Bengals, Browns Get Local Clearance To Host Some Fans

No more than 1,500 fans will be allowed in each side of Paul Brown StadiumGETTY IMAGES

The Bengals and Browns have been "granted a variance to the state sports coronavirus health order that will allow up to 6,000 spectators at each of four games, including two home games for each team," according to Houck & Borchardt of the CINCINNATI ENQUIRER. The variances allow "no more than 1,500 spectators in each side of the stadium." Fans "must use the designated entrance for their ticket" and "wear a mask in accordance with state regulations." The limits are "less than half of what both teams initially pitched" to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's administration. The Bengals proposed a "maximum capacity of 15,000 in the 67,342-seat Paul Brown Stadium in its 'responsible restart' plan." The Bengals said that "no further variances have been issued for other games," including the team's Sept. 13 home opener against the Chargers (CINCINNATI ENQUIRER, 9/6). In Cleveland, Dan Labbe noted Browns Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam were "hopeful they could have around 20 percent capacity at the stadium this season, or approximately 13,000 fans." The Browns are the "only AFC North team who will have fans at their home opener" (Cleveland PLAIN DEALER, 9/6). 

BACK HOME AGAIN...: In Indianapolis, Jim Ayello notes a "maximum of 2,500 fans will be allowed in the stands" at Lucas Oil Stadium for the Colts' home opener on Sept. 20 against the Vikings. Colts COO Pete Ward said that the Marion County Public Heath Department "denied the Colts' proposal to fill Lucas Oil Stadium to 15% capacity for the home opener." He said that 2,500 fans, which translates to less than 5% capacity, was the number the health department "felt was safe at this time." Ayello noted masks "will be mandatory" for fans, who also "will be temperature-screened and asked to fill out a questionnaire before being allowed in the stadium." Once inside, families "will be allowed to sit next to one another." However, groups of unrelated fans "can not sit any closer than six feet apart, both in rows front and behind as well as side to side." The Colts "will require cashless payment for concessions as well as socially distant lines for concessions and restrooms." As for how the Colts will determine which 2,500 fans will be allowed to attend the home opener, Ward said the team is "developing a process for limiting the number of tickets for the Sept. 20 game, as well as a process to address those who already purchased a single-game ticket to the home opener or a four-game ticket pack that included this game" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 9/5).

Download the NFL team plans for fans