The National Football League has never been one to leave itself open to liability. That is why they are leaning towards having fans who attend games this season signing “enter at your own risk”-style waivers to safeguard themselves from any lawsuits regarding the spread of COVID-19.
That is if fans are even permitted to attend games. The way the virus is escalating throughout the nation, certain municipalities and states could still be in a period of pause or even lockdown come September.
As it is right now, the league is reserving the first 6-8 rows in the lower decks of stadiums, replacing the empty seats with tarps that will display advertising in hopes of recouping lost revenue.
Many fans are already shying away from attending games, instead opting out of this season and collecting refunds.
“Liability waivers at fee-charging places like a gym or an amusement park can be contested if willful or gross negligence is shown, according to the website for New York-based law firm Zalman, Schnurman & Miner. A NFL ticket seems to fit the bill,” writes The Post’s Ryan Dunleavy.
“The Athletic also reported stadium operations managers are working in conjunction with the NFL security to make other best-practice recommendations — including prohibiting cash transactions, increased availability of hand sanitizer, prepackaged food at concession stands and wearing face masks. The waiver proposal reportedly could be sent to teams next week.”
COVID-19 cases in New York and New Jersey have been in decline the past several weeks but spikes are beginning to crop up, leading Governors Cuomo and Murphy to delay moving onto the next phase. Until an effective treatment or a vaccine is found, this nightmare won’t be over.
The NFL is hoping they do not have to play in empty venues but may not have a choice. At the very least, stadiums – if allowed to open – will be restricted to the conditions listed above plus a social distancing plan.
