A small allotment of Baltimore Ravens fans will be allowed inside M&T Bank Stadium for the Nov. 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore mayor Bernard Young said Friday.
The Ravens had begun to make plans for the return of some fans after Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan eased coronavirus restrictions last week, paving the way for fans to return to stadiums across the state at a reduced capacity. Hogan’s executive order allowed for 10 percent capacity in each stadium section.
That prompted the Ravens to open up a lottery system for tickets. While Hogan’s order would allow around 7,000 fans to attend — roughly 10 percent of M&T Bank Stadium’s capacity — there will be just over 4,000 for the AFC North matchup.
There will be 3,000 fans allowed in the lower bowl of the stadium, 800 into club-level seats, and another 500 in suites. The upper bowl will not be open.
“I have reviewed the Ravens’ plan to return fans to the stadium pursuant to the governor’s recent executive order, and I am pleased to announce we will be allowing fans at the next game,” Young said in a statement. “This exception takes into consideration the amount of thought and detail put into the Ravens’ protocols, as well as the size of the location and distancing possible.”
Tailgating is still prohibited, and fans must wear face coverings at the stadium unless eating or drinking. Maryland reported 743 new coronavirus cases Thursday, as well as 12 new deaths related to the virus — the latter of which is the highest number in a day since August.
“We are excited to welcome fans back at M&T Bank Stadium,” Ravens president Dick Cass said in a statement.
Hogan’s executive order also allows FedEx Field to host a small number of fans for Washington Football Team games, and the team announced Friday that a limited amount of season ticket holders will be able to attend the Nov. 8 game against the New York Giants.
• Andy Kostka can be reached at akostka@washingtontimes.com.
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