No fans at Falcons, Atlanta United home games in September

Mercedes-Benz Stadium transforms into a beacon of blue as part of an initiative to salute essential workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, April 9, 2020, in Atlanta.

Credit: Curtis Compton

Credit: Curtis Compton

Mercedes-Benz Stadium transforms into a beacon of blue as part of an initiative to salute essential workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday, April 9, 2020, in Atlanta.

The Falcons and Atlanta United announced Monday that any of their games in September at Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be played with no fans in attendance.

The release stated that, “Team and stadium officials will continue to collaborate with national and local health officials in the coming weeks before deciding on fan attendance at events scheduled later in the fall.”

The decision affects two Falcons home games, and MLS has not released a schedule with games beyond Sept. 2. The Falcons are scheduled to play the Seahawks at home Sept. 13 and the Bears on Sept. 27.

Atlanta United previously announced that home games Aug. 22, Aug. 29 and Sept. 2 would take place without fans in attendance because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The health and safety of our fans is our top priority,” Steve Cannon, CEO of AMB Sports and Entertainment, said in a prepared statement. “As much as we want to bring our Falcons and Atlanta United fans together at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, their safety and well-being, and that of our associates, the competitors, officials and game staff, and our community as a whole will always come first. After thoughtful consideration and collaboration, it became clear to us that adhering to the guidance by national and local health officials was the right decision.”