With the coronavirus pandemic recently exceeding 150,000 deaths in the United States and with no immediate end in sight, the future of non-essential entertainment events such as sports remains uncertain. While the NBA restart appears to have gotten off to a smooth start with zero players testing positive for COVID-19 in the league’s Disney World bubble, the MLB adventure of playing again is very different.
The mention of local jurisdiction is key because with the pandemic affecting different parts of the country at different levels, it is almost certain that teams in the league will have different approaches to fans when the season begins.
Here’s a look at what each team has planned for fans so far.
NFC West
San Francisco 49ers – The team sent an email to season ticket holders advising them to expect reduced capacity games at 49ers’ Levi’s Stadium in 2020. According to a 2020 FAQ page on the team’s official website, “Capacity will be determined by government regulation.”
Seattle Seahawks: Discussions continue behind closed doors, but seating capacity seems likely to be reduced at CenturyLink Field. According to Tacoma News Tribune reporter Gregg Bell, “that plan could involve leaving entire rows or any other seats empty, and decisions about which season ticket holders would get which games as part of the modified packages.”
Los Angeles Rams: The newly constructed Sofi Stadium will operate with limited or no capacity in 2020, the Rams announced. Season tickets will not be available either.
Arizona Cardinals: The team said there was a “very low” chance that State Farm Stadium would be full during the 2020-21 season.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers: Plans for the season are still being finalized, and season ticket holders will have the option to “opt-in” or “opt-out” at the opportunity to reserve tickets. Packers CEO Mark Murphy recently said he expects no more than 10,000 to 12,000 fans at historic Lambeau Field, which seats more than 80,000 people.
Minnesota Vikings: In a letter to season ticket holders, the Vikings said: “We can recognize at this point that if we are allowed to play in front of the fans, the games will have significantly reduced capacity and will include a different stadium experience.
Chicago Bears: Season ticket packages for 2020 have been scrapped, and the Bears said that if authorities allow Solider Field to host fans this season, seating capacity will be reduced to allow for social distancing.
Detroit Lions: The Lions told season ticket holders that the team is “anticipating reduced seating capacity, with socially distanced seating” at Ford Field.
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles: City officials said earlier this month that while the city of Philadelphia currently prohibits outdoor events involving more than 50 people, including Lincoln Financial Field, “this is a fluid situation and this policy is the under review.”
Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys recently canceled season tickets for the 2020 season, instead planning to offer a “limited number” of single-game tickets to season-first ticket holders, should they opt for them. AT&T Stadium has one of the largest capacities in the NFL, with more than 100,000 fans, which means there may be more room for social distancing.
New York Giants: MetLife Stadium is one of the few venues that has so far had a total ban on fans during the 2020 season. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued an executive order saying that events in the arena they would not receive fans “until further notice.”
Washington Football Team – Although the exact capacity remains unclear to the newly renamed Washington Football Team, it told season ticket holders that they can postpone the 2021 season or get a full refund, hinting at the possibility of no fans.
NFC South
The team offers subscribers the opportunity to postpone seats or receive a full refund.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons told season ticket holders that Mercedes-Benz Stadium will officially host between 10,000 and 20,000 fans during the 2020-21 season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Raymond James Stadium will have limited capacity for the 2020 season, the Bucs told season ticket holders, meaning not everyone will be able to attend games during the 2020 season. exact capacity number.
Carolina Panthers: The team is still working on its capacity plans, but it will range from 20,000 fans to no fans. Season ticket holders have been informed and have the opportunity to defer or refund.
