Professional soccer will return to Segra Field on Wednesday with a focus on fan safety, as Loudoun United FC took the “Loudoun Is Ready” business pledge at LoudounIsReady.com.
The pledge, a collaborative effort launched by Loudoun Economic Development, Visit Loudoun and the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, encourages businesses to follow the latest COVID-19 preventative measures, as determined by the CDC and Virginia Department of Health.
“Launched right before Loudoun County entered Phase 1 of reopening, the ‘Loudoun Is Ready’ pledge has provided guidance and best practices for businesses while boosting confidence among customers and employees,” Loudoun Economic Development’s Executive Director Buddy Rizer said. “We applaud Loudoun United FC and the larger Loudoun business community for setting the tone for a responsible economic reopening.”
Loudoun United FC is one of nearly 700 Loudoun businesses that have taken the pledge, and the club has detailed its health and safety standards at LoudounUnitedFC.com/Safety.
Among the new protocols, fans attending games at Segra Field can expect:
- Attendance will be limited to 1,000 people per match;
- Only clear bags will be allowed inside of the stadium to allow for contactless searches;
- Mandatory use of face coverings for all fans over the age of 2, except when eating or drinking;
- Social and physical distancing signs and markers visible throughout the concourse.
“We are committed to the health and safety of our fans, players and staff,” said Sam Zweifach, finance and special projects director for Loudoun United FC. “We will be very thorough in ensuring that Segra Field will be as safe as possible for those playing and attending matches.”
We are thrilled to welcome you back to Segra Field tonight but please remember to wear your mask! See you soon!#LetsRide #LoudAndUnited pic.twitter.com/VarOA3njdu
— Loudoun United FC (@LoudounUnitedFC) August 19, 2020
The team will host Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in its first of six scheduled home games for the abbreviated 2020 USL Championship season. Tickets remain available for the first two home games, on August 19 and 29, and are available for purchase on the team website.
“Loudoun United is an important part of our sports tourism industry and we are thrilled the season is able to resume,” Visit Loudoun President and CEO Beth Erickson said. “We know people want to visit destinations that are committed to safety and the organization signing the pledge is just another step to boost consumer confidence and let people know we are ready to welcome them back.”
To ensure social distancing, ticket sales are limited to four with exceptions for larger families. Fans will be seated at least six feet from other groups, and entry and exits will be done in intervals to control fan traffic at Segra Field.
Fans will have access to sanitizing stations throughout the stadium and can order food or concessions through the app.
“Almost 700 businesses have taken the pledge, promising they are ready to welcome fans, customers, and guests back safely,” said Loudoun Chamber President & CEO Tony Howard. “We are absolutely confident that Loudoun United will create a fun and safe environment for Loudoun’s families to enjoy some world class soccer and get back to supporting Loudoun’s only professional sports club.”
