Fans adapt Super Bowl plans
NFL hosted Super Bowl and a regular season despite pandemic
February 9, 2021
WEB EXCLUSIVE Although the Super Bowl went on as usual on Sunday, for a lot of fans watching the game was quite different in order to maintain public health guidelines during the coronavirus pandemic.
“In previous years our family has invited over 20 people to watch the game and there is always a lot of food and activities for the younger kids who come,” junior Sara Ramelot said. “This year, though it,was very different because it was just our family.”
Fans weren’t the only ones who had to make changes. The NFL limited capacity at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium to 22,000, although its full capacity is over 65,000.
“I found it equally funny and considerate how people had cardboards of themselves in the stands to promote social distancing,” senior Olivia Callander said. “It felt like the nation was trying our best to come together and support the teams.”
The NFL had 329 coronavirus tests come back positive between Aug. 9-Nov. 21, but the NFL never cancelled a game, although some were postponed for a few days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“The NFL is able to provide testing and organize cohorts so I’m glad they were able to make the season work despite the pandemic,” Athletic Director Elena DeSantis said. “It is a moneymaker and creates jobs which is great, although I do think if we can open up football, we should be also prioritizing opening schools.”
Since the Super Bowl was held in Tampa Bay, the home of the Buccaneers, the NFL reduced the arrival time of the visiting Kansas City Chiefs to one day instead of the usual six to reduce exposure.
“My family still made the foods we have always prepared which provided us with a small sense of normalcy,” Ramelot said. “I’m thankful to all those who worked hard to find a safe way to carry on this exciting annual event, despite the circumstances.”