Despite the state of Florida being hard hit by COVID-19, the Jacksonville Jaguars will be allowing fans to attend games — albeit on a very limited basis. On Friday, the team announced that it will have a seating capacity of 25% for the 2020 season at TIAA Bank Field after collaborating with local officials and the Centers for Disease Control for a plan.
“It was our sincere hope to welcome a capacity crowd to TIAA Bank Field this fall and celebrate together with the First Coast community. However, with the health and well-being of everyone in mind, the Jaguars anticipate reducing capacity this season,” the team’s public relations department said.
“In compliance with state and local authorities and following CDC social distancing guidelines, TIAA Bank Field will be able to seat approximately 25 percent of its capacity at each Jaguars home game in 2020. Once the season begins, any future increase in capacity will depend on developments on the health and safety front.”
The team will be refunding 2020 season tickets as a result, or there is the option for fans to simply transfer their purchase toward season tickets in 2021. Additionally, cash refunds were made available and those on a payment plan had their July payments canceled.
With a 25% seating capacity, that would allow the stadium to have 16,791 fans in attendance for each home game as the stadium’s capacity is 64,000. This also will provide the organization with a way to reconfigure the stadium and allow spacing between the fans who attend.
As expected, the team announced that face coverings will be mandatory, while the vendors at the stadium will move to cashless transactions for most purchases. Also, more hand sanitizing stations and signage will be throughout the stadium to encourage social distancing.
As of now, the preseason has been reduced to just two games and all teams will just play their respective games for Week 2 and Week 3. That means the Jags will take a brief trip to the Tampa Bay Bucs for their first preseason game, while the Washington Redskins will come to Jacksonville for their second one.