Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has adjusted the state's sports order to allow a limited number of fans into Paul Brown Stadium during two Bengals homes games this season: against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 4 and against the Cleveland Browns on Oct. 25. (Fans were also able to attend games at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland when the Browns took on the Bengals on Sept. 17 and the Washington Football Team on Sept. 27.)
According to a statement from the governor, up to 6,000 spectators will be allowed at the two home games, with "no more than 1,500 spectators in each side of the stadium."
"This year will certainly be different, but both the Browns and the Bengals have worked exceedingly hard and have made extensive preparations to welcome a limited number of fans to their stadiums safely," DeWine said in the statement. "These very thorough plans and safety precautions warrant a two-game trial to try and accommodate fans, at reduced capacities with social distancing and masks."
The Bengals have released COVID safety protocols to keep people safe during the game, including:
- Updated seating zones allowing 1,500 people on the east and west sides of Paul Brown Stadium. The first seven rows of the Field Level have been covered with tarps to allow for more distancing.
- Pod seating, so you sit with your group.
- Mandatory face coverings.
- No tailgating.
- A fan promise that they aren't sick and haven't been exposed to COVID in the past two weeks.
