BALTIMORE _ The Ravens will allow 250 immediate family members at M&T Bank Stadium for Monday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the team announced Friday.
In advancing to the next step of Maryland's reopening plan earlier this month, Gov. Larry Hogan allowed up to 250 people to attend events at outdoor venues.
Before the 2020 season began, the Ravens in August announced that they would not be allowing fans at M&T Bank Stadium for "at least the initial part" of the season. The team opened at home against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 13 without fans in attendance.
"To prepare for the possibility of hosting fans at M&T Bank Stadium later this season, the Baltimore Ravens will host 250 immediate family members of players, coaches and front office staff at their Monday (Sept. 28) game against the Kansas City Chiefs," the team wrote in a news release.
To be eligible to attend the game, family members must be living in the same local household as a player, coach or staff member. They are also required to wear a mask and follow safety protocols.
The NFL has allowed teams to welcome fans into their stadiums, so long as they comply with state and local directives. Home teams have also been given the option of pumping crowd noise into empty stadiums.
"This is an important step for us as we continue working toward the possibility of welcoming a larger number of fans at some point this season," Ravens president Dick Cass said. "Ultimately, we all want to do what's in the best interest of our community. We appreciate the guidance that Governor (Larry) Hogan and Mayor (Bernard "Jack") Young have provided."
