The Steelers are "only selling half" of their available individual tickets for this season in "preparation for potential stadium social distancing guidelines," according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com. Steelers Dir of Communications Burt Lauten said, "We are holding back 50% of the individual game ticket sales inventory because we are preparing for possible social distancing scenarios this year at Heinz Field." The Steelers, who put the tickets on sale Friday morning, are "believed to be the first NFL team to restrict ticket sales as a precaution, opting to prevent a potentially bigger problem if more tickets are sold than fans allowed in the stands" (ESPN.com, 5/22). In Pittsburgh, Dale Lolley notes Allegheny County was "moved into the 'Yellow Stage' of Pennsylvania's coronavirus rules last Friday, meaning businesses are permitted to begin opening again with restrictions." The Steelers have "sold out every game at Heinz Field since its opening in 2001" (DKPITTSBURGSPORTS.com, 5/23). In Pittsburgh, Ray Fittipaldo noted if there is no need for social distancing, the Steelers "will put the tickets that were held back on sale at a later date" (PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE, 5/22).
