Steelers, Pitt say no fans for September home games due to COVID-19 concerns

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh both announced Thursday that there will be no fans in attendance for at least the first two home games at Heinz Field due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

The ongoing pandemic and health restrictions imposed by the Pa. Department of Health and Allegheny County Health Department do not allow for more than 250 people gathered together outside, which causes logistic issues for both organizations.

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The Steelers released a statement, saying their plan for games without fans has been approved by state health officials. You can read their full statement below:

“As we have prepared for the 2020 season, we have continuously followed the guidance of public health officials to ensure the safety of our fans, as well as our players, coaches and staff.

And we understand and appreciate the dedication of our fans who want to attend games this season. That is why it is disappointing to announce that we will not be able to host fans for our first two home games in September. Our plan for games without fans has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and we appreciate and respect the guidance of our public health officials concerning the ongoing public health emergency.

We will continue to work on plans to host fans at games when it is deemed safe to proceed. We will communicate with our ticketholders concerning updates on our plans.”

The University of Pittsburgh also released a statement about how this affects the Panthers’ three home games in September. Pitt is scheduled to play Austin Peay, Syracuse and Louisville in consecutive weeks in September, and university officials said they are working towards getting fans in the stands at some point beyond next month.

You can read Pitt’s full statement below, which includes options for ticket holders:

“Today the University of Pittsburgh was informed that fans will not be able to attend football games at Heinz Field during the month of September. We share your disappointment that our Panthers cannot open this highly anticipated season with fans in attendance.

“Although we are disappointed for our loyal and passionate fans, the Panther Pitt student section and especially our student-athletes’ families and friends, the University of Pittsburgh respects and understands the guidelines set forth by state and county health officials,” Director of Athletics Heather Lyke said. “We will remain in communication with the appropriate agencies and continue to explore possible fan attendance—in each of our fall sports’ home venues—for contests beyond September.”

Your commitment to Pitt Athletics is both crucial and invaluable for our department that supports nearly 500 student-athletes as well as more than 250 band and spirit squad members. Please consider the impact your support makes as you weigh your options for your 2020 football season ticket commitment in light of the current Heinz Field COVID-19 capacity restrictions.

There will be three main options for your 2020 football ticket payment: (1) RE-INVEST, (2) ROLLOVER or (3) REFUND. Below are descriptions of each option as well as the benefits for each selection.

RE-INVEST

Your support of Pitt student-athletes is more important than ever! Transfer your ticket cost and/or your Scholarship Seating Membership to the Panther Club to support the success of our student-athletes and receive:

• 100% tax-deductible gift

• 3x Priority Points for your gift

• Access to exclusive Panther Club members-only virtual event

• “Cheer from Home Package” ($250 gifts and higher)

• Priority pre-sale access to any potential single-game tickets for the 2020 season if capacity restrictions are lifted for October or November

ROLLOVER

• Apply your 2020 football ticket payment and/or Scholarship Seating Membership to the 2021 season

• Receive 1.5x Priority Points for your Scholarship Seating Membership rollover

• Priority pre-sale access to any potential single-game tickets for 2020 season if capacity restrictions are lifted for October or November

REFUND

Full or partial refunds of ticket cost and/or Scholarship Seating Membership can be requested to take advantage of the multiple options available to season ticket holders. Season ticket holders who select this offer will be eligible to renew their same seats for the 2021 football season.

In the coming days, season ticket holders will receive a personalized email with account details to allow selection of the options listed above.”

Pitt students banned from campus for violating COVID-19 restrictions

Cox Media Group