MINNEAPOLIS— Excitement is brewing in downtown Minneapolis as the Timberwolves begin their playoff run against the Phoenix Suns this weekend, with tipoff on Saturday at 2:30 PM at Target Center.
For those who couldn’t get tickets, all is not lost. There are a number of places in the Twin Cities that make fans feel like they’re real, including Falling Knife Brewing Co.
“We created a bar that we wanted to hang out in and part of that was a Timberwolves bar,” said founder Dan Herman, although the dream got off to a rocky start. “We opened in October 2019, so it wasn’t great for the first few years to be able to build this community.”
But thanks to special viewing parties and a partnership with a Timberwolves podcaster, they can now jump at the chance to throw a huge playoff viewing party, complete with three projectors and several TVs.
“For playoff games, we actually put out a big giant TV trailer that we throw on the patio,” Herman said. “It’s actually my birthday weekend, so we’re going crazy for the Wolves, for the playoffs. Hopefully we get a win before my birthday.”
Tom’s Watch Bar, located just steps from Target Center, attempts to create an arena-like atmosphere, with DJs playing music and awards shows launched to the crowd. It was a hub for college basketball fans attending the men’s and women’s Big Ten tournaments. With the Wolves continuing their season well into the spring, momentum continues downtown.
“It’s good for business, it’s good for business in Minneapolis,” Amanda Neitzke said. “I think it will be great for people to see downtown thriving again.”
Outside of the Timberwolves’ first playoff game, the Twins host the Tigers at Target Field on Saturday at 1:10 p.m., adding to a busy stretch for Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood.
Jeff Wagner
