Steeler Opening Game Silent with Attendance Blocked by NJ Gov.

PITTSBURGH Pa. –The Pittsburgh Steelers opening game against the New York Giants will not permit fans to attend the game, due to COVID-19 order.

Fan attendance has been a question that fans have described as “up in the air” since COVID-19 restrictions took effect. The NFL stated on July 8 that fan attendance would be left to each team, granted they follow local guidelines.

Currently, New Jersey, MetLife Stadium’s home, currently bans gathering of more than 500 people.

“My administration has been working in close coordination with professional sports and college teams to determine how to proceed safely with games at their stadiums amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy stated to NJ.com.

“While we look forward to the day we can return to games as normal and cheer from the stands, continued concerns for the health and safety of fans, team members, and staff dictate that our executive order limiting outdoor gatherings does apply to sports events, including training camp.” He added.

The order will also apply to college football games, as well as other outdoor and indoor sports events.

A Chilling Silence

The Steeler opening game is one of the first games to not allow fans to attend. Leaving many fans to silently cheer from the living room, as stands remain empty.

On July 20, the NFL released an official statement offering to cancel pre-season games, after lobbying from the players. Making it likely that the Steeler opening game, their first real game of the year.

The Steeler’s first preseason game was against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs had recruited former Patriots Tom “The G.O.A.T” Brady, and Rob “Gronk” Gronkowski.

The canceled pre-season paints a bleak picture for the future of the 2020 season, but details about new helmet designs from Oakley, still give some fans a shred of hope.

Fans Frustrated, But Expert Explains The Risk.

Fans were not happy to hear the news about the Steeler opening game. Taking to Facebook to voice their opinions.

One online fan commented to WTAE Pittsburgh on Facebook “Politics and sports should never mix. It should only be entertainment and escape from our business world.” Another fan commented “Apparently nobody trusts their immune systems”

While Facebook fans vent frustration about not attending the game, experts warn that this season may put players at risk. Infectious disease expert and Steeler fan, Ravina Kuller, told USA Today that “You might need to see these football players go to the ICU or end up dying for them to step back and cancel games.”

As of now, The Steelers will allow fan attendance at limited capacity, and mask requirements. The next home game is on September 20 at 1:00 pm Sunday, against the Denver Bronco’s

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