Texas allows fans to attend outdoor pro games at limited venue capacity

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Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced in a proclamation Thursday that outdoor professional sporting events in most counties will be allowed to host fans at up to 25% of venue capacity beginning Friday, according to Alex Samuels of The Texas Tribune.

Counties excluded from the revised rule include Deaf Smith, El Paso, Moore, Potter, and Randall. Fans will continue to be barred from attending indoor sporting events.

Leagues must obtain approval from the Texas Department of State Health Services before opening their doors to spectators. Teams impacted by the proclamation include the Texas Rangers, Houston Astros, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, and Houston Dash.

Previously, Abbott announced professional basketball, baseball, car racing, football, golf, softball, and tennis would have the green light to resume in Texas without fans beginning May 31.

Abbott has also been optimistic that the college football season will start as scheduled with at least some fans in attendance, though Thursday's proclamation doesn't affect amateur sports.