Providence Park to allow 80% capacity starting June 19

As the country begins to open up, so too does the home of the Timbers and Thorns.

The Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns announced today that the number of fans allowed in Providence Park will be set to increase this month. The stadium will be increasing to 80% capacity, starting with the June 19 Timbers game against Sporting Kansas City and the June 20 Portland Thorns game against Kansas City NWSL.

In a significant additional move, all attendees age 16 and older will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination on entry. The club outlined acceptable forms of proof: a physical CDC vaccination card, a photocopy of the card, or a photo of the card on a mobile device. Cards must show that the cardholder is two weeks past receiving their second shot of the two-dose vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or their solitary shot of the single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).

Presumably, based on the substantial increase in fans, the current policy of spacing out parties will no longer be in place, nor will it be possible. Additionally, masks will no longer be required, but will still be recommended for indoor spaces and restrooms. Masks for unvaccinated attendees age 16 and under are also encouraged at all times.

Timbers president of business Mike Golub also announced that if the state of Oregon reaches the 70% fully vaccinated threshold before June 19, the clubs may be allowed to increase the stadium to full capacity without restrictions. At such time if that is the case, the proof of vaccine mandate may be reevaluated.

Since April, the stadium has been operating at 25% capacity, allowing around 6,300 fans to attend. Starting in a few weeks, that number will increase to more than 20,000. While not at the stadium’s full capacity of 25,218, it is a vast increase from what was allowed this spring, and it is sure to have a significant impact on the in-game atmosphere.

Annual members of the Timbers and Thorns will receive their seats for the remaining home regular season matches this season. Single-match tickets are set to go on sale next week for the general public.

You can read the club’s press release here. Additional FAQs around policies for increased capacity are here.