September 2 – RB Leipzig have received permission to allow 8,400 fans into their stadium for their opening game of the new league season next month, the first Bundesliga club to be given the green light to do so in the wake of Covid-19.
The move will see the Red Bull Arena at 20% capacity for the opener against Mainz on September 20
“We are aware of the great trust placed in us by politicians and the authorities and will deal with it extremely responsibly and carefully,” Leipzig managing director Oliver Mintzlaff told Kicker magazine.
The last time Leipzig played before fans was the 3-0 win over Tottenham in the Champions League last 16 in mid-March.
Tickets for the game against Mainz will be allocated by a lottery system for the club’s 22,500 season-ticket holders. Only supporters residing in the state of Saxony would be allowed in.
“It is great news for the team but above all for our fans,” said Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann.
“It’s almost six months since the last game with supporters and we’ve always stressed how much we missed the fans and atmosphere.”
Hertha Berlin, Union Berlin, Eintracht Frankfurt and Wolfsburg are also seeking permission from their local health authorities to host limited numbers of fans.
All spectators will be expected to wear face masks and follow social-distancing rules, with no beer sold and no away fans permitted.
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