With virus infections surging, the Vikings had little choice but to continue barring fansGETTY IMAGES
The Vikings said that they "will not sell tickets to fans for the remaining four regular-season home games," according to Chris Tomasson of the ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS. The team did not have spectators at any of its first four games at U.S. Bank Stadium "with the exception of 250 staff members and their family members who were permitted to attend the past three." The Vikings "will continue to have up to 250 on hand for the final four home games." A Minnesota ordinance has "limited indoor gatherings to 250 during the pandemic." The Vikings previously sought to get more fans into U.S. Bank Stadium by instituting pods of 250, with each pod using separate entrances, restrooms and concession stands. But those plans "have been abandoned for the remainder of the regular season" (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 11/12). In Minneapolis, Rochelle Olson notes with virus infections surging across much of the country, the Vikings "didn't have much choice." Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on Tuesday "imposed new restrictions on gathering in bars, restaurants and even homes to contain the fast-spreading virus." Early on, Walz said that letting fans return to large indoor sports and concert venues "would be among the final steps in the pandemic recovery" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 11/12).
