As Twins fans return, a sign of hope for downtown Minneapolis

The Minnesota Twins, pending a possible rainout, are bringing 10,000 people to Target Field today, the first time a sizable crowd has been downtown for entertainment purposes in more than a year.

Big picture: That's not just important for the ballclub, it's important for the image of downtown, Minneapolis Downtown Council President Steve Cramer told Nick.

• People have been sitting at home for a year. They saw images of downtown being looted back in August and have heard reports of crime in the center of the city.

Reality check: While violent crime is up overall in Minneapolis, it's declined in the two downtown City Council wards.

• However, the city's homeless problem is more visible without all of the office employees and evening visitors.

What they're saying: "There's this image of a foreboding place," Cramer said. "And it's not that at all. I think people are going to feel, I hope, comfortable (being here)."

Yes, but: Downtown will be much different than people remember. Some of the popular pre-game bars, including Kieran's Irish Pub and The Depot, haven't re-opened.

• Many businesses are boarded up in advance of the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial on the other side of downtown.

Of note: The Twins have worked with the city of Minneapolis to secure preferred parking for the games in ramps A and B, which will allow wary fans to park steps from Target Field.

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