Houston Texans not allowing fans for home opener

With Houston currently a COVID-19 hotspot, the Houston Texans have announced that they won’t have fans at their home opener on Sept. 20 against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Texans are set to face the Ravens on Sept. 20 at NRG Stadium. The Texans said with preseason games not being played in 2020, the decision to host games without fans in September will allow the organization to focus on game operations while “continuing to refine the safety and operational protocols required to host fans at NRG Stadium.”

Texans President Jamey Rootes:

“We have made the difficult decision to not host fans at NRG Stadium in the month of September as we are committed to protecting the health and safety of our fans during these challenging times. Our fans provide the best homefield advantage in the NFL and we remain hopeful for their return to NRG Stadium once it is safe to do so.”

The team said whether fans can attend other home games later in the season will depend on the status of COVID-19’s spread in the Greater Houston area, which is currently at the highest threat level (red). The Texans said they will continue to monitor a variety of metrics and other factors, as well as consult with local medical and public health officials about the safety and well-being of fans, players, coaches, staff, other personnel and the Houston community.

The team said all NFL and NFLPA protocols are subject to change on a game-by-game basis, and Houston will make necessary adjustments to conduct games as safe as possible.

The Texans are set to open the season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 10.