Advertisement

Athletic games to be at 50% capacity

Apr. 10—To watch Hartford Athletic's intrasquad scrimmage March 31, members of the club's supporters groups had to remain outside Dillon Stadium's gates.

When Hartford hosts Pittsburgh for its first regular season home game May 15, they'll be able to watch from inside.

Dillon Stadium will operate at 50 percent capacity in 2021, the club announced Friday, meaning up to 2,750 fans will be able to attend games in Hartford.

"Last season, in partnership with city and state leaders, we demonstrated that fans could safely attend Hartford Athletic matches. We are thrilled to once again host our fans at Dillon Stadium in 2021," Athletic chairman Bruce Mandell said in a press release. "Thank you to all local and state government officials who approved an increase in attendance and continue to put trust in us to keep our fans safe. Coach Watling, our players, and our entire organization cannot wait to open the doors for our regular season home opener on May 15th."

Friday's announcement comes in the wake of the state easing capacity limits for outdoor event venues last week. Those venues are now allowed to run at 50 percent capacity with a cap of 10,000 people.

Last year, Dillon Stadium operated at 25 percent capacity during the regular season and 40 percent when Hartford hosted Saint Louis FC in the USL Championship Playoffs.

Athletic is still working with both city and state officials to determine what safety protocols will be in place inside the stadium this year. Some of the protocols in place last season included a mask requirement at all times within the stadium, one-way traffic in the bleachers and concourse and no tailgating.

The game against the Riverhounds is the first of 16 games at Dillon for Athletic this season. Hartford opens the 2021 season at New York Red Bulls II April 30.

Single-game tickets also went on sale today. They start at $14 and can be purchased at hartfordathletic.com/single.

For coverage of the Connecticut Sun and professional women's basketball, Hartford Athletic pro soccer team, as well as area high school and local youth sports, follow Adam Betz on Twitter: @AdBetz1, Facebook: Adam Betz — Sports Writer, and Instagram: @AdBetzJI.