The Baltimore Ravens have once again altered their plans for home games during the 2020 season. After twice trimming the number of fans that could attend games at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens have announced they will not have anyone in the stands “for at least the initial part of the 2020 season.”
This is the third time Baltimore has changed their attendance policy during the coronavirus pandemic. The Ravens initially were set to allow approximately 14,000 fans into M&T Bank Stadium this season. However, earlier this month, the team had sent in a new proposal for approval that would have limited attendance to just 7,500 fans at their eight home games this season. Unfortunately, with the pandemic still raging on, the decision was made with government and public health officials to shut down attendance entirely for at least a little while.
It’s unclear exactly how long the “initial part” mentioned in Baltimore’s statement will last. With the virus still being studied to better understand how it spreads as well as the short- and long-term effects, the situation remains fluid. However, with other teams completely shutting down home games for the season already, there’s a precedent in place for the Ravens to do the same.
Read the full statement from the Ravens below:
After consulting with government officials and public health experts, we will not host fans at M&T Bank Stadium for at least the initial part of the 2020 season.
In recent weeks, we submitted proposals to the offices of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and Baltimore City Mayor Bernard “Jack” Young, detailing how our stadium could safely host 7,500 fans.
But even with implementation of advanced safety measures and enhanced COVID-19 protocols, based on the recommendations of public health experts we have determined that, for the time being, it is in the best interest of the general public and our organization that fans not attend games.
Ultimately, the health and safety of our entire community is at the forefront of every decision we make. We will always protect the well-being of our fans, players, coaches and staff.
Our organization will continue to closely monitor and adjust accordingly to all developments surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We will remain in communication with local and state officials, working carefully to create appropriate measures that might eventually permit a limited number of fans at home games this season.
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