PITTSBURGH – Aside from friends and family, the Pittsburgh Steelers will not allow Heinz Field fans for the playoff game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday night.
There was hope within the organization that the state would grant approval to a limited crowd – similar to the 5,500 capacity allowed for home games in October and November. Eventually, however, the organization will have to abide by the state order that allows a maximum capacity of 2,500 in the building, including coaches, players and support staff.
Statement from # Steel Spokesman Burt Lauten: pic.twitter.com/DoaVR7DkX8
– Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 7, 2021
Defender Ben Roethlisberger expressed his disappointment with the limited capacity on Wednesday.
“I hate fans,” he said. “I think about what Heinz Field would be like on Sunday night. Everyone who was there knows how special it would be. I hate him for them. I hate him for the Steelers, for the energy and enthusiasm he brings. But once again, that’s what we do. That’s what we live for. “
Sunday night will mark the first true home game at Heinz Field after the other two scheduled night games were moved due to a COVID-19 outbreak within the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers have hosted 13 playoff games at Heinz Field since 2001, the last of which was in January 2018.
Roethlisberger also brought up the idea of the lack of an advantage at home due to various state capacity restrictions.
“I wonder how much he will have the advantage at home,” Roethlisberger said. “What is the other question I asked the coach? [Mike] Tomlin. In the competition committee, did they talk about it? Some states will allow many more fans than others. Correct? Is not correct? How does it equal? There are a lot of unanswered questions, but this is the year we live in. “