Riverhounds won’t allow fans for Aug. 1 contest at Highmark Stadium
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The Pittsburgh Riverhounds are coming back to Highmark Stadium on Saturday for their second home match of the 2020 season. But, just like in their home opener, the Black and Gold won’t have fans in the stands.
Although it was expected, with only a few teams around the country allowing fans, the club announced the news Monday.
“The club is working closely with the state of Pennsylvania and local government and health officials to determine the ability to accommodate fans in future home games following this Aug. 1 date, and updates will be issued at a later time,” the Riverhounds said in a statement. “The safety and well-being of players, coaches, employees and fans are Riverhounds SC’s first priority.”
Earlier this season, the Riverhounds announced they wouldn’t be allowing fans to attend home games during the first month of the season. They only hosted one match in July, which was their home opener against Indy Eleven last Wednesday.
Although fans weren’t in the stands, they were still there in spirit as a large Steel Army banner covered part of east bleachers, where the loyal fan base normally stands.
The lack of fans in the stands at Highmark Stadium was noticed by the players as well. In media availability leading up to their match with the New York Red Bulls II, midfielder Jordan Dover said the banner was the first thing he noticed when he stepped on the pitch.
“I think the main thing that it brought to me was just, I just miss the fans. I miss having them there. I miss their energy. I miss having the Steel Army. I miss having everybody there,” Dover said. “It was bittersweet, but it was nice to see the support at the same time. It really made me value how important your fans are.”
The Riverhounds are set to play Philadelphia Union II on Saturday and have two more home matches against the New York Red Bulls (Aug. 8) and Saint Louis FC (Aug. 22) in the month of August.