Penguins, Pirates set to host fans under new rules
Local sporting venues will soon open their doors to fans, after Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday announced revised policies on gatherings.
Outdoor events will allow for a maximum of 20% of occupancy, no matter the size of the venue. Indoor events can now welcome 15% of occupancy so long as attendees and workers can keep 6 feet of physical distance.
At PPG Paints Arena, which has a capacity just shy of 20,000, the Penguins will be allowed 2,800 fans at games starting Tuesday against the Philadelphia Flyers. Seats will be available on a priority basis to season ticket holders only. Any remaining tickets will be made available to the general public for purchase.
Masks and other protocols will be enforced to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“It is a great day for hockey, indeed, and we are very excited for our fans,” Penguins President and CEO David Morehouse said in a statement. “We are grateful to Gov. Wolf, Health Secretary Alison Beam and their team for their continuous communication and support. We also are thankful for the help and guidance we received from our partners at UPMC for helping us to prepare a detailed plan for a safe reopening, as well as County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto. We are focused on giving our fans the safest and most efficient experience possible inside PPG Paints Arena — where they belong.”
The Penguins have been planning for this moment for months by implementing a number of enhanced safety measures. New safety initiatives at PPG Paints Arena include drone disinfecting technology in the arena bowl, autonomous UV floor scrubbers, touchless faucets and flush valves in all restrooms, 200plus hand sanitizer stations and enhanced cleaning protocols throughout the building.
The Penguins also have upgraded the hands-free experience with additions to the Penguins app. Features will include mobile ticketing, mobile ordering experience with express pickup for food, beverage and merchandise inside PPG Paints Arena.
“This has been a comprehensive effort by the Penguins and ASM Global staff, working with local health officials and other expert advisers, to ensure the safe return of Penguins hockey to PPG Paints Arena,” Mr. Morehouse said. “These initiatives and policies will carry over into a postCOVID environment.”
High school sports will also see a boost from the increased capacity, as now more fans will be able to attend WPIAL playoff basketball games depending on the host stadium’s capacity limit.
The Pirates will be welcoming fans back to PNC Park when they open their season on April 8 against the Chicago Cubs.
Twenty percent of PNC Park’s seating capacity would put the number of fans at about 7,500; however, because of COVID-19 protocols and agreements with Major League Baseball on comped tickets — the same that exist for all professional sports leagues — that 20% won’t be entirely occupied by the general public. It also could become important whether Mr. Wolf’s changes apply to seated capacity or standing room only, too. Factor those in, and PNC Park can fit close to 40,000, possibly increasing the final number by a couple hundred.
In a statement, Pirates President Travis Williams said information on ticket availability and enhancements made to PNC Park will be released. Mr. Williams also said, “Our fans’ health and safety will continue to be our top priority, and we will have a number of protocols in place to ensure we can all enjoy games at PNC Park in a safe and healthy manner.”
“Even though our capacity will be limited, opening day 2021 will truly be like no other,” Mr. Williams said. “It will be much more than a game. It will mark a significant step in overcoming this pandemic. We cannot wait to open PNC Park and host our fans for a summerlong celebration of reconnecting with family and friends around Pirates baseball.”
Since last season ended, the Pirates had been working closely with state, county and local officials, as well as their medical partners at Allegheny Health Network and Highmark, to prepare for all types of scenarios.
They remained cautiously optimistic this would happen, and the 20% resolution was in their expected range.
Spring training ballparks are hosting approximately 25% of fans, although they’re much smaller.
Not every local team will be able to take advantage of the new rules, however. Duquesne football, for example, will still limit its attendance to family and friends of the team during Sunday’s home opener because the size of the Rooney Field stands will not allow for the required social distancing.
And the University of Pittsburgh’s final home basketball game of the season on Tuesday will be played, as have all of their home games this season, without any fans in the stands.