Hearts have admitted their frustration at being allowed just over 3000 fans to attend Sunday's Premier Sports Cup clash against Inverness.
Jambos' chiefs admitted they were "disappointed" following Edinburgh City Council talks that the majority of the 20,000-seater stadium will lie empty.
The club had hoped to receive the green light for full capacity in Gorgie.
2000 has become the default limit for outdoor events when Scotland moved to Level 0 Covid-19 restrictions on July 19.
However, eyebrows have been raised since 12,000 fans permitted at Hampden for Euro 2020 in June.
Across the city around 16,500 fans were allowed into BT Murrayfield for the British and Irish Lions ' clash with Japan in June.
The Vodafone Lions 1888 Cup match marks the largest crowd permitted at a Scottish sporting venue since March 2020 and the introduction of Covid-19 restrictions.
The Hearts ' statement read: "Based on current Scottish Government guidelines, the capacity for our final Premier Sports Cup fixture on Sunday would have been 2000 supporters.
"Following an application for an increased capacity, however, we have been advised by Edinburgh City Council that up to 3023 Jambos can now attend Sunday’s match.
"We will run the ticket ballot for those who entered based on these numbers tomorrow. If successful, you will receive an email from the club and your chosen payment method will be debited and your ticket will be posted to you.
"The club is obviously disappointed with the capacity figure granted. Having submitted a detailed application to Edinburgh City Council which took into account all guidelines and regulations, we had hoped to receive the full capacity dispensation that we sought.
"We will continue discussions with the relevant parties with a view to obtaining a further increased capacity for the first Premiership game of the season."
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