After a 2020 season that saw fans in much lesser numbers attend in years past, The NFL and its teams would be hoping that their fans could become a part of the experience once again. But whether those fans will have to be compulsorily vaccinated is still in question.
As vaccination continues to become a part of one’s life, attaining normalcy by the fall of this year is a hope for many. And every sports fan would be hoping that that normalcy will include the inclusion of fans in stadiums once again.
Of all the empty NFL stadiums, this one looks the most bizarre. 😞 #Packers pic.twitter.com/BQlkNvJwM9
— Mario (@mario_prosp) October 6, 2020
Empty or mostly-empty NFL stadiums don’t mean a lack of playoff intensity on the field https://t.co/n92epNzi3j #Steelers pic.twitter.com/fKCOhYDfZP
— Steelers Depot 🧐 (@Steelersdepot) January 10, 2021
The NFL is still undecided on whether fans will required to be vaccinated.
With the NFL cap going down for the first time in years, the league would like nothing better than to allow fans at full capacity. However, taking the safety of players and the attending people in question, the league is still deciding whether to allow fans that aren’t vaccinated.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s Chief Medical Officer, said this week it’s “too early” to speculate as to whether or not the NFL will require fans attending games to be vaccinated (or show proof of a negative test).
The NFL probably won’t make a decision on this until later this summer. There’s still too much uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, but many are optimistic life will return to normal by late summer.
NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills says “I think it’s too early to speculate about that” when asked by @judybattista if fans will need to show proof of a negative test/vaccination to go to @NFL games in 2021.@nflnetwork #NFLNow
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) April 8, 2021
Dr. Sills also added that “The NFL and the NFL Players Association have no intention of making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for players, coaches or staff.” “What we are focusing on is education,” he said. “We want everyone to have the facts and we believe this is an important step forward.”
Here is Dr. Allen Sills saying the COVID-19 vaccine will not be mandatory for players. pic.twitter.com/IKKxvGnBln
— Judy Battista (@judybattista) March 25, 2021
A look at Globe Life Field where the Texas Rangers are currently playing in front of a full-capacity crowd of 40,000+ fans. pic.twitter.com/fh31UJUVMe
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 5, 2021
The MLB game between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays would have definitely been an encouragement for the NFL. The Texas Rangers were the first sports team to allow a 100% filled facility this week when they faced the Blue Jays. Other teams may follow suit in the coming weeks and months, depending on the medical guidance they receive.
