Colts fans cheer during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Jenna Watson/IndyStar

Colts cleared for full capacity at 2021 games, joining rest of league

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 6/29/21

Back in late May, Peter O'Reilly, NFL executive vice president of club business and league events, said the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts were the only remaining clubs not yet cleared to open stadiums at full capacity for the 2021 season.

Denver received the necessary approval earlier this month, and Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted Tuesday his team will also return to 100% capacity for the upcoming campaign.

100% CAPACITY FOR COLTS HOME GAMES THIS SEASON. Many thanks to Mayor Hogsett and Dr. Caine for their guidance through a very difficult time. #GoColts
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) June 29, 2021

"We were fortunate to be able to host fans in 2020 through the pandemic, and those fans were as loud and proud as ever," Irsay added in a prepared statement. "But gamedays at Lucas Oil Stadium are like family reunions, and it wasn't quite the same without our entire Colts family alongside us.

"So we can't wait to open the stadium doors to all our fans so they can take this journey with us as we work to bring a Super Bowl title back to Indianapolis."

The Colts added they "will continue to be vigilant about keeping fans safe and healthy, but most in-stadium protocols from last season will be relaxed or eliminated."

Standard capacity for Indianapolis home games is 63,000 fans, and the previous statement suggests patrons won't be required to wear masks or prove they're vaccinated against COVID-19 to attend games.

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