Capacity At Outdoor Venues, Stadiums To Increase: Gov. Hogan

BALTIMORE, MD — When the Philadelphia Eagles host the Baltimore Ravens this weekend, up to 7,500 people — including fans — will be allowed to attend the Sunday afternoon game.

Gov. Larry Hogan announced Friday that Maryland will increase its capacity limits for outdoor sporting events as well.

M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore and FedEx Field in Landover are included in the order allowing outdoor sporting and entertainment venues that have a capacity of more than 2,500 people to be filled up to 10 percent of the permitted occupancy.

Here are the guidelines for various outdoor venues, according to the governor's new executive order:

• If capacity is fewer than 2,500: Up to 50 percent of permitted occupancy or up to 250 people.
• Capacity at least 2,500 or more: Up to 10 percent maximum occupancy.
• Certain collegiate outdoor sporting venues: Up to 25 percent capacity.

Face coverings will still be required at all outdoor sporting and entertainment venues, and tailgating is prohibited due to social distancing requirements that mandate 6 feet of distance between people.

“With our key health metrics low and stable, we are taking steps to allow more spectators, including fans of the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Football Team, to safely attend games in the stands,” Hogan said in a statement.

There are 134,329 cases of the coronavirus in Maryland, state health officials reported Friday, Oct. 16. Authorities say 3,887 Marylanders have died from COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, since the pandemic hit the Free State in March. According to the Maryland Department of Health, the positivity rate on a rolling, seven-day average is 3.09 percent.

“It remains important to continue following all of the mitigation measures and public health protocols that keep us safe," Hogan said, "including wearing masks and practicing physical distancing.”

All indoor sporting events may also open to the public, but they may not have more than 100 spectators in attendance, according to the order issued Friday, Oct. 16.

See Also:

• Plans To Loosen COVID-19 Restrictions In Montgomery County Halted
• Ravens Vs. Chiefs: Some Fans Allowed, Team Tests Safety Protocols
• Movie Theaters, Concert Venues Can Reopen Starting September 4