Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced Saturday that a total of 6,000 fans will be permitted to attend two Browns' and Cincinnati Bengals' home games in what he deemed a "trial" run during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The two affected at FirstEnergy Stadium are the Browns' Sept. 17 home opener against the Bengals and the Sept. 27 game against Washington.
The Bengals previously announced there would be no fans at their Sept. 13 opener against the Los Angeles Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium. Included in the governor's variance ruling are home games in Cincinnati against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 4 and against the Browns on Oct. 25.
In granting the spectator variance, DeWine said only 1,500 fans will be permitted on each side of the stadium and spectators must use entrances designated for their ticket. Face coverings will be required.
"This year will certainly be different, but both the Browns and the Bengals have worked exceedingly hard and have made extensive preparations to welcome a limited number of fans to their stadiums safely," DeWine said. "These very thorough plans and safety precautions warrant a two-game trial to try and accommodate fans, at reduced capacities, with social distancing and masks."
Both teams had been awaiting the governor's decision on their variance requests. His most recent order for sporting events stated only 1,500 fans or 15% of capacity, whichever is lower, would be permitted.
Since renovation, FirstEnergy Stadium seats 67,431; the allotted 6,000 will be 8.9% of capacity. When Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam spoke to local media on Aug. 16, they said they hoped 20% (13,486) would be allowed.
Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati has a capacity of 65,515; the 6,000 permitted is 9.2%.
The Browns thanked city and state leaders and health departments in a prepared statement and expressed hope that the number of fans allowed could be raised at some point this season.
"We are thrilled, particularly on behalf of our fans, that we received approval to welcome back a limited capacity ... for our first two home games in September," the Browns' statement said. "We will continue to closely monitor the ever-evolving circumstances related to COVID-19 and remain in frequent dialogue with each of these groups so we can properly adapt as needed with the hopes of potentially allowing more fans to attend games at a later date, if circumstances allow.
"For the past four months, our organization has done extensive work in consultation with all of the stakeholders listed above to incorporate best practices and robust protocols that prioritize health and safety and allow for a reduced number of fans in the stadium for Browns games this fall. We are confident in our plan and our ability to execute it. We also fully recognize that education, collective buy-in and a commitment to shared responsibility are extremely important to the plan's success, along with diligent cooperation and compliance from our fans."
The Browns released a "Responsible Restart Plan" to season ticket holders via email on Aug. 26 that included stadium quadrants and a pod system for known fans, initially suggested from one to 10 people, to sit together.
In an email sent Saturday evening, the Browns said season ticket members will be placed in groups based on tenure and personal seat license status. They will be able to select tickets on a game-by-game basis, receiving the same number of tickets listed on their account. The Browns said those who bypass their first offered game will likely not get another opportunity to attend this season because the chance will go to other groups with lower tenures/status.
When a group is selected, each member of that group will receive an email with an assigned time slot to select seats. Many locations will be unavailable due to COVID-19 social distancing protocols, including the first eight rows. Prices will be the same as those originally set for 2020 season tickets.
A statement by the Bengals noted that no further variances have been issued, including for the Sept. 13 game.
"The Bengals are thrilled with the prospect of having fans at our home games and will reach out shortly to season ticket members and fans with more specifics," their statement said.