LAST UPDATED ON JAN. 17, 2021 AT 7:54 AM
Since the start of the NFL season, the number of daily new cases of Covid-19 nationwide has more than tripled.
For the cities that host the NFL teams, the rate is even worse (+ 450%).
With that in mind, the lingering question is…
Can fans attend NFL games? (And if so, where?)
(Note: the information on this page will be updated weekly during the season, so remember to check back for changes).
Entering the final week of the regular season, the number of NFL teams allowing fans in the stands stood at 13:
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Dallas Cowboys
- Indianapolis Colts
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Miami Dolphins
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- Houston Texans
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tennessee Titans
- New Orleans Saints
On average, the number of tickets sold for each game was approximately 12.8% of the aggregate capacity. This equates to a maximum of about 9,135 – a far, far cry from the good old, pre-Covid days, when a sold-out stadium meant 70,000 fans.
Cardinals fans, especially, were squeezed. The maximum number of spectators allowed at State Farm Stadium was limited to 1,200 – a mere 1.9% of its capacity.
In detail, the above figures are but a macro-view. Since season ticket holders will be given first priority, the numbers – and hopes of attending a game – are much smaller for the average NFL fans.
In any event, the regular season is done with. Entering the Divisional Round of the postseason, all four host teams are permitting fans in the stands.
Instructions: Mouse over the circles in the map to see coronavirus stats for each NFL county/city, as well as fan attendance policies for each team.
Source: coronavirus.1point3acres.com
Can fans attend NFL games for the entire season?
The policies for most of the 16 teams listed above have changed as the season has progressed, in accordance with Covid-19 statistics. The Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, & Philadelphia Eagles, for example, have reversed course twice when it comes to allowing fans in the stands. And as for the number of spectators permitted, the Cardinals, Bengals, Browns, Dolphins, & Titans have increased their limits, while the Steelers reduced theirs.
NFL coronavirus policies
Because of the coronavirus, fans that can go to NFL games…
- Can sit in groups of no more than 6.
- Will be required to wear face masks. The face-covering policy is a league-wide mandate, and you won’t be able to enter sans mask, even if it’s not a state requirement.
- In Ohio (Bengals & Browns), will have a max of 3,000 spectators on each side of the field.
- At AT&T Stadium will need to use mobile tickets only. Additionally, all on-site purchases must be made with credit cards… no cash! While the Cowboys are the only team to announce cashless transactions, other teams are expected to follow suit.
Should fans attend NFL games this season?
After 6 months of social distancing, a summer of new-look baseball, and the NHL & NBA in a bubble, the answer to that question should be clear.
Instead, it’s anything but clear…
In the words of countless ex’s, “It’s complicated”.
On one hand, you have the physical health of not only you, but also your loved ones to consider. On the other, the effects of loneliness and isolation can take its toll on your mental and physical well-being.
In short, the decision to attend NFL games is yours to make. If you can go to a game this season and want to, then do it. Nobody should say you shouldn’t, if only because, a) the need for normalcy is stronger for some, & b) not everyone has a solid support network.
Will you attend an NFL game this season?
Thus far, we’ve answered, “Can fans attend NFL games this season?” (Yes).
And, “Should fans attend NFL games in 2020?” (Maybe).
The only question that remains is, will you?
If you haven’t made up your mind, just realize that some things won’t be the same, such as:
- Tailgating. When it comes to tailgate parties, the more the merrier. But while I’m not aware of any mandates at this time, there’ll surely be a limit on the number of people.
- Face mask usage. Mandatory face mask policies are a good thing. However, consider that the typical fan spends much of the game eating, drinking, & shouting at the top of his/her lungs. To do any of those things, you need to remove your mask. Under those circumstances, just how effective can they be?
- Using the bathroom. I’m not an alarmist, but since everyone uses the toilet during a game, this is a cause for concern. Public bathrooms are germ factories under the best of conditions, and the threat of Covid means you should wear a mask and gloves upon entry.
In closing…
Let me state that the data & rhetoric on this page is not intended to influence you in any way.
Make of it what you will. Use it to your advantage.
That being said, please share your sentiments below and/or take our poll: