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Around the NFL: What every team has planned for fan attendance at games

Posted at 12:34 PM, Aug 20, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-04 17:05:55-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Earlier this week, the Kansas City Chiefs announced a limited number of Chiefs Kingdom would be allowed inside Arrowhead Stadium when the team takes the field on September 10 due to COVID-19 concerns.

The team will allow fans at 22 percent of Arrowhead’s capacity or about 16,812 fans.

So where do the other 31 teams stand on allowing fans in the stands? Here’s a breakdown:

Arizona Cardinals: The team announced Aug. 28 that fans would not be allowed at the team's first two home games.

Atlanta Falcons: The team announced on Aug. 17, that no fans would be allowed at games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium through the month of September.

Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens initially announced fewer than 14,000 fans would be allowed in M&T Bank Stadium to stadium. However, on Aug. 24, the team later said no fans would be allowed in the stadium to start the season. The team will reevaluate the decision later in the season.

Buffalo Bills: As of July 1, New York State says that fans are prohibited at professional sporting events.

Carolina Panthers: On Aug. 31, the Carolina Panthers announced no fans would be allow in the stadium to start the season. The team says it hopes to eventually have fans in the stands. "We have worked tirelessly since March to develop and implement a responsible, comprehensive plan to ensure that your game day experience is enjoyable and as safe as possible," the team said.

Chicago Bears: On Aug. 17, theteam announced there would be no fans in the stadium for the 2020 season for now. In a statement the team said, "The Bears and the City of Chicago have agreed that it's not yet the right time to welcome fans back to Soldier Field due to COVID-19. But they will continue to monitor the situation and believe there's a sound plan in place to bring fans back once it is deemed safe."

Cincinnati Bengals: On Aug. 26, the Bengals announced no fans would be allowed in the stadium to start season. The team says it submitted a plan to state officials but have not received an answer just yet. The team hopes to eventually allow fans in the stadium later this season.

Cleveland Browns: The team says it wants fans in attendance but as of now the decision is in the hands of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, told reporters the hope is to have about "13,000 to 14,000 fans would be permitted, or about 20% of capacity," in an August interview.

Dallas Cowboys: On Aug. 12, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, announced fans would be allowed at AT&T stadium this season. He said he's confident that fans would follow safety precautions. Jones didn't release a specific number but Texas currently allows 50-percent capacity for sporting events. That would equal 40,000 fans in the stadium.

Denver Broncos: On Aug. 21. the Broncos announced no fans will be allowed inside Empower Field to start the season.

Detroit Lions: On Aug. 21, the Lions announced no fans would be allowed inside Ford Field for at least the first two games of the season. The team did say it hopes fans will be able to attend the third home game.

Green Bay Packers: Packers fans, lovingly known as "cheeseheads," will have to watch games from a distance for at least the first two games of the season the team announced. "As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities around the country and throughout Wisconsin, the Green Bay Packers announced today that Lambeau Field will not host fans at the first two home games this season," the team said on Aug. 6.

Houston Texans: Texans fans will also watch from a distance to start the season. On Aug. 14, the team announced fans will not be allowed for the home opener. However the team will reevaluate the decision. "Whether fans can attend other home games later in the season will depend on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in the greater Houston area, which is currently at the highest threat level (RED)," the team said.

Indianapolis Colts: On Sept. 4, the Colts announced up to 2,500 fans will be allowed in the stadium for the team's home opener.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Similar to their AFC South foe, the Indianapolis Colts, the Jaguars announced fans would be allowed at 25 percent of TIAA Bank Field's capacity. That equals about 16,791 fans inside the stadium.

Los Angeles Chargers: On Aug. 25, the Chargers and the Los Angeles Rams, who share the brand new SoFi Stadium, announced no fans will be allowed in the stadium until "further notice."

Los Angeles Rams: On Aug. 25, the Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers, who share the brand new SoFi Stadium, announced no fans will be allowed in the stadium to start the season. Rams Owner and Chairman Stanley Kroenke said the team wouldn't "speculate on anytime timeline as to when fans will be able to join us."

Las Vegas Raiders: In its first season at Allegiant Stadium, the newly named Las Vegas Raiders will play the whole 2020 season without fans. "After intensive consultation with healthcare officials and state and community leaders, we have made the difficult decision to play the Las Vegas Raiders 2020 inaugural season at Allegiant Stadium without fans in attendance," the team said.

Miami Dolphins: On Aug. 24, the Dolphins announced fans will be allowed at Hardrock Stadium at 20 percent capacity. This equals about 13,000 fans. The team did not say when it would reevaluate if more fans would be allowed in the stadium later in the season.

Minnesota Vikings: On Aug. 25, the Vikings announced no fans would be allowed inside U.S. Bank Stadium for at least the first two games. The team said it would reevaluate the decision later in the season.

New England Patriots: The Patriots hoped to have some fans in the stadium but on Aug. 18, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker indicated that no fans would be allowed in Gillette Stadium to start the season.

New Orleans Saints: The team announced no fans will be in the stands to start the season when they take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It will reevaluate whether or not fans can attend later games. However, the team did say, "the current guidance we have received from our government leaders suggest this to be unlikely."

New York Giants: There won't be anything close to a Giant crowd in Metlife stadium this season. In mid-July, the team announced that New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's state-of-emergency order also applies to Metlife Stadium. "We support Governor Murphy's decision in the interest of public health and safety and, until circumstances change, both the Giants and Jets will play our games without the benefit of fans in attendance," the team said.

New York Jets: Like New York Giants fans, Jets fans will have to watch from a distance for potentially the whole season. Due to Governor Phil Murphy's state-of-emergency fans will not be allowed at Metlife Stadium for the 2020 season the team announced.

Philadelphia Eagles: On Aug. 27, the Eagles announced no fans would be allowed in the stadium to start the season.

Pittsburgh Steelers: On Aug. 27, the Steelers announced no fans would be allowed in the stadium to start the season.

San Francisco 49ers: On Aug. 25, the 49ers announced no fans would be allowed in the stands to watch the defending NFC champion's home opener. "We will continue to work with State and County officials regarding the potential to welcome the Faithful back to Levi's® Stadium later this season," the team said.

Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks will be without their "12th man" after the team announced no fans will be allowed at CenturyLink Field for at least the first three games of the season. "The Seahawks will continue to follow the lead of public health and government officials to make decisions about potentially having fans in attendance for the remaining five home games," the team said.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: As the Tom Brady era begins in Tampa, fans still will not be allowed in the stands to for the first two games the team announced on Sept. 2. In a letter to fans, Buccaneers COO Brian Ford said, "Based on our conversations with local officials we have determined that it is not yet the right time to welcome fans back to Raymond James stadium." The team hopes to eventually allow fans.

Tennessee Titans: No fans will be allowed in the stadium through the end of September, the team announced Aug. 18.

Washington Football Team: The nameless Washington team announced a mascot is not the only thing the team would go without to start the season. No fans will be allowed in FedEx Stadium for the whole season.

Check back for updates.