Falcons VP/Sales & Service Don Rovak said that the team expects Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s seating capacity "will be reduced to between 10,000 and 20,000 this year because of social distancing," according to Tim Tucker of the ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION. Rovak also said that the Falcons "expect the reduced capacity to limit each season-ticket holder to attending no more than two or three of the eight scheduled regular-season games." The Falcons said that they will "hold a random drawing to determine the games to which each season-ticket holder will be eligible to buy tickets." If offered tickets for a given game, a customer "will be able to select from available seats and purchase the same number of tickets at the same per-game price as in their season-ticket package." Credits issued for '20 season tickets "can be used to pay for the single-game tickets." Rovak said, "Is it going to be perfect? Absolutely not. But I do think we’ll provide a level of care that our (fans) will feel, and we’ll be able to justify it for this point in time." Tucker notes a "big variable is what percentage of personal seat license holders will want to attend games this season in light of COVID-19 and changes in the fan experience that will range from mandatory masks to limited interaction with other fans." Rovak said that the plan is to "have the stadium clubs, restaurants, bars and concession stands open at Falcons games, but not the on-field patios" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 7/23).
REDUCTIONS IN DETROIT: In Detroit, Dave Birkett reports the Lions in an email to season-ticket holders yesterday said they are "anticipating a reduced seating capacity, with socially distanced seating," at Ford Field this season because of the pandemic (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 7/23). Also in Detroit, Justin Rogers reports the Lions "haven't ruled out hosting fans at Ford Field during the 2020 season" (DETROIT NEWS, 7/23).
STEEL CITY SAFETY: In Pittsburgh, Joe Rutter reported the Steelers "sent an email" yesterday to season-ticket holders who "did not already put their accounts on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic." The email "outlined precautions the franchise is taking this year in the event fans are permitted to attend the eight regular-season home games." Among the "initial" steps the Steelers detailed in the email are:
- "Touchless" restroom facilities.
- "Contactless payment options at all concession stands."
- Mobile ticketing procedures that "make it easier to transfer tickets and receive information on health and safety measures being taken at the stadium."
- "Installation of sanitizing stations" (TRIBLIVE.com, 7/22).
