The Pittsburgh Steelers will not be permitted to host fans at Heinz Field for their playoff game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday night, the team announced Thursday.
Statement from #Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten: pic.twitter.com/DoaVR7DkX8
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 7, 2021
While the team was hoping to welcome fans back for the first time since Nov. 15, statewide COVID-19 capacity restrictions still in affect will prevent that from happening.
With the limit still set at 2,500 individuals total permitted in the stadium, the Steelers will only host friends and family of players for their playoff game Sunday night. The 2,500 capacity limit already includes players, coaches and other gameday staff and personnel.
“We are disappointed we will not be able to host our season ticket holders and other fans at Heinz Field on Sunday night agains the Cleveland Browns in our AFC Wildcard game,” Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said in the statement Thursday.
Pittsburgh was able to host at least some fans for three games this season, victories over the Philadelphia Eagles, Cincinnati Bengals and Browns. The largest attendance figure was 5,909 fans for their Nov. 15 win over the Bengals.
As COVID-19 continues to ravage Pennsylvania and the country at large, it is unclear whether the team will have the opportunity to host fans later on in the playoffs if they can make an extended run.