The San Francisco 49ers were preparing to start hosting fans at Levi's Stadium, possibly as soon as Week 9, as stated in the original article below.
Santa Clara County has squashed those hopes. Despite recently updated state guidelines, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department told the San Francisco Chronicle the following:
"Audiences at professional sporting events will not be allowed anytime soon in Santa Clara County, and theme parks will not resume operation."
Statement from Santa Clara County Public Health Department to The Chronicle's @Rusty_SFChron: "Audiences at professional sporting events will not be allowed anytime soon in Santa Clara County, and theme parks will not resume operation." (1/1) #49ers
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) October 20, 2020
The original article is below.
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing to welcome back fans to Levi's Stadium following new California guidelines from Governor Gavin Newsom.
"We appreciate Governor Newsom's leadership and thoughtful approach in creating a framework that allows for a return of fans to Levi's Stadium, and restart the economic activity of the region. We welcome our fans and their support of local businesses and vendors that are critical to our local economy, especially during these difficult times.
"Our organization will continue to collaborate with local public health officials to implement a plan that protects the health and wellness of all San Francisco 49ers and Levi's Stadium employees, patrons, and our community."
Statement from the 49ers: pic.twitter.com/y9P32GotvG
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) October 20, 2020
Santa Clara County, home of Levi's Stadium and the 49ers' practice facility, is part of an area that has reached the "moderate" tier related to the impact of COVID-19. Those "moderate" or "minimal" areas can open up outdoor stadiums to fans.
BREAKING: Professional sporting events in California can open up to fans in outdoor stadiums when a county reaches the Orange-Moderate tier. pic.twitter.com/39vYz8JYXD
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) October 20, 2020
Assuming Santa Clara County approves, the 49ers will be allowed to have 13,000 fans in attendance for their next home game — a Week 9 matchup on November 5 against the Green Bay Packers. The team has three more home games scheduled after that.
Following Sunday night's win over the Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was caught waving goodbye to the cardboard cutouts of fans that have replaced the Niner Faithful at Levi's Stadium.
"As far as saying 'We miss you' to the Faithful, we really do miss you guys out there, man," Garoppolo said after the game. "It's different without fans. It's tough, but we're making the best of the situation, but just, Faithful, know that we miss you guys out there."