Steelers set guidelines for fans attending game Sunday at Heinz Field against Eagles

Although fans will be permitted inside Heinz Field on Sunday to attend the Pittsburgh Steelers’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles, the atmosphere outside will look different than previous seasons.

The Steelers announced Thursday that no tailgating — a pregame custom for decades — will be permitted in the stadium parking lots, which will open at 11 a.m. – two hours prior to kickoff.

After not being permitted to have fans in attendance for home games against Denver and Houston because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Steelers will allow approximately 5,500 ticket holders to attend Sunday’s game.

The Steelers announced a series of protocols and procedures Thursday for fans to follow. Fans are asked to have their tickets loaded onto their phone or Steelers mobile app before arriving at Heinz Field.

Gates will open at 11:30 a.m., and fans will notice social distancing measures implemented by the Steelers that will be marked and enforced by the organization. Ticket holders within a specific group must sit together, and fans are encouraged to use the entrance closest to their seating section, which will be marked on tickets.

Fans will be required to wear masks or face coverings at all times while they are inside Heinz Field.

Other items of note:

• Alcohol will be sold until the beginning of the third quarter but orders must be made with a food purchase.

• Touchless points of contact have been set up for fans pertaining to sinks, toilets and soap dispensers. A touchless system also will be used for food ordering.

• Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the stadium.

• The seats where fans are permitted to sit will have red tags/checks on them.

The Steelers have set up a website for fans with questions about attending games at Heinz Field this year. Visit heinzfield.com/welcomeback/ for more information.