Tonight, John L. Post Stadium in Iroquois will hold a maximum of 750 fans for it's senior night Football game.

This, an increase from the guidelines of 250 fans per game set by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. Fans, of course, are excited for the opportunity to attend. 

But no fan may be happier than some local business owners.

Iroquois Superintendent Shane Murray says he has watched several community members and businesses struggle immensely during the pandemic. He hopes this game will be beneficial for everyone.

"I've heard the struggle and my board members have heard the struggle", said Murray. "Some of [the board members] own businesses themselves, and they've been personally affected."

One of those local owners is James Waechter, who runs My Dad's Pizza and Deli just minutes from the stadium. He says he has been lucky to maintain steady business during the pandemic - but has concerns the fan restrictions have led to some being worried about going out for food.

"There's a lot of people that have a lot of concerns for their health and health of family members, and it's definitely a concern", Waechter said.

The fall season, however, has normally been reliable for Waechter. He says that for the most part, fans and players are hungry either before or after the game, and will tend to stop in during the weekend days. 

With the spectator restrictions in place, however, he knows that isn't necessarily the case for every local restaurant at the moment. 

"[Restaurants are] banking on people to come out and watch the games and stay", said Waechter. "If people have to leave the bars early, or restaurants, or wherever they're out to watch the game, it could hurt them."

Waechter hopes the increased capacity for sports will help to bring in more customers. He knows that inside, only 50% of customers are allowed to dine. At My Dad's Pizza, indoor seating is currently not available.

But take out orders can be sold without restrictions, which Waechter says is what customers normally would ask for following a game, anyway.

This story was supported by the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.