Just before 4 a.m. closing time Wednesday, a worker at the FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar in downtown Minneapolis declared the extended All-Star Game bar hours a success.
"It's been great," Meng Yang said. "We just had a last call. The crowds were good. The money was definitely good."
Thirty-one bars applied for special licenses that allowed them to say open after Tuesday's All-Star Game until the wee hours Wednesday. Locals had much to celebrate as the American League won 5-3 with Twins pitcher Glen Perkins closing the game to get the save.
Minneapolis police said incidents were few, despite the extra people hitting clubs and bars. "There was a pretty good mix of local residents and the game-goers out," Lt. Ray Witzman said.
"But the night was pretty uneventful for us — not a lot of calls. We had maybe two arrests. That was nothing."
A bartender at Huberts Sports Bar and Grill, 600 1st Av. N., said the longer hours were a hit with fans. "Everyone's been in a great mood," she said.
Susan Hogan
