The NFL says the 2020 season will go on as planned, despite surging coronavirus case numbers in dozens of states. If there are going to be games this fall, business as usual simply isn’t going to cut it.
One of the biggest unanswered questions regarding this year is what the league plans to do about having fans in the stadiums. Here’s one idea that’s sure to be extremely unpopular.
According to a report by Daniel Kaplan at the Athletic, the league is considering requiring fans who attend games to sign liability waivers in case they catch the virus.
“The NFL is considering requiring fans attending games this season to sign liability waivers shielding the teams from COVID-19 lawsuits, sources said. The waiver proposal is likely to be forwarded to clubs by the middle of next week as part of a broad range of league recommended best practices for re-opening stadiums amid the coronavirus pandemic.”
There will be other moves intended to blunt the impact of the virus and slow the spread. Teams have been instructed to tarp off the first 6-8 rows of every stadium, which will offer both new advertising space and some insulation for those on the sidelines from the crowd.
Mandated social distancing and face masks will also no doubt play some role in the league’s live events, depending on what local authorities allow.
