The Kansas City Chiefs, who won Super Bowl LIV, will host the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium with only 22% capacity, the Chiefs said.
The announcement comes as the NFL is struggling to determine how it will weather this season due to the coronavirus pandemic. As of Monday night, the virus had infected more than 5.4 million Americans and killed more than 170,000, according to Johns Hopkins University data.
More than 100 NFL players tested positive in the offseasons and more than 50 tested positive when players began signing up for training camp earlier this month. Although the league announced safety protocols and canceled its press season, at least 66 pro players have their rejection for the 2020 game.
The Chiefs, in consultation with health officials and the NFL, said on their website tickets for the game will be sold and grouped into six seats or less. Fans will always be required to wear a mask when they are at Arrowhead, unless they are “actively eating or drinking.” Hand sanitation stations were installed throughout the stadium, the team said.
Tailgating will be allowed in the stadium parking lot, the Chiefs said, but they should only use the area behind their car “to maintain good physical distance between groups.” A tailgate-free zone will also be provided for fans who do not want tailgate.
As for the staff, the Chiefs said employees are required to proceed to a health screening, including a questionnaire and temperature check. Personnel will also be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and “practice proper hygiene.”
Other sports classes also had to adapt to the virus. The NBA – setting up its bubble in Orlando – began the playoffs Monday. Major League Baseball, on the other hand, had to postpone multiple games due to players being infected.
Allen Kim, Jill Martin, Jason Kurtz and Steve Almasy of CNN contributed to this report.
