After rolling back restrictions on mass gatherings to allow fans back into stands this month, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced the lifting of more restrictions Monday.
Under the new guidelines, which go into effect April 4, gathering limits will now be 25% of capacity for indoor venues and 50% for outdoors.
The Penguins have allowed 2,800 fans, 15 percent of PPG Paints Arena's capacity, since March 2, and have implemented several safety measures to limit contact between fans and arena workers and ensure distancing. Tickets are mobile-only, and fans have to verbally answer several health questions upon arrival. Face masks are mandatory, and fans who don't comply with the policy will be removed the building. All bags are prohibited, and transactions in the arena are cashless. Mobile ordering is available for concessions and merchandise purchases, with designated pickup areas in the arena.
The Pirates will be basing their capacity on abiding by the six foot distancing rule, so it cannot be assumed that more tickets will be available.
"We are reviewing today's announcement and will be sure to communicate if it will impact capacity limits at PNC Park," Pirates spokesperson Brian Warecki said.
Team president Travis Williams told reporters in Bradenton, Fla. that there will be between 7,500-8,000 tickets available for games, going by the original 20% guidelines the state set forth. PNC Park has also undergone some changes this season to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, like installing more cashless and touchless payment systems throughout the stadium, widening concourses and moving more towards digital ticketing.
The Pirates' home opener is Apr. 8 against the Cubs. Individual game tickets to the public go on sale Wednesday. Tickets will be made available to purchase on a month-to-month basis.
Alex Stumpf contributed to this report.