Timberwolves boost, businesses breathe: st. paul reeling from losses

The Timberwolves’ return to playoff contention isn’t just a shot of adrenaline for die-hard fans; it’s a desperately needed economic jolt for downtown St. Paul, still reeling from the devastation of Operation Metro Surge.

A $383 million lifeline – and a stark reminder

Thursday’s games, punctuated by the NBA Draft and the Wild’s playoff push, ignited a palpable buzz. Jersey-clad crowds flooded bars and restaurants, injecting a much-needed dose of revenue into businesses that were hemorrhaging customers and profits after the debilitating effects of the Surge and ICE operations. As bartender Emily Crandall put it, "It helps people have fun as far as coming out and going and having a couple of drinks, dinner. It helps the servers, bartenders and support staff support their families."

The numbers speak for themselves: a staggering 40% increase in foot traffic on game days – a figure businesses desperately need to claw back. Grand Casino Arena estimates annual events and games contribute a cool $383 million to the city’s economy. That’s not a rounding error; it’s a vital lifeline after what felt like an economic apocalypse.

$605 Million vanished: a business owner's plea

Tim Mahoney, owner of The Loon Cafe and Zamboni’s on 7th, understands this pain intimately. He’s witnessed firsthand the crippling impact of Operation (Metro) Surge and ICE, estimating lost revenue at a staggering $605 million between the Twin Cities alone – over $440 million in Lakes and just over $165 million in St. Paul. “Operation (Metro) Surge and ICE was as devastating or more so than COVID,” he stated bluntly. The amended lawsuit underscores the severity of the situation.

Mahoney isn't offering platitudes. He’s demanding action. “We have great bars, great restaurants, great hotels,” he argues. “Get down here and have some fun. But right now, it’s Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves doing the heavy lifting, and it can’t stop there.” He’s essentially issuing a challenge – a stark ultimatum to city leadership: invest in the downtown core, or risk permanent closure.

For now, the roar of the crowd and the promise of a playoff run offer a glimmer of hope. But Mahoney’s words carry a weight – a reminder that a sporting spectacle alone isn’t enough to resurrect a shattered economy. The city needs to actively cultivate an environment where people want to spend their money, not just because the games are on.