Gov. DeWine has granted a special variance to both the Browns & the Cincinnati Bengals, & it could be expanded.
CLEVELAND — Fans will be able to attend Browns games this month, although it will be a much smaller number than we’re used to.
Gov Mike DeWine on Saturday announced his administration has granted a special variance allowing the Browns to let 6,000 fans into their first two home games of the season, starting with the home opener on Sept. 17. Under the guidelines of the variance, no more than 1,500 fans will be allowed on each of the four sides of FirstEnergy Stadium, and spectators must use their designated entrance while also practicing social distancing and wearing face masks at all times.
This will mark the first time fans will be allowed into a Northeast Ohio pro sporting event since March, when the coronavirus pandemic shut down most of the state. The home opener will be on “Thursday Night Football” against the Cincinnati Bengals, while the second game affected by the variance will be Sept. 27 against the Washington Football Team.
The Bengals will also be able to let fans into a pair of contests, although their home opener on Sept. 13. will still be played in front of an empty Paul Brown Stadium. Their first game with will not take place until Oct. 4 against the Jacksonville Jaguars followed by Oct. 25 when they welcome the Browns to Cincinnati in the season’s second “Battle of Ohio.”
DeWine released the following statement, leaving the door open for the possibility of expanding the variance to additional games:
“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. 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 of Ohio’s NFL stadiums can seat more than 65,000 fans, but the possibility of games at full-capacity seems to be a no-go until a COVID-19 vaccine is approved. So far, the Indians and Reds in Major League Baseball have been prohibited from letting fans into their ballparks, while high school events have been allowed to proceed with only close family members in attendance.
Neither the Browns nor the Bengals have yet publicly commented on the new guidelines, but the governor’s office confirms he has spoken with both teams and informed them of his decision.