Steelers allowing 5,500 fans at Heinz Field for Sunday's game

The Pittsburgh Steelers will allow fans at Heinz Field on Sunday for the first time this season.

Shortly after Gov. Tom Wolf eased statewide restrictions on gathering limits, the Steelers on Tuesday announced plans to admit 5,500 spectators into the stadium for their game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The team will select fans randomly from among its season-ticket holders, team president Art Rooney II said in a statement.

The governor’s new guidelines link gathering sizes to a percentage of a facility’s capacity. Outdoor venues with a capacity greater than 10,000 can allow 15% of capacity with a maximum of 7,500.

The gathering limit counts players, coaches, staff and all other game-day workers as well, reducing the spectator total at Heinz Field to 5,500 fans. Before Tuesday, outdoor gatherings statewide were limited to 250 individuals.

The Steelers host the Eagles at 1 p.m.

“I know that as a football team we will be excited if we have an opportunity to perform in front of fans at our home venue,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “Man, they inspire us and we look forward to entertaining them.”

Tailgating is prohibited in stadium parking lots.

Spectators must wear a mask and maintain social distance inside the stadium. The Steelers will select this week’s fans randomly by computer. Priority will be given to season-ticket holders who did not opt-out this season. Tickets may not be available for all season-ticket holders, the team said.

“We look forward to hopefully having more fans soon,” Rooney said, “while still maintaining a safe and healthy environment at Heinz Field.”

Statement from #Steelers President Art Rooney II: pic.twitter.com/EJW9YIruVM

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 6, 2020