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By Pat Evans
FC Dallas hosted Nashville SC in the first out-of-bubble matchup for MLS as the league resumed its regular season last night and became one of the first U.S. major professional leagues to allow fans back in the stadium.
With a maximum capacity of roughly 3,000 fans — 14% of the 20,500 seats in Toyota Stadium — the stands remained relatively empty. Texas has a current executive order setting a 50% limit for venues.
Fans were separated by empty seats to maintain social distancing. They were also required to wear a face mask in the stadium, and had to sign a waiver agreeing not to sue if they were exposed to COVID-19. Based on local protocols, several other MLS markets will welcome fans, including Nashville and Kansas City.
Fan News:
— The Kentucky Derby, which will be run over Labor Day Weekend rather than its original May date, will admit 23,000 fans and shut down its infield. Last year, Churchill Downs welcomed a crowd of 150,727.
— Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones plans for fans to be in attendance at AT&T Stadium this season, though he didn’t specify how many.
— As conferences like the Big Ten, Pac-12 and the Big East shelve fall sports, some schools, like South Carolina, are still planning for fans.
— Augusta National Golf Club announced The Masters will be played without fans when it tees off in November.
