NEW ORLEANS — There will be Who Dats in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome for Sunday’s Saints-Panthers game.
Saints VP of Communications Greg Bensel announced New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell in partnership with the team have agreed to a phased and deliberate approach to allow spectators to attend future Saints home games.
Season ticket holders will have access to 3,000 tickets for the Carolina game.
Then barring any change in Coronavirus numbers in the city, the capacity would increase to 6,000 fans for both the Nov. 15 San Francisco and Nov. 22 Atlanta home games.
Capacity would further increase to 15,000 for the Dec. 20 Kansas City and Dec. 25 Minnesota home games.
“In addition to monitoring compliance with all health and safety protocols at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Mayor Cantrell’s office 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,” Bensel said in a written statement.
Mayor Cantrell said she is “allowing the Saints to move forward with this pilot exercise, allowing for limited seating in the Dome this Sunday, as part of a phased, incremental approach that is consistent with the City’s Phase 3 re-opening.”
Cantrell added “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. I am glad to begin welcoming Saints fans back into the Dome, and hopeful that we can continue on a deliberate, gradual path forward.”
Currently, New Orleans has one of the lowest rates of positive COVID tests in the country, about 1%.
City leaders have been reluctant to reopen too quickly fearing a resurgence in the Coronavirus.
“The Saints and Mayor Cantrell’s office encourage all of our fans to wear your mask while in public, practicing good hygiene and maintaining social distance,” Bensel said.
The dome’s facility management team ASM will implement a series of health and safety measures called “Venue Shield.”
They include mandatory masks wearing, social distancing, plexiglass in concession stands and touchless parking and ticketing.
Food service delivery will consist of a limited menu and pre-packaged foods.
There is also expected to be staggered arrival times.
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