Steelers Could Have Fans as Soon as Sunday with New Order from Gov. Wolf

Sporting events in Pennsylvania will once again be permitted to have fans in attendance, according to a new plan unveiled by Governor Tom Wolf on Tuesday, as he modified the existing COVID-19 mitigation plan to include exceptions for sporting events.

The changes will impact both indoor and outdoor events, and will go into effect on Friday, allowing high schools, Pitt and the Steelers to have fans at events as soon as this weekend.

The new regulations refer to the maximum capacity of the venue, with outdoor events in stadia with capacity of under 10,000 people being permitted to host 20% of capacity and venues larger than 10,000-seat capacity will be allowed to host 15%, up to a maximum of 7,500.

That means that Heinz Field will be able to host 7,500 fans for Pittsburgh Steelers and Pitt Panthers games. The next game at Heinz Field is scheduled for this Sunday, as the Steelers are set to host the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s not clear if the Steelers plan to take advantage of the change in ruling right away.

For indoor venues, the capacity limit will be 20% for venues smaller than 2,000 seats, 15% for venues between 2,001 and 10,000 seats and 10% for venues over 10,000 seats, with a maximum of 3,750.

Under the rule, the Pittsburgh Penguins will be able to host just over 1,800 fans at PPG Pains Arena. Petersen Events Center will be able to host 1,250 fans for Pitt basketball games, which are expected to start in late November.