No fans allowed yet for Pittsburgh sports despite surrounding states relaxing restrictions

PITTSBURGH — Hockey season is in full swing across Pennsylvania. Major League Baseball’s Opening Day is quickly approaching in early April. In Pennsylvania, the Department of Health is still limiting gatherings and not allowing fans to see sporting events in person.

Ohio announced Thursday that it would soon allow fans in the stands. Ohio is allowing 25% capacity for indoor and 35% capacity for outdoor events.

Massachusetts announced the state will be changing the capacity rules starting March 22.

New York allows limited fans at large venues, and New Jersey will follow suit starting March 1.

By March 23, five of the eight teams in the NHL’s East Division will be able to host fans in a some sort of capacity: the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils. Of the 19 remaining road games for the Penguins, at least 10 will be played in front of a live audience.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health told Channel 11 Thursday that indoor sporting events are capped at 500 people and 2,500 people when outdoors. The agency said those rules are not changing.

>>>RELATED: Pens want state to allow home games at 25% capacity

Earlier this month, the Penguins reportedly sent a letter to the state asking to have fans at 25% capacity at PPG Paints Arena for home games.

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