Up to 13,300 fans allowed at NRG Stadium for Texans game this Sunday

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Texans received the green light from city and Harris County officials to allow up to 13,300 fans into NRG Stadium when they host the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday.

The team made an announcement Monday regarding its Week 4 matchup, which would be the second home game on the schedule.

The Texans recently played their home opener of 2020 against the Baltimore Ravens without anyone sitting in the more than 67,000 seats of the venue.

“The health and safety of our fans, our staff, our team and our community have been and will remain our priority throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Texans President Jamey Rootes. “We look forward to welcoming our home-field advantage back and resuming our cherished Texans game day traditions. We have been working tirelessly to make changes and implement protocols at NRG Stadium to ensure a safe environment. We are grateful for the opportunity to experience this great season alongside the best fans in the NFL at NRG Stadium.”

According to the team’s announcement, seating will be approximately 20% of capacity. All fans ages 10 and older, along with stadium staff, will be required to wear masks except while eating or drinking.

The team was hoping to get approval for 15,000 fans.

Everyone will be expected to follow strict social distancing guidelines, and no tailgating is allowed.

When Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city would allow the return of special events like sports games, the Texans were among the teams first in mind to take that opportunity.

Turner, though, said a 25% capacity limit and strict social distancing guidelines will be needed before any large scale event can be approved.

The Texans already held a tailgate event for the team’s first game of the season last month. In addition, the Houston Dynamo and Dash announced they would hold matches at BBVA Stadium under these new rules.