Pa. teams ask state to allow fans in the stands

HARRISBURG — As Pennsylvania approached 100,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus Friday, several professional, semi-professional, amateur and college sports teams have submitted plans to the state Department of Health to have fans in the stands, the agency said.

The Wolf administration declined to reveal which organizations, teams or colleges have submitted plans, or whether it has approved any. But it said it continues to discourage spectators or fans from attending games to prevent transmission of the virus.

Professional and college sports remain subject to Pennsylvania’s state-ordered limit of fewer than 250 people on site for games and practices, effectively meaning that Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State football games cannot have fans in the stands.

However, the Health Department said “a number” of teams had submitted plans to the agency under a provision of its health orders that allow them get approval to exceed that limit.

Penn State declined to say whether it had submitted a plan.

The Penn State athletic department said it’s working with various governing bodies on scenarios “for a possible return this fall consistent with physical distancing, mask wearing and other preventative safety steps.” Its statement continued: “While we are optimistic, it is too early to project, and any potential scenario would need to meet local and state public health guidance based on developing conditions for the virus in our community and elsewhere.”

Messages were left with the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.

In a letter to season ticket holders earlier this month, the Steelers said they were expecting reduced capacity at Heinz Field this season because of social distancing measures. No specific seating reduction was mentioned.

“Our goal is to still have fans at Heinz Field this year with the understanding that social distancing, as well as all fans being required to wear masks, will play a role in the capacity to ensure a safe atmosphere,” Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said in a July 8 statement. “We will continue to work with the NFL and public health officials to finalize plans for fans to attend our home games.”