INDIANAPOLIS — Since the pandemic changed the face of spectator sports in the U.S. in March, Colts fans have been wondering what to expect this year at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Friday, team owner Jim Irsay offered a glimpse and it includes what he describes as "significant changes to the gameday experience."
"This is an unprecedented time for our sport," Irsay wrote. "As we navigate the twists and turns of the COVID-19 pandemic, I want you to know that our top priority is the safety of our fans, players and staff. As such, our league is instituting some significant changes to the gameday experience that will affect all of us. This will include:
- A modified preseason schedule.
- Reduced stadium capacity that complies with CDC guidelines for social distancing.
- Tarps being placed over the eight rows nearest the field as an increased safety measure for football personnel and fans.
- A food and beverage experience that minimizes person-to-person contact.
- An adjusted game presentation that eliminates non-essential personnel on the playing field.
- Additional health and safety protocols, including face coverings.
Lucas Oil Stadium has a capacity of 67,000. Exactly how many people will actually get in for a Colts game is to be determined, but it will be a very different look.
"We understand that some of these changes will impact your ability to attend games this season and are in the process of developing our overall plan as it relates to our season ticket members. This will include a fair and equitable way to offer you these limited seating options and a fan-friendly way to defer to next year and reserve your current seats for the 2021 season," Irsay wrote.
Season ticket holders will be contacted by the team in coming weeks.
"I cannot tell you how important you are to the Indianapolis Colts franchise and how much we appreciate your loyalty and support. I ask for your patience and understanding as we move forward together," Irsay wrote.
