Normally bustling Strip District oddly quiet on this Steelers playoff Sunday

PITTSBURGH — On this Steelers Sunday there is a much different vibe in the Strip District, which would typically be crowded with people, with Black and Gold merchandise for sale up and down Penn Avenue, but the pandemic has made an impact.

“Corona is here. But it’s kind of different,” vendor Johnnie Askew said.

Askew said he has noticed a difference in foot traffic in the Strip since there are no fans allowed at Heinz Field.

“Less people than it usually be. People usually come from other cities, now they sometime down so it makes a difference,” he said.

In normal times, the sidewalks would be crowded with people out shopping and eating at restaurants, but on this playoff game day, it’s quiet.

Tim Andy and his family were shopping for Terrible Towels for his children, but this is not the usual hustle and bustle expected here for this Mt. Lebanon family.

“I wanted the kids to see all the Steelers stuff on the playoff day,” Andy said. “Yeah I was thinking it’d be a little more busier than it is.”

As for the game, Andy said he expects the score to be closer than he would like it to be.

“Steelers are going to win because I think they’re tougher,” Askew said.

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