The first two Detroit Lions home games will be played in an empty Ford Field. The Lions announced in a public statement that the ramifications of COVID-19 and the current local restrictions imposed by the state of Michigan have forced the team to not allow any fans into the home of the Lions until at least November.
Detroit has just two home games in the first six weeks of the 2020 NFL season, hosting the Bears on Sept. 13 and the Saints on Oct. 4. Those games will be played with no fans.
The first portion of the statement from the team,
As the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities throughout the United States and the State of Michigan, the Detroit Lions announced today that Ford Field will not have fans at their first two home games against the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints this season.The Lions’ third home game is November 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. Whether fans can attend that or any other 2020 season games will continue to be evaluated while working diligently with healthcare officials at every level, as well as Governor Whitmer’s office.“We have spent considerable time and resources implementing new gameday protocols at Ford Field and are ready to host fans at Lions games once approved by state guidelines,” said Lions Team President Rod Wood. “The health and safety of our players, coaches and staff, has been a focal point for all facets of 2020 season planning as demonstrated by being one of the first teams to gain approval from the NFL and NFLPA for meeting training camp COVID-19 requirements. We have the utmost confidence that we can provide a safe and enjoyable experience for fans at our stadium.”“Lions fans have traditionally created an intimidating environment for visiting teams at Ford Field and, even in a reduced capacity, will be missed when we kick off the season against our division rival, the Chicago Bears. We are hopeful for an opportunity to host fans at the remaining six 2020 home games.”
The Lions offered several options for season-ticket holders, as well as indicating that all normal parking areas and tailgate opportunities are also off-limits through at least the first two home games.
The state of Michigan recently postponed high school football to the spring, and all college football in the state at the FBS and D-II and D-III levels have been pushed out of the fall as well.