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A summer bet after a hard winter
World Cup month has arrived at a sensitive moment for Twin Cities bars. After a winter slump tied to Operation Metro Surge, owners are looking at soccer crowds as a chance to rebuild traffic.
Axios reported that Black Hart of Saint Paul was down 20% over the winter, while local restaurateurs are preparing for fans who want to watch together. For bars, strong group-stage matchups can mean fuller tables, repeat visits, and a timely boost in cash flow.
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The tournament is unusually long
The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, with 48 teams playing 104 matches. That expanded format gives Twin Cities venues more match days than past tournaments.
Not every game will create a rush, but volume matters. A bar that catches lunch crowds, after-work groups, and weekend fans can build several sales peaks from one sports event.
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Minnesota watches from afar
Minnesota is not one of the official World Cup host markets. The tournament is being played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but Twin Cities businesses are trying to turn TV viewing into a local event…