There are have been progressive discussions about allowing more fans in as the season goes alongGetty Images
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell emailed her "about how he's looking forward to when fans can return to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome," but she "hasn't responded to him yet," according to Amie Just of the New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE. Cantrell said that she has "remained in contact with Saints officials, and they have had 'progressive discussions' about potentially letting more fans in as the season progresses." Cantrell on Thursday said that the team's "test run of allowing around 750 team family members and staff into the Superdome to watch last week's game" against the Packers "went smoothly." Those fans "all had to wear face coverings during the game and remain socially distanced." Meanwhile, the city of New Orleans said that "some coronavirus restrictions will be loosened" beginning at 6:00am CT Saturday. Under the new guidelines, outdoor gatherings of "up to 100 people will be allowed, which is twice as many as was allowed under Phase 2." The next Saints home game is Oct. 12 (NOLA.com, 10/1).
OPENING UP: In Indianapolis, Akeem Glaspie reports the Colts "will host up to 12,500 attendees" for their Week 6 game against the Bengals, "up from the 7,500 allowed during the Week 3 game" against the Vikings. Normal capacity for Colts home games at Lucas Oil Stadium is 63,000. Tickets "will be sold in 'pods' to maintain physical distancing between unrelated groups" (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 10/2).
COMING SOON? In DC, JP Finlay wrote neither the Washington Football Team nor the Ravens "have allowed fans in the stands for games this season, but Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan would like that to change." He said, "I'm in favor of safely trying to get some fans back in the stands." Hogan said that both teams "had been in talks with the state before the season started to keeps fans out of stadiums but that the situation could change as the year progresses." Hogan: "I miss having fans, I miss being a fan. I usually go to games in Washington and in Baltimore every season. It's just not the same" (NBCSPORTSWASHINGTON.com, 10/1).
BREAKING IT DOWN: Seven NFL games will feature fans this weekend, with four teams welcoming them for the first time this season. The Texans (hosting the Vikings), will allow up to 13,300 fans at NRG Stadium, while the Buccaneers (hosting the Chargers), will allow up to 25% capacity at Raymond James Stadium, though no official number has been disclosed. The Panthers (hosting Cardinals) and Bengals (hosting Jaguars), also will allow fans for the first time. Other games featuring fans include: Seahawks-Dolphins (in Miami), Browns-Cowboys (in Dallas) and Patriots-Chiefs (in K.C.) (NBCSPORTS.com, 10/1).
