Pittsburgh Steelers To Allow About 5,500 Fans At Heinz Field Against Philadelphia Eagles
By: KDKA-TV News Staff
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Steelers are allowing about 5,500 fans into Heinz Field after Gov. Tom Wolf eased gathering limits Tuesday.
Steelers President Art Rooney II released a statement saying the Steelers are "pleased" to welcome fans back this Sunday against the Eagles.
The governor's updated guidance allows 7,500 people, but the Steelers say that includes people like players, coaches and stadium staff. That leaves room for about 5,500 seats on the lower seating bowl at Heinz Field.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin says the team is excited to play in front of fans.
"I know as a football team we will be excited if we have a performance in front of fans and our home venue. Man, they inspire us and we look forward to entertaining them," he says.
For the most part, Steelers and Pitt fans are happy to hear the news that spectators will be allowed at Heinz Field.
"We would go. We wouldn't be afraid as long as everyone is doing proper precautions," said Steelers and Pitt fan Lisa D'Antonio.
Pitt freshman Trevor Naman said, "I feel it's a big enough stadium to space out and make it safe."
The Steelers say priority will be given to season ticketholders who didn't opt out of this season. Seat selection opportunities will be based on a computer-generated random selection of season ticket holders.
Rooney says there may not be enough tickets available for all season ticketholders this game.
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Heinz Field's website says face coverings must be worn and will be enforced at all times. They also say "two yards can change the game" and that physical distancing will also be enforced.
No tailgating is allowed. More details will be available later. You can go to Heinz Field's website to learn more.
As for Pitt fans at Heinz Field, the director of athletics says after they talk to county and university officials, they'll announce their plans for spectators "very soon."
"I think with Pitt games, you're gonna have kids test the waters. But with the Steelers, some are diehards. I don't know how you keep them away," said Steelers fan Kathy Rauterkus.
Hungry fans will be able to order food through a contactless ordering system. Alcohol will also be available.
This announcement from the Steelers comes after the governor loosened restrictions on large gatherings, now using a venue's occupancy limits to figure out how many people can be allowed.
"We look forward to hopefully having more fans soon while still maintaining a safe and healthy environment at Heinz Field," Rooney's statement says.
Health Secretary Doctor Rachel Levine said the state won't hesitate to scale back these new guidelines if cases are linked back to these events.
