Telegraph photo by TOM KING The Patriots announced today crowds for games at Gillette Stadium will be held to about 20 percent capacity due to the pandemic.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – A ticket to a New England Patriots home game this season just got even harder to come by.

The Patriots informed ticket holders on Tuesday that games at Gillette Stadium will be played in front of crowds of “about” 20 percent capacity, pending state and local approval.

Tickets will be arranged in blocks of 10 seats or less, and the first eight rows of stadium seats will not be used.

Face coverings will be required at all times inside the stadium, the team said.

The Patriots also announced that parking for the 2020 home games at Gillette Stadium lots will be free of charge.

“While Patriot fans eagerly await the kickoff of what is sure to be a unique season,” the team said in a statement on patriots.com, “the organization has been working diligently to ensure the game day experience is safe for everyone when football resumes.”

The team said Patriots Putnam Club and season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase individual game tickets if fans are allowed, and “any remaining ticket inventory will go on sale to the general public once the member process is complete.”

However, the team said walk-up sales at the Patriots ticket office will be suspended for the season, and all tickets will be mobile.

“Although game days will look different this year as a result of the many safety precautions being implemented,” the team said, “the Patriots organization is committed to delivering a positive experience for all who attend.”

The team in its statement stressed state and local approval will still be needed “before any fans are permitted inside the building.”

The team’s first regular season home game is set for Sunday, Sept. 13 vs. Miami. As of now there is a preseason game at Gillette scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20 vs. the Carolina Panthers at 7:30 p.m.

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