The Steelers host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, January 10, in the Wild Card Round, but due to policies set forth by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Steelers will be unable to host ticket holders at Heinz Field for the game.
The policy currently in place maintains a limit of 2,500 people at all outdoor gatherings. This limit includes the teams, coaches and all necessary football personnel, as well as stadium operations staff, so it does not allow for additional fans in the building.
"We are disappointed we will not be able to host our season ticket holders and other fans at Heinz Field on Sunday night against the Cleveland Browns in our AFC Wild Card Game," said Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten in a statement released on Thursday. "We were hoping to receive approval to host fans for the playoffs at a capacity similar to our games in October and November, but unfortunately the state's orders will only permit 2,500 total people in the building, including players, coaches and staff. This will limit fans in the seating bowl to family and friends of players and the team."
The team informed season ticket holders who already had selected seats for the game of this update through an email sent on Thursday. In the email, recipients were made aware that that they will not be charged for tickets purchased for the game. In addition, those who purchased individual tickets will receive further communication from their point-of-sale.
If the Steelers do advance in the postseason - and another game is hosted at Heinz Field - the email informed ticket holders that they will be advised if there are any changes in the state guidelines that allow for an increased capacity for a potential home game.
