikings fans

Joe Mazan

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For Vikings fans Sunday’s border battle with the Green Bay Packers was the most different looking game in Vikings history.

Even though no fans were allowed inside U.S. Bank Stadium, Vikings season ticket holder Corey Murphy and his wife came down hoping to catch some pregame atmosphere.

Instead they found no tailgating and only a few fans.

"It’s just empty, so it’s kinda sad," Murphy said. "It’s going to be different watching on TV with no fans."

A few blocks from U.S. Bank Stadium at Pog Mahone’s Pub and Grill, only a handful of Vikings fans watched the game.

A Vikings fan walks around the plaza outside U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020.[KSTP]

Bartender Sean Adams says before the pandemic Vikings would pack the bar, but he’s glad the games are on TV.

"Right now it’s different, but I think it’s cool to at least have a little something, a little piece of regular to hold on to," Adams said.