Washington’s NFL team announced Wednesday that the organization has decided not to have fans in the stands during home games for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with owner Dan Snyder noting the decision will be reevaluated should conditions improve.
“We are fortunate to host the best fans in the NFL year after year, but the well-being of those supporters, along with that of our players, coaches and each and every member of our gameday staff is simply too important, and the current knowledge of COVID-19 too unpredictable, to welcome our fan base to FedEx Field to start the season,” Snyder said in a statement.
“We are working to find ways to make our fans’ presence felt in new and innovative ways for 2020 and can’t wait to welcome the community through the gates as soon as it’s safe,” he added.
The team is set to begin their season on Sept. 13 against NFC East rival the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., which is located just outside Washington, D.C.
Last week, the Green Bay Packers announced that iconic Lambeau Field will not host fans for the team’s first two home games before reevaluating.
The news comes as several major college football conferences have decided not to play in the fall, including the Big Ten and PAC-12.
Major League Baseball has seen a bumpy start to its return, which began in late July, with the league having dealt with two outbreaks on the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals.
The outbreaks have led both teams to postpone several games.
MLB, unlike the NBA and NHL — which are having their teams play in “bubble” locations — is having baseball teams travel between cities and ballparks.
The NBA and NHL have yet to announce a positive COVID-19 case since play began about two weeks ago.