Falcons to allow limited-capacity fans starting Oct. 11

Following an offseason where preseason games were canceled and protocols were set up to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases, most NFL teams have played the last two games with no fans in attendance. One of those teams is the Atlanta Falcons who had no fans in attendance against the Seattle Seahawks and saw a limited-capacity attendance against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Falcons have announced that beginning Oct. 11, fans can attend games on a limited-basis. Team and stadium officials have reportedly made this decision based on the recent decline in COVID-19 cases in the state of Georgia. The

The Falcons will be joined by Atlanta United of the MLS in welcoming back fans to Mercedes-Benz Stadium starting Oct. 11. To test stadium protocols and procedures prior to the Oct. 11 game against the Carolina Panthers, the Falcons will host roughly 500 family and friends for the upcoming home game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 27.

“We are thrilled to invite fans of both the Falcons and Atlanta United back to Mercedes-Benz Stadium,” Steve Cannon, CEO, AMB Sports and Entertainment says in a statement. ”Having fans watch from alternative locations was a difficult, but important decision. It’s been challenging for both teams to play without fans, but their well-being as well as the safety of our associates and fans was paramount.”

Across the board, the NFL has done surprisingly well in handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on testing results from Sept. 13-19, 36,664 tests were administered to players and personnel with 0 confirmed positive tests among players and five new confirmed positives among other personnel.

The team will share information directly with season ticket members and fans in the coming weeks regarding ticket access and game day protocols.