It’s official: FirstEnergy Stadium will not be empty when the Cleveland Browns play home games in 2020. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine approved a variance that will allow up to 6,000 fans into the home of the Browns for the first two home dates, with a reevaluation for possible expansion of allowed attendance after that.
The Browns had submitted a proposal that detailed several accommodations for the COVID-19 pandemic for the governor’s approval. That would have allowed up to just under 14,000 fans in the limited stands, but DeWine’s approval sets a strict limit for just 6,000. The first two home dates are Sept. 17th (Thursday night) against the Cincinnati Bengals and Sept. 27th hosting the Washington Football Team.
DeWine hinted during the week that he was hopeful to approve at least some fans in the stands during an appearance on a Cleveland morning news show.
The Bengals will also be allowed to have the same limited attendance figures at Paul Brown Stadium, but not until their Oct. 4th home date with the Jaguars and the visit from the Browns three weeks later.
