The NFL announced Wednesday that fans will be required to wear masks to all games this season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the league prepares safety protocols and COVID-19 testing for players and coaches, it will also be looking out for fans hoping to attend NFL games this year.
NFL fans required to wear masks at all games
The NFL’s head of public relations announced Wednesday, while wearing a mask, that there will be a league-wide mandate requiring fans attending games to wear face coverings this year.
The decision comes amid the worsening COVID-19 pandemic, with the United States seeing immense spikes in new cases of the virus. Due to the virus spreading so rapidly, with nearly 4 million cases across the nation, the NFL will take a key step in helping combat the coronavirus.
Will fans be allowed at NFL games this season?
While the league itself is preparing to welcome some fans into stadiums this season, each club will have to follow state guidelines during this pandemic.
Recently, the New York Jets and New York Giants announced no fans can enter MetLife Stadium for the start of the 2020 season following a recent ruling by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy.
The Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Rams are among a growing list of NFL teams that will significantly greatly reduce their stadium capacity or play with no fans.
Any NFL fan that is permitted to attend a game this season will be required to wear a mask and may need to sign a liability waiver. Given the drastic financial hit from lost stadium revenue this year, the NFL is already bracing for a drastic salary cap hit next year.