Tennessee Titans fans will be allowed to attend home games at a limited capacity this season.
The Titans officially announced they will open Nissan Stadium for their October 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a press release on their official website Thursday.
The franchise said it will open to season ticket members at 10%, which is "roughly 7,000 fans in the lower bowl and club levels." The Titans said the attendance will then "gradually increase for games in October with the goal of reaching a fixed capacity for the remaining games in November and December."
Tennessee's October 11 game against the Buffalo Bills will be limited to 12.5% capacity, or roughly 8,600 fans. The October 18 game against the Houston Texans will allow 15% capacity, or roughly 10,400 fans.
The Titans are then scheduled to play two games at Nissan Stadium in November against the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts and two games in December against the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, with capacity expected to reach 21% or roughly 14,500 fans, meeting the maximum accommodation under CDC guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Suites will also operate at a limited capacity.
Nashville mayor John Cooper confirmed his decision to approve limited attendance at Titans home games during a press conference Thursday morning, which was attended by team president and CEO Burke Nihill.
"We are thrilled to welcome fans back to Nissan Stadium and can't thank Mayor Cooper and the Metro Nashville Public Health Department enough for their collaboration in making this possible," Nihill said. "The health and safety of our fans, players and staff remains our top priority and we felt like a gradual capacity plan was the right call, knowing that we may need to be flexible as time goes on. We feel confident that our Safe Stadium Plan will give everyone a safe and comfortable experience as they return to our gates."
The Titans said they made their decision based on the following "key components" amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic:
- Socially-distant seating pods accommodating parties of one to a maximum of six people
- Mobile ticketing and parking, to eliminate physical contact while scanning passes
- Mandatory face coverings at all times, except when actively eating or drinking
- Over 300 hand sanitizing stations throughout the stadium
- Individually-wrapped food items at concession stands
- Elimination of all smoking and vaping areas in the facility
- Health screenings and personal protective equipment for all Nissan Stadium employees
- A comprehensive cleaning plan during events for bathrooms and near concession areas
The Titans will play their first home game at Nissan Stadium this weekend against the Jacksonville Jaguars in a game that will be closed to the general public.
More details on the Safe Stadium Plan can be found on the Titans' official website.
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