A report from the Sports Business Journal suggests an iconic celebration in Green Bay won’t be possible if there’s a 2020 NFL season.
According to Ben Fischer of SBJ, all NFL teams will be tarping off the first six to eight rows of stadium seating during the 2020 season, both as a way to protect players and personnel on the field and to create additional revenue through visible advertisements.
If the plan is implemented, the Green Bay Packers likely won’t have an opportunity to do the team’s “Lambeau Leap” celebration in 2020, a season facing immense challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic.
For nearly three decades, Packers players have leaped into the end zone stands after big plays or touchdowns, creating one of the most well-known celebrations in football and a unique way for players to connect with fans.
Although the NFL has remained steadfast in its belief that the season will go on with fans in the stands, there remains a reasonable chance NFL stadiums will be empty or significantly reduced in overall capacity.
According to Fischer, the tarping plan will be presented to owners on Thursday, with an expectation that it will be accepted and implemented.
The Packers could potentially get creative with the tarping and advertisers, possibly connecting the two to create opportunities to still leap into the stands even if there are no fans waiting.
