LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Next month's Emmy Award ceremonies in downtown Los Angeles will have fewer attendees than originally anticipated due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, and the events will be held largely outdoors at the Event Deck at L.A. Live. 

The 73rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards are scheduled to be presented Sept. 19, with Creative Arts ceremonies — during which the bulk of the honors are presented — set for Sept. 11-12.

The events were originally expected to be held at the Microsoft Theater, but the Television Academy announced Tuesday the festivities will be shifting primarily to the L.A. Live Event Deck adjacent to the theater, allowing for an "indoor/outdoor setting and more socially distanced audience seating."

"The health and safety of our nominees is of paramount importance," according to the academy. "Conversations are ongoing, and we will provide further information as it is available. The Television Academy appreciates everyone's understanding as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 Delta variant."

COVID concerns will also result in fewer nominees being permitted to attend the event.

"Although invitations have just been mailed out, nominated teams of three or more will now be limited to no more than four tickets per nomination," according to the academy. "Unfortunately, this means not all nominees will be able to attend this year's awards. We recommend those on nominated teams coordinate between themselves and identify how they will allot their four tickets prior to filling out the RSVP form. The Television Academy will reach out to any nominated teams who have already responded requesting more than four tickets."

Last year's Emmy Award ceremony was held in a virtual format, originating from a mostly empty Staples Center.

Actor/comedian Cedric the Entertainer will host the main Emmy ceremony on Sept. 19.