The Steelers are "still holding out hope that they will be able to play home games in front of their fans" during the '20 season, according to Tim Benz of TRIBLIVE.com. Steelers Dir of Communications Burt Lauten on Monday wrote, "At this time, we remain optimistic we will play our home games as scheduled in front of our fans with the understanding that we will follow the NFL and government regulations to maintain the safety of our fans, players and staff." Benz noted now the question becomes, "Will Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto and Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf allow that to happen in Pittsburgh?" Allegheny County Communications Dir Amie Downs on Monday "deferred the notion of potential for fans at Heinz Field to the state." Benz noted this discussion "coincides with reinstated restrictions in Pittsburgh and across Allegheny County in the wake of a recent covid-19 spike." On Sunday, the county "shut down dine-in alcohol service at bars and restaurants and issued quarantine recommendations for people returning from out of state" (TRIBLIVE.com, 6/30).
