The Vikings have spent months drawing up plans phasing in a safe return to fans in the standsGETTY IMAGES
The Vikings are "still hoping to bring fans into U.S. Bank Stadium -- if they can get the go-ahead" from Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, according to Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE. The team "has spent months drawing up plans phasing in a safe return to fans in the stands, beginning with a smallish crowd of 3,300, or about 5% of the building's capacity." However, Walz "hasn't given any sign that he's ready to open the stadium doors, so the prospects aren't promising." Stadium managers said that the building is "ready to go." Olson notes all that is "needed is enough workers to accommodate fans, a hiring process that could take roughly two weeks." That would give the Vikings "plenty of time to sell tickets for the next home game" against the Lions on Nov. 8. Meanwhile, the Vikings "have a plan to make the building smaller by breaking it down into seven self-contained pods, each with its own concessions and restrooms." Fans "would be assigned to one pod, where they would remain for the game and outside of which they couldn't roam." Tickets "would come with an assigned entry time and designated gate." However, if fans "aren't allowed in for the next game, they're probably going to be shut out for the duration" of the season (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 10/21).
STARTING THE PROCESS: In Baltimore, Daniel Oyefusi reports the Ravens "sent out an email with information for personal seat license owners to enter a lottery system and request tickets for the team's Nov. 1 game" against the Steelers. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan now is "allowing outdoor sporting venues to welcome spectators at up to 10% of their maximum capacity." PSL owners "interested in entering the lottery system for lower-level or club-level tickets are asked to fill out the lottery request form using the link provided in the email" by 11:59pm ET today. M&T Bank Stadium under the new guidelines "will be eligible to hold about 7,000 fans." The email sent to PSL owners said that the team is in "discussions with Baltimore Mayor Bernard C. 'Jack' Young to host a reduced number of fans," and "approval is subject to change at the discretion of government officials and public health advisers" (BALTIMORE SUN, 10/21).
