Safety Upgrades

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing its stadium for football fans after receiving $10.4 million in federal funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. The funds could be used for more than 40 modifications “in order to open to the public,” if approved by the Hillsborough County Commissioner. 

Upgrades to Raymond James Stadium would include touch-free toilets and sinks, hand-sanitizing stations, and removable seat bottoms for social distancing. The first three phases of the upgrades would be done by Oct. 31; the Buccaneers are currently scheduled to play a preseason game at the stadium on Aug. 22, with the University of South Florida set to open its season Sept. 12. Super Bowl 55 is scheduled for Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 7.

The Philadelphia Eagles are set to play the entire season in front of zero fans. The city canceled all “large public events” through February 2021 on Tuesday, although it will let both the Eagles and Phillies play. Last month, the Eagles informed season ticket holders their installment payments wouldn’t be billed.

The New England Patriots plan to operate Gillette Stadium at 20% capacity – that is, if fans are welcomed during the 2020 season. An announcement from the team said, “it is unlikely that season ticket members will have the opportunity to attend every home game.” Ticket holders can maintain their plan or defer to the 2021 season without penalty.

Restrictions for fans at Patriots games would include:

• Maintaining at least six feet of distance from other ticketed groups
• Only allowing ticket groups of 10 or fewer
• First eight rows will be unavailable