5,000 Allowed At Rentschler For Final Toronto 'Home' Game

EAST HARTFORD, CT — Gov. Ned Lamont Friday said that a limited number of fans will be able to attend Toronto FC's last regular Major League Soccer home game at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field Nov. 1.

The game is against Inter Miami FC.

State officials have been working with Spectra Venue Management services and the Connecticut Department of Public Health on allowing fans into the venue. In accordance with coronavirus protocols, attendance will be capped at 5,000 and everyone in attendance will be required to wear a mask or face covering and adhere to social distancing within the stadium, Lamont said. Rentschler holds about 40,000 for soccer.

Select seating at two price points will be available in both the lower and upper bowls, the governor said.

"We've consulted with state and local public health officials and, as long as certain health protocols are met, we believe that having a limited audience can safely be done, especially considering that this is an outdoor stadium," Lamont said. "I look forward to the day when we can fill the Rent back up to capacity. I appreciate Toronto FC and Major League Soccer for working with our administration so that we could make this happen."

The team welcomed the announcement.

"We look forward to having some fans in the stands for our final regular season game in East Hartford," Toronto FC President Bill Manning said. “Toronto FC is so grateful to the state of Connecticut and everyone at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field for providing us with such an outstanding facility during this unique stretch of games. Our players feel the support already and having some fans will make it even better."

In September, Lamont announced that his administration reached an agreement with Toronto FC for the Major League Soccer team to play its home games this season at the East Hartford stadium. To date, no fans have been permitted to attend any of the games that have been held at the stadium.

Toronto FC currently sits atop the standings for both the Supporters’ Shield and Eastern Conference with a record of 11-2-5 and 38 points over 18 matches. The Reds have five matches remaining in the regular season.

Toronto FC hosts Atlanta United FC on Oct. 18 at at Rentschler Field. The Reds will then travel to Philadelphia to meet the Union on Oct. 24, followed by home matches with New York City FC on Oct. 28 and Inter Miami CF on Nov. 1.

Toronto FC will conclude the regular season on Nov. 8 at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey against the Red Bulls in MLS Decision Day.

Tickets for the Nov. 1 game will go on sale on Monday, October 19, at 10:00 a.m. ET and can be purchased at www.rentschlerfield.com.