The Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns FC allowed fans to be in attendance at home games at Providence Park starting May 8 and 9. Earlier that week, Oregon Governor Kate Brown moved 15 counties down to “High Risk.” With the move from “Extreme Risk” to “High Risk,” both soccer clubs permitted 15 percent capacity for fans. 

“We are excited to confirm that we can continue having our supporters in a limited capacity at Providence Park this weekend, as today the state announced a reduction in county COVID risk levels,” the Portland Timbers tweeted in response to Governor Brown lowering Multnomah County to “High Risk.”

The Portland Thorns came out with the same statement via Twitter that day. 

With that being said, the severity of COVID-19 should not be underestimated or taken lightly, as Brown reported in a press release on May 4. 

“Let me be clear: across the state, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are still high, and Oregon is not out of the woods yet. However, we have met the hospitalization metric established by our health experts for counties to return to High Risk,” Brown stated.

Since then, as COVID numbers have continued to decline and more Oregonians are vaccinated, Providence Park is now allowing up to 50 percent capacity at all games.

“Fully vaccinated individuals ages 16 and older who have proof that they are fully vaccinated will not have to worry about capacity limits or physical distancing in vaccinated sections at businesses, venues and faith institutions,” the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) stated on May 26.

However, these businesses and venues have the right to enforce safety regulations with those that are fully vaccinated. Anyone 15 or below can be allowed into a vaccinated section at a function with a proper face covering and a fully vaccinated adult. 

Getting vaccinated might just be the ticket into one of your favorite sports games. 

“After reaching 65 percent of residents 18+ vaccinated and submitting a vaccine equity plan, Multnomah County will be moving to Lower Risk, effective Thursday. It’s never been easier to get vaccinated, and you may just end up winning money through the #TakeYourShotOR campaign,” Governor Brown tweeted on May 25.

Oregon appears to be going in the right direction with counties looking to move to “Lower Risk.” More people choosing to get the vaccine is helping things move along. If restrictions continue to ease, you won’t have to miss a Timbers or Thorns game all summer.