Bengals to kick off NFL season with no fans

Team announces no fans at season opener Sept. 13 vs. Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 28-21 Sunday, Oct. 14 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 28-21 Sunday, Oct. 14 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

The Cincinnati Bengals announced today no fans will be allowed to attend the season opener Sept. 13 against the L.A. Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium.

“For several months, the Bengals have worked diligently with the NFL, with local governments and with experts in the health community to develop a plan to responsibly host fans during the 2020 NFL season at Paul Brown Stadium,” Bengals Executive Vice President Katie Blackburn said in a statement. “The Bengals filed a request for exemption seeking to have fans at games. The variance we requested has not been granted by the state at this time.

“While we want fans to attend our games, we accept and understand the State of Ohio’s position. We will monitor the situation moving forward and continue exploring whether fans may attend games as the season goes along. Paul Brown Stadium will not be the same without our fans, but we hope everyone shares our excitement for the 2020 football season.”

Gov. Mike DeWine announced last week fans will be allowed to attend games in Ohio, but attendance is limited to 15 percent of stadium capacity or a maxium of 1,500 at outdoor events. The high school football season begins this week.

The Bengals said they will communicate with season ticket holders regardings plans for the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

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