The stands at PNC Park won’t be empty this season. And Pens fans will be back inside PPG Paints Arena starting tomorrow.
Fan Pirates insider Jason Mackey of the Post-Gazette reports that the organization is planning to host 20 percent of capacity for PNC Park starting on Opening Day.
Mackey says that would be in the 7,500 range, likely slightly over.
It’s unclear if that number includes players, coaches and other ball park staff members.
“In the coming days, we will announce details around ticket availability, enhancements that have been made to PNC Park, as well as specifics around the fan experience. Most importantly, our fans’ health and safety will continue to be out top priority and we will have a number of protocols in place to ensure we can all enjoy games at PNC Park in a safe and healthy manner,” said Pirates president Travis Williams.
On Monday, Governor Tom Wolf eased coronavirus restrictions throughout the state.
That includes indoor venues moving from 10 to 15 percent, and outdoor venues being bumped up to 20 percent.
Penguins beat writer Mike DeFabo reports that about 2,800 fans will be allowed in PPG Paints Arena for home games with the easing of restrictions. Season ticket holders will be allowed back in as soon as Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia Flyers.
"It is a great day for hockey, indeed, and we are very excited for our fans," said David Morehouse president and CEO of the Penguins. "We are grateful to Governor Wolf, Health Secretary Alison Beam and their team for their continuous communication and support. We also are thankful for the help and guidance we received from our partners at UPMC for helping us to prepare a detailed plan for a safe re-opening, as well as County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. We are focused on giving our fans the safest and most efficient experience possible inside PPG Paints Arena - where they belong."
The Pirates played their entire 2020 season in front of empty seats at PNC Park and the Penguins have been playing at PPG Paints Arena with no fans so far this season as well.
The University of Pittsburgh men's basketball team tells The Fan, "With our final home game of the basketball season tomorrow at 6 p.m. and the campus remaining on the ‘Elevated’ risk stage we will not be adjusting our fan attendance plan."
Related
