Pitt Athletic Director Heather Lyke says they have an effective plan to allow fans in the stands at Heinz Field.
Speaking with the Fan Morning Show on Lyke said, "we have worked tirelessly to think of every single thing to prepare and we've been prepared."
While Lyke says that while there is no such thing as a "risk free environment" but they believe their work along with the Steelers is good enough to allow fans inside with a reduced capacity.
Lyke says the plan they have submitted would allow 15 to 20 percent capacity along with full suite use.
That would allow between 13,000 to 18,000 fans.
Suites have their own entrances and bathrooms so those would be completely socially distanced.
"You can't recapture these moments," said Lyke. "I really feel for the parents and the families, it's the right thing to do. People have a choice on whether or not they want to be in any environment and so I would prefer to give them that choice."
Without the expertise and advice from their medical staff and UPMC, Lyke says nothing would be possible moving forward.
When it comes to who would get priority for tickets, Lyke says after the player's parents, the students are top priority.
"Our students are our priority and so is the Panther Pit, the student section and so they would absolutely have priority to be there," said Lyke. "We should socially distance band members and spirit squad. They would not be on the field, they would not march and we would also socially distance the student section appropriately."
After that, single-game tickets would be made available to donors and other people of priority.
Masks would be required for all in attendance and wearing them would be monitored. Tailgating would be banned outside of the stadium.
While the goal is to at least allow families in the stands for this Saturday's game against NC State, but are ready to ramp up to that 15-20 percent if given the green light this week.
