Fans At Eagles Games? Here's Where Things Stand After Wolf Ruling

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The new COVID-19 2020 NFL season may be only a month old, but it's already been a long, strange trip for the Philadelphia Eagles and their fans.

The Eagles opened the first three games of the season without a win, against three teams they probably anticipated beating when the schedules for the season were first announced. Then, in Week 4, they pulled off their first win of the year against the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers.

They've had a tie, they've had to weather doubts about Carson Wentz, about their future, about their durability. And they had a home opener at Lincoln Financial Field before an empty stadium, before armies of cardboard cutouts watching silent from the bleachers.

On Tuesday, Gov. Wolf announced an easing of restrictions on occupancy limits in Pennsylvania. The move allows indoor venues to operate at 20 percent capacity and outdoor venues at 25 percent — if they hold less than 2,000 people.

But for outdoor venues that can hold more than 10,000 people, like Lincoln Financial Field, they're allowed a slightly lower 15 percent occupancy, up to 7,500 people.

So, as far as the state is concerned, 7,500 fans are now allowed to attend the next Eagles home game, which is Oct. 18 against the Baltimore Ravens.

However, the Eagles have yet to confirm what their policy will be moving forward, though team owner Jeffrey Lurie has gone on record saying he wants fans in the stadium by October. More specifically, the city of Philadelphia must give the final go-ahead before the gates are opened.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the city said that they would review health and safety plans and make a final determination by next Tuesday, Oct. 13.

"As with other changes to restrictions at the state level, Philadelphia will require additional time to evaluate what can be done safely in the city," the Philadelphia Department of Health said. "The number, size and diverse uses of event venues in Philadelphia present unique challenges when considering increases to gathering limits."

A local professional soccer team, the Philadelphia Union, announced that they will have fans for their upcoming games. Up to 2,775 people will be allowed in their stadium, which is located in Chester.

Meanwhile, the Birds game this Sunday against the Steelers in Pittsburgh will also be allowed to have fans, officials announced.