Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced in a proclamation on Thursday that spectators will be allowed in stadiums at a limited capacity as soon as June 1.
Abbott’s new order allows outdoor stadiums to host fans up to 25 percent of their normal capacity. Leagues will have to apply to state health officials to be allowed to have fans. Indoor events will still be without spectators.
The first major sporting event expected to be held in Texas is the PGA's Colonial, which is the restart to its season, on June 11-14. They have not said whether or not it will include fans.
The state has set up several guidelines for leagues to follow, including a recommendation that spectators and employees keep at least 6 feet apart from anyone not from their household. If that is not feasible, other measures such as face coverings and sanitation protocols should be followed.
Athletes will not be required to wear masks but the guidelines encourage them to be worn on the sidelines. The order does not address college sports events.
