The Pittsburgh Steelers were hoping fans would be able to attend the team’s wild-card game against the Cleveland Browns, but that’s not going to be the case. The Steelers announced Thursday that they can only host 2,500 people at Sunday’s game.
That figure includes players, coaches and personnel. While that leaves some open spots, the Steelers plan to fill those seats with friends and family members of the team, not fans.
Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said the team was “disappointed” by the news.
Steelers hosted fans in October and November
The news comes months after the Steelers were allowed to host 5,500 fans at a game against the Philadelphia Eagles in October. Fans were also allowed at Heinz Field when the Steelers took on the Browns on Oct. 18 and the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 15.
Things changed in December due to rising COVID-19 numbers in Pennsylvania. New orders were issued by the state’s secretary of health, Dr. Rachel Levine, who recommended people not gather outside their homes. Those orders cleared the Steelers to host 2,500 fans at games during December. The team announced those seats would go to friends and family of the team.
The club will utilize that same approach for Sunday’s game.
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