Pittsburgh Steelers

No fans permitted to watch college, NFL action from inside Heinz Field as seasons get underway

PITTSBURGH — Pennsylvania recorded the most single-day COVID-19 test results ever with 31,000, with just over 1,000 new cases statewide. Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine pointed to the numbers as part of the reason why there’s a need to keep mitigation measures in place and not allow fans at places like Heinz Field.

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“Different states have different guidelines and different rules, so I can’t speak to Missiour’s rules, but the governor and I strongly recommend we don’t put people at risk. There’s a 250 outdoor limit and there will be no fans,” Levine said at a news conference Friday.

The topic was raised after Thursday night’s NFL season kickoff game between the Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs allowed 16,000 fans inside to watch the game.

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers said there will be no fans inside for the first two home games.

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“We would need a substantial reduction in the amount of community spread in Pennsylvania to consider changing the outdoor guidance. So things change, in the future we’re hoping for a vaccine and other measures, so things change,” Levine said.

The measures also extend to home games for the University of Pittsburgh, which also plays at Heinz Field. No fans will be allowed at any games in the month of September, according to the university.