New Orleans Saints fans will continue watching games from home, as the city’s mayor reportedly denied the team’s request to have limited capacity at Monday’s home game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
According to the New Orleans Times-Picayune, the Saints put in a request to the city to fill the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to 25 percent. The Picayune reported that the Saints emailed season-ticket holders Wednesday to inform them that New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell denied their request. The email also noted that the Saints “expect to host fans” at the Oct. 25 home game against Carolina. They have already received approval from Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards.
With a capacity of 74,295 fans, 25 percent of the Superdome’s capacity is about 18,500. According to WDSU in New Orleans, the Superdome will continue to host 750 family members and invited guests for Monday’s game. Conversely, Florida has allowed teams to have full capacity if they choose.
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According to WDSU, the Saints have provided a list of reasons they believe it’s safe for fans to return to the Superdome, including:
- Among the lowest positivity rate among NFL cities.
- Our state is also at 4 percent overall positivity over the last seven days. Our division opponents hosting fans are at 11 percent (Florida), 8 percent (Carolina) and 6 percent (Georgia).
- Economic impact.
- Zero cases detected of COVID following the 750 guests at the Packers game.
- The Saints and ASM were one of the first teams to present their health and safety plans called VenueShield to have fans back — it was touted as one of the best and most comprehensive with the ability to safely adapt to numerous seating capacities based on local and state governmental guidance.
The Saints-Chargers game will also proceed as planned after some discussion of moving it due to Hurricane Delta.
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