MLS 2021 Season explained: COVID-19 Edition

The following list highlights the capacity of fans allowed per MLS team. 

Atlanta United: 50% capacity (21,250 fans)

Austin FC: Undetermined reduced capacity

Chicago Fire FC: 25% capacity (15,375 fans)

FC Cincinnati: 30% capacity (7,800 fans)

• Season Ticket Members will receive access to available seats based on tenure, and seat inventory will be first-come, first-serve.

Colorado Rapids: 6% capacity (1,180 fans)

Columbus Crew SC: 30% capacity (5,990 fans)

• Season Ticket Members will receive access to available seats based on tenure, and seat inventory will be first-come, first-serve.

D.C. United: 10% capacity (2000 fans)

FC Dallas: 50% capacity (10,250 fans)

Houston Dynamo FC: 30% (6,611 fans)

Sporting Kansas City: Approximately 35% (6500 fans)

LA Galaxy: California teams must base capacity off of a tier system imposed by the government: In the red tier attendance at stadiums will be limited to 20% of capacity, rising to 33% in the orange tier and 67% in the yellow tier. 

• The LA Galaxy intend to make a limited number of tickets available for purchase by Season Ticket Members. To accommodate tier changes for L.A. County, LA Galaxy plans to offer games in waves.

Los Angeles Football Club: California teams must base capacity off of a tier system imposed by the government: In the red tier attendance at stadiums will be limited to 20% of capacity, rising to 33% in the orange tier and 67% in the yellow tier. 

• Fans who opt in will be assigned seats based on their membership tenure. If you are not selected for one of the first two home matches, your place in line will be adjusted accordingly, increasing your priority for subsequent matches.

Inter Miami CF: Undetermined reduced capacity

Minnesota United FC: Approximately 10% (4,000 fans)

CF Montréal: Undetermined on the basis of Inter Miami

• The Montreal Impact will see Inter Miami’s stadium and facilities as their home for the 2021 season. As a result, no season ticket holders will be prioritized for seating. 

Nashville SC: 33% capacity (22,817 fans)

• All season ticket holders will be moved from the 100s sections to the 300s for the first two games of the season to ensure all 11,000 can attend with proper social distancing protocols. 

New England Revolution: 12% capacity (2,400 fans)

New York Red Bulls: Approximately 15% capacity (3,750 fans)

New York City FC: 10% capacity (2,874 fans)

• In order to attend, fans must show negative COVID-19 test results within 72 hours before kickoff – or provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination.

Philadelphia Union: 50% capacity (9,250 fans)

Portland Timbers: 25% capacity (6,304 fans)

Real Salt Lake: Undetermined reduced capacity

San Jose Earthquakes: 20% capacity (3,600 fans)

Seattle Sounders FC: Approximately 18% capacity (7,000 fans)

Toronto FC: Toronto will see its base during the 2021 in Florida, splitting time between Orlando and Tampa

Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Undetermined reduced capacity (expected in June)

Players will be required to adhere to new protocols this season: 

Individuals who engage in high-risk behavior will be required to quarantine for five days and are unable to participate in group training or matches. They will also conduct 14 days of daily testing.

If a player continues to test negative or remains asymptomatic, he may participate in individual workouts outside team facilities. During the 14 days of testing, they should avoid indoor team facilities.

Any player or staff member who is fully vaccinated will be exempt from the five-day quarantine period if they are asymptomatic and continue to test negative.

Players with a confirmed COVID-19 case will continue to be required to undergo cardiac testing before being cleared by staff.