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Thanks to an agreement between the team and New
Orleans' mayor, LaToya Cantrell, doors will open to 3,000 fans
on Sunday when the Saints host the Carolina Panthers.
Assuming that coronavirus numbers in New Orleans remain stable,
Superdome attendance can rise to 6,000 for games in November and
15,000 in December.
The city boasts one of the lowest rates of positive COVID-19
tests in the country, about 1 percent, according to New Orleans
television station WWL's website.
Calling it a "pilot exercise," Cantrell said the agreement with
the Saints is "consistent with the city's Phase 3 re-opening."
"The way forward towards additional expansion depends on the
current trends remaining stable. An outbreak or a sudden
increase in community spread would be reason to pause," she
added.
Saints spokesman Greg Bensel said that in addition to protocols
and safety measures at the Superdome, the city "will also be
strictly enforcing crowd gatherings throughout the Central
Business District and French Quarter on game days to ensure all
city regulations are being observed."
In previous home games, the Saints were limited to 750 team
staff and players' family members.
The Saints are the 19th NFL franchise to have at least some
spectators from the public at their home games, according to
ESPN.
New Orleans (3-2) is in second place in the NFC South, one-half
game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2) and one-half game
ahead of the Panthers (3-3).
--Field Level Media
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