CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Fans say they walked the Charlotte streets with a little more comfort ahead of Friday’s Duke’s Mayo Bowl between Virginia Tech and Minnesota.
There’s increased security in uptown after Wednesday’s fatal attack in New Orleans that postponed the Sugar Bowl.
Uptown was littered with maroon, gold, and bright orange as fans toured the Queen City ahead of the matchup between the Virginia Tech Hokies and the Minnesota Gophers.
While they walked up and down the streets, they noticed more blue lights and a bigger police presence than expected.
“Wonderful, very happy. I appreciate it a lot,” said Bernie Ahlberg.
“We love seeing security. The more the merrier,” said friends John Miller and Jerry Novakosve. “Keep spending money on security and police we’ll keep spending money in Charlotte.”
Charlotte-Mecklenburg police increased security after a man where a man drove a truck into a large crowd and killed 15 people in the early hours of New Year’s Day in New Orleans.
Visitors were there to watch the Sugar Bowl, which was held Thursday afternoon. Virginia Tech fans like 6-year-old Hazel Witel say Charlotte’s precautions make them feel more secure.
“I think security is going to be good with this,” Riley Ridings said. “I’ve definitely seen a lot more police officers out and I think they’re going to do well.”
Fans felt good enough to watch their marching bands battle it out at the Truist building on North Tryon, a little something to get everyone hyped up ahead of the game.
Minnesota’s head coach P.J. Fleck is 5-0 in his bowl games, and fans like Jim Otto hope to add another win on Friday.
“I’m going to say 27-18,” Otto said of his score prediction.
“P.J.’s got a good team and good spirit,” said Miller and Novakosve. “I think we have a very good chance… Very good chance.”
While the Hokies were outnumbered at the event – most fans have a much shorter trip — Ridings wore his bright orange to make sure to stand out for his team. He believes despite the odds at the moment, coach Brent Pry and his team can squeeze out a win in the Queen City.
“Our quarterback Kyron Drones, is going to be back for the game. So, I’m excited to see him play,” Ridings said. “I’m going to say 34-28 Tech.”
Fans thanked local law enforcement for acknowledging the bowl game as a major event and evaluating and enhancing security measures.
