Pittsburgh Steelers To Have Call With Pennsylvania Department Of Health About Fans
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Steelers, who are "optimistic" about hosting a limited number of fans in October, have a call with the Pennsylvania Department of Health this week.
That's welcome news for some Steelers fans like Terri Garner.
"I'm sick about it. I'm excited and I will be there," said Garner.
Some say they're ready to start attending games.
"I think it will be good for the morale of everyone in general, in terms of fans and the players, but on the same token, if safety is not observed I don't think we can do it," said Steelers fan Vernon Lipscomb.
"I don't think it's a bad idea. As long as you're masked and social distancing, I think it will work out," said Garner.
As for Pitt, head coach Pat Narduzzi has been pushing for fans from the beginning. He said parents of the players should be number one.
"The safest thing for everyone to do is put those parents in the stands because they'll be with our kids after. We don't want any problems and we want to play football. To me, that's the best thing to do," said Narduzzi.
Narduzzi has even pleaded with Governor Tom Wolf to allow the fans to come back.
"I think there's a chance. We don't know right now, but will say my prayers tonight," said Narduzzi.
Pitt said it's in constant communication with pertinent parties when it comes to possible attendance starting in October. The university said the first three home games have been successful and is hopeful and prepared to host limited fans moving forward.
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't have any fans at home games during September, but the team announced last week they were "optimistic about hosting a limited amount of fans at Heinz Field" beginning with the game against the Eagles on Oct. 11.
If the Steelers and Pitt get the go ahead to allow some fans, it's unclear how many would be allowed. Governor Wolf's current order limits outdoor gatherings to 250 people, however a judge ruled that some of the state's COVID-19 restrictions were unconstitutional.
Dr. Rachel Levine has said that before allowing fans, there would have to be a significant decline in coronavirus cases. "At this time, given the current circumstances, we feel it's in the public's best interest not to have fans at those football games," she said earlier in September.
