A lot of the pomp will be gone from NFL games this season, according to a report. The decision is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SOURCES: The NFL will get rid of on-field U.S. Military/Police Honor Guards and Marching Bands this season. The goal: reduce the number of people on the field who can possibly infect players + coaches with COVID-19. More @frntofficesport.https://t.co/9FxQwbU5st
— Michael McCarthy (@MMcCarthyREV) August 25, 2020
Per the report:
Due to COVID-19 concerns, the NFL plans to eliminate on-field military and police honor guards and marching bands this season, said sources.
Honor guards from the U.S. Military and federal, state and local police departments present the colors before the singing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Many NFL teams invite local high school marching bands to perform at halftime.
The NFL’s goal is to strictly limit the number of people on the field and sidelines who can potentially infect players and coaches with the coronavirus. While the NFL will also strictly limit the number of credentialed reporters and photographers, the number of medical personnel on the sideline will remain the same.
One other intriguing piece to the article suggests sideline reporters will expect to report from the empty stands and concourses above the playing field.
