LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. — The DC United affiliate Loudoun United FC lost its game to the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 0-2 on Wednesday, but that was not the biggest part of the evening.
What was a huge deal is the fact that there were fans in the stands, making it the first DMV region game to have butts in seats since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States significantly in March.
WUSA9 photojournalist Jesse Varner attended the match, and said at most their were a few hundred people in the stands for the game, and that social distancing measures were in place.
Mask could be seen worn by staff and fans attending, and families were seen filling into Segra Field.
Before the match, players were used by the team in a PSA announcement to let fans know that masks and social distancing guidelines were important to them so that play on the field could continue for the rest of the season.
The team also used its social media platforms all week long to promote social distancing and the call for social justice in the United States.
Loudoun United FC has five more home matches that it will play this season. It's next home match is against the New York Red Bulls II on Tuesday, September 1, at 7 p.m.
Only 1,000 fans will be allowed in the stadium to see matches. Other social-distancing tactics include signs, markers and limiting how many people can use the restrooms at one time inside the stadium grounds.
To learn more about the Loudoun United FC, click here.