With the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, it remains to be seen if fans will be allowed in NFL stadiums this fall.
Soccer has returned overseas without fans. The NBA and MLB are set to resume without fans in attendance by the end of July. The NFL, meanwhile, has indicated that it is preparing to have fans in attendance for games at the beginning of the 2020 season.
“We’re planning for full stadiums until the medical community tells us otherwise,” NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent said in late May. “Now, remember when we’re talking. We’re talking about September…August, September. So, there’s a lot that can happen here. So, we’re planning for full stadiums.”
In the event that the NFL reverses course and does not allow fans to attend games this upcoming season, the Jets are preparing options for their season ticket holders. On Monday, the team informed season ticket holders that they can skip the 2020 season without penalty and either defer payment toward 2021 tickets or they can receive a full refund. Season ticket holders who opt for either have the choice to keep their same seat in 2021.
The Jets have also deferred the due date for the scheduled July payment, just as they did in April in response to the economic fallout caused by coronavirus.
Other teams around the league, including the Giants, have set up similar options for their season ticket holders. Given the fact that there is no guarantee fans will be allowed in stadiums or if the season will be delayed due to the virus, taking a proactive approach with season ticket holders is the smart thing for NFL teams to be doing right now.