Large sporting events have been dramatically altered in the past year as they have the potential to endanger the lives of players, coaches, staff, and fans alike. The enclosed spaces with packed crowds of people shouting, cheering, and talking that are common at these events are the exact conditions that we’ve been told to avoid. Despite these obstacles, many sports leagues have continued to operate during this pandemic. Some leagues, such as the NBA, have created “bubbles” to protect their players against contact with potentially infected people. Others have tried to test and monitor their players to prevent the spread. For the 2020 season, the NFL opted to continue its games with the implementation of strategies to combat COVID, such as enforcing mask-wearing and social distancing. Players, coaches, and staffers were tested daily for the virus. The NFL has been moderately successful in continuing its season during the pandemic. More than 1.2 millions of fans attended the 116 games regular season and playoff games that the NFL hosted this year. This season, however, has not been without its challenges. Despite precautions, more than 700 players, coaches, and staffers have tested positive since August. Many games and events were postponed or cancelled, such as the Pro Bowl.
Like the other games in 2020’s season, Super Bowl LV looked different from its predecessors. The game took place in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The stadium normally seats between 65,000 and 75,000 people, but attendance was limited to 22,000. 7,500 of those who attended were vaccinated healthcare workers. These workers, the majority of whom were from Florida, were given free tickets as a thank you for the work they’ve done fighting COVID-19. The remaining 14,500 tickets were sold to winners of a lottery. Although capacity was only about a third of the way full, cardboard cutouts of fans were placed in the stands and made the stadium appear less empty. Many accommodations were made to prevent the spread of the virus in the stadium. Fans attending the game were given hand sanitizer and a KN95 mask and were separated using podded seating. Concessions, restrooms, and security checkpoints were also modified to prevent contact.
Aside from changes for fans, the experiences of the players were also altered in order to mitigate the spread of COVID. Testing ramped up before the game, with team personnel being tested twice daily starting on January 24th. Typically, both teams arrive a week before the game, but the Chiefs didn’t arrive in Tampa until February 6th, only a day before the game. Super Bowl media day, interviews with the press, and other events were either held virtually or were cancelled.
This winter’s holiday season was followed by a spike in COVID cases throughout the United States. Traveling and gathering with people outside of one’s own household allowed the virus to spread. A similar spike may occur following the Super Bowl. Many people host annual Super Bowl parties and join their friends and family to watch the game. Although the CDC has recommended virtually gathering or gathering in small groups outside, it’s unlikely that no parties were held during the game. In many places where COVID restrictions are less strict, bars and restaurants held Super Bowl events. According to a survey by the National Retail Federation before the Super Bowl, 28% of those who intended to watch the Super Bowl planned to either host or attend a party, or watch the game at a bar. Hopefully, most Super Bowl viewers enjoyed the game from the comfort of their own homes and prevented the spread of the virus. Within the next few weeks, the country will see the severity of the consequences of this year’s Super Bowl.
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