Texas will allow outdoor sports teams 1/4 of capacity starting in June

The state of Texas has been among the most proactive in opening its economy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. That has included the possibility of welcoming back sports teams for in-game action.

Governor Greg Abbott (R) has issued a revised order that will enable the Lone Star State’s sports teams to host outdoor sporting events at up to 25% capacity starting in June.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a revised order: not only will professional sports leagues be allowed to resume play in June, but outdoor stadiums will be allowed to host fans up to 25% of their capacity.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) May 28, 2020

This would obviously impact MLB and the NFL moving forward. While Major League Baseball continues to struggle with the financial complexities of returning amid the pandemic, the expectation is that the National Football League season will start on time.

Should baseball return, teams will be playing in their local stadiums. In Texas, that would include the Texas Rangers and Houston Astros.

It’s obviously not yet known how this would work in professional sports. Would MLB and the NFL let some team hosts games with fans in attendance while others are forced to play in empty stadiums?

Though, it could be big news for college football. Texas is all about its amateur gridiron. Even at a 25% capacity, Texas and Texas A&M games would still be a blast.

The following two points are among the most important when it comes to sports returning with fans in attendance in Texas.

Texas Rangers stadium

This is potentially huge news for the Rangers. They were set to open Globe Life Field back in March. The $1.1 billion venue holds a capacity of 40,300. If the Rangers were to utilize that 25% capacity, they could welcome in north of 10,000 fans per game. It’s not the best possible news, but it could help the Rangers’ bottom line. 

Texas Longhorns football

While the “Red River Shootout” between Texas and Oklahoma set for Norman remains very much in question, there’s a darn good chance that Austin could end up hosting some big college football games with fans in attendance this fall. 

That could include games against South Florida, Baylor, West Virginia and Texas Christian. Though, Austin city officials might push back against the governor’s orders. If not, that could include up to 25,000 fans at Texas Memorial Stadium.