Even as Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced plans to end pandemic-related health orders, FC Cincinnati doesn't have specific plans to move to 100% capacity at TQL Stadium.
FC Cincinnati on Sunday will play its first-ever match at TQL Stadium with Inter Miami CF set to help christen the facility.
The club will open with about 6,000 fans in attendance. The hope is for capacity to increase throughout the 2021 season but for now, FC Cincinnati President Jeff Berding said there were no specific plans for staging a home match with 100% capacity.
"We continue to work with MLS and local public health officials regarding COVID protocols and will adapt to the changing guidelines to provide the best and safest experience for fans," Berding said in a message to The Enquirer.
After Sunday's TQL Stadium opener, FC Cincinnati plays New England Revolution and Colorado Rapids at home on May 29 and June 18, respectively.
Fourteen home matches will follow the first three. FCC's schedule is somewhat back-loaded with the majority of its home matches scheduled for the summer months after the season kicked off April 17.
The back-loaded schedule could play to the club's benefit in terms of hosting more matches at larger capacities.
For now, FC Cincinnati is proceeding with plans and protocols in place for 6,000 fans. That's after not hosting a single paying spectator during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.
FC Cincinnati head coach Jaap Stam said 6,000 or so supporters could still make a big difference in Sunday's game against Inter Miami CF.
"It can be a huge difference," Stam said. "It already gives it a totally different atmosphere than when you're playing without and that's a very positive one for us. For the majority of the players we have haven't been playing with fans in our own stadium last season at Nippert. With fans, that's a strange feeling... That still gives you a very positive, a very good feeling in playing."
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