In a usual offseason, Denver Broncos training camp features several thousand fans watching practice from a hill behind the end zone. This offseason certainly has been unusual in many ways because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fans aren’t allowed to attend Broncos practices and NBA, MLB, MLS and NHL games have been played without fans. Sports are returning, but they don’t feel the same without fans.
“We always knew how important the fans were and are, but even in watching golf you miss the fans being out there,” coach Vic Fangio said on Aug. 14.
“The fans are a very important part of pro sports. We all knew that. I knew that, but to me it’s very obvious when you watch sporting events without the fans you miss them not just because of the support, but they’re part of the action. We miss them and can’t wait to get them back whenever that will be.”
Several NFL teams have already announced that they will play games without fans this season but Denver has not yet confirmed attendance plans for the 2020 season. Broncos president/CEO Joe Ellis said last month that Empower Field at Mile High “will be prepared” to host fans in case local authorities allow spectators at sporting events this fall.
