Bengals, Browns Each Allowed 6,000 Fans for Two Home Games

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Saturday that the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns will both be allowed limited fan attendance for a small number of games.

Each team will be permitted to host up to 6,000 fans for two games apiece, and the total number of spectators cannot exceed 1,5000 per side of the stadium.

Spectator Variance for @Browns and @Bengals ⬇ pic.twitter.com/cGpQufxobd

— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) September 5, 2020

DeWine’s order covers the two meetings between the in-state rivals on Sept. 17 and Oct. 25, as well as a Cleveland-Washington game on Sept. 27 and Cincinnati-Jacksonville in Oct. 4.

“This year will certainly be different, but both the Browns and the Bengals have worked exceedingly hard and have made extensive preparations to welcome a limited number of fans to their stadiums safely,” DeWine said in a statement. “These very thorough plans and safety precautions warrant a two-game trial to try and accommodate fans, at reduced capacities with social distancing and masks.”

As of Aug. 27, the Pittsburgh Steelers are not permitted to have fans at Heinz Field during the month of September. The team hosts the Denver Broncos on Sept. 20 and the Houston Texans the following Sunday.

While the ban is only supposed to last for the month, it could be extended longer by way of a statewide decree.

The Philadelphia Eagles announced last week that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and city of Philadelphia informed the organization they cannot host fans until instructed otherwise. Since the mandate is coming from the state level, it likely applies to the Steelers as well.