North Shore bar, restaurant owners crushed over news of no fans at Steelers playoff game

PITTSBURGH — The electricity of a Steelers playoff game against a division rival won’t be felt by more than 60,000 fans at Heinz Field on Sunday. For bar and restaurant owners nearby on the North Shore, they said they’re crushed that no fans will be allowed into the stadium, and it’s already affecting business.

“We’ve had some cancellations, some people who had tickets for the game planning to come from outside of Pittsburgh who booked tables,” said Mike Sukitch, owner of North Shore Tavern and Mike’s Beer Bar.

The Steelers take on the Cleveland Browns in their Wild Card match-up on Sunday Night Football on Channel 11. Our pregame coverage begins at 6:30 p.m.

He said he’s still hoping to capitalize on the playoffs.

“January and February are typically very slow times, so the longer the Steelers play, the much better it is for us as far as business goes,” Sukitch said.

“It’s tough, you know. You have these tickets and put together a good season, you’re expected to cheer the team on for the playoff game,” said season ticket holder Jake Leone.

Leone said he’s bummed about not being able to see the game in person.

>>>RELATED: No fans at Heinz Field for Sunday’s Steelers-Browns Wild Card game

Right now, team officials said the state has limited a total of 2,500 people in the building, including players, coaches and staff. The only people allowed in the stands for the game will be friends and family.

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