PITTSBURGH — While the Pittsburgh Steelers have home field advantage for the playoff game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday night at Heinz Field, they won’t have fans in attendance, Pittsburgh announced on Thursday.
The Steelers had attempted to receive approval from the state to host fans at a capacity similar to the games they played with fans in October and November, but the state would only permit a total of 2,500 people in the building, the team said.
Due to the capacity restrictions, with the number of players, coaches and staff, fans in the seating area will be limited to family and friends of the players and team, according to the Steelers.
Those who purchased individual tickets for Sunday night's game will receive further communication from their point-of-sale, the Steelers said.
Statement from #Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten: pic.twitter.com/DoaVR7DkX8
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 7, 2021
A lack of fans is a major update to the match-up, and the Browns will likely take any advantage they can as they prepare to play in their first playoff game in 18 years without a few key players, staff and head coach Kevin Stefanski, as they tested positive for COVID-19 and will be unavailable for Sunday’s game.
The Browns kick things off against the Steelers on Sunday night at 8:15 p.m.
RELATED: Browns' Stefanski positive for COVID-19, out of playoff game
