The Steelers and Pitt get to have fans again.
Tuesday morning in Harrisburg, Gov. Tom Wolf approved allowing fans to attend sporting events at indoor and outdoor venues across Pennsylvania. The Steelers host the Eagles, the commonwealth's other NFL franchise, Sunday at Heinz Field. Pitt's next home game is Oct. 24 against Notre Dame, also at Heinz Field.
The state will allow fans into those venues on a percentage of capacity basis. For Heinz Field, that means the maximum capacity will be 7,500 -- a number that also includes players, coaches and stadium workers. Heinz Field has a seating capacity for 68,400 fans, meaning just under 11 percent of the seats would be used.
But because of the limitations, the Steelers will have only 5,500 fans at the stadium according to team president Art Rooney II.
"Under the guidance provided by the Governor's office, we are limited to 7,500 total in the stadium, which includes players, coaches, stadium staff, etc. Based on these limitations we will only be able to make available to our fans approximately 5,500 seats in the lower seating bowl at Heinz Field," Rooney said. "Priority will be given to our season-ticket holders who did not opt out this season. Seat selection opportunities will be based on a computer-generated random selection of season ticket holder accounts. Unfortunately, we may not have tickets available for all season-ticket holders for this game."
Per the state guidelines ...
Indoor calculator:
Maximum Occupancy — 0-2,000 people
Allowable Indoor Rate — 20% of Maximum Occupancy
Maximum Occupancy — 2,001 – 10,000 people
Allowable Indoor Rate — 15% of Maximum Occupancy
Maximum Occupancy — Over 10,000 people
Allowable Indoor Rate — 10% of Maximum Occupancy up to 3,750 people
Outdoor calculator:
Maximum Occupancy — 0-2,000 people
Allowable Outdoor Rate — 25% of Maximum Occupancy
Maximum Occupancy — 2,001 – 10,000 people
Allowable Outdoor Rate — 20% of Maximum Occupancy
Maximum Occupancy — Over 10,000 people
Allowable Outdoor Rate — 15% of Maximum Occupancy up to 7,500 people
The move obviously would also give the OK for the Eagles to host fans, as well.
The Steelers and Eagles are the 14th and 15th NFL teams to receive approval to have at least some fans in the stadium for their remaining games in 2020, though a couple of teams, such as the Ravens and Saints, have permitted close family members to attend games despite not allowing the general public to attend.
The Steelers informed their season ticket holders last Friday that this move could be coming and to be on alert for the possibility. But there will be some obvious caveats.
"All fans entering the stadium will be required to wear masks and maintain social distancing protocols throughout Heinz Field," Rooney said. "Tailgating will not be permitted in the stadium parking lots. Additional details concerning game day operations will be available prior to the weekend."
Mike Tomlin was pleased to hear the news Tuesday morning.
"I haven’t been a part of those discussions," Tomlin said when asked about the team's plans to have fans at Heinz Field Sunday. "I am aware of them, but I focus my time on preparing our team. I know that as a football team, we’ll be excited if we have an opportunity to perform in front of fans in our home venue. They inspire us, and we look forward to entertaining them."
Pitt athletic director Heather Lyke spoke Tuesday about the university's approach to having fans in attendance, saying plans still needed to be developed to maintain a safe environment.
“We are pleased and appreciative to receive the new guidelines from the Governor’s office today," Lyke said. "After we receive additional consultation from Allegheny County and University officials, we will look forward to communicating our attendance plans for Pitt football at Heinz field very soon. Even with new allowances for attendance, we will remain as vigilant as ever in prioritizing health and safety in each of our sports venues.”