Patriots fans still don’t know if they’ll be able to attend games in 2020, but here’s a quick update.
The bottom line is that we’ll need a vaccine for the COVID-19 virus before we see stadiums packed to the gills with fans again. It’s a sad reality, but one everyone has to live with most likely not attending a live event in 2020 while watching relatively quiet games on TV.
But that won’t be the case for some if some states are able to ease restrictions here and there. Plenty of teams have already discussed partial capacity for the 2020 season, and the New England Patriots have joined in.
According to the team, if allowed, Gillette Stadium will fill 20% of the seats on gameday.
Still no word on whether the Patriots will be able to have fans at any games this season, but if they can, Gillette Stadium will “operate at approximately 20 percent of its total capacity,” per an email sent this morning to Putnam Club season ticket holders. pic.twitter.com/KAFMDXtI3o
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) July 14, 2020
If this is possible, assuming COVID-19 numbers decrease as further measures are taken to prevent the spread, those limited number of fans will also be required to socially distance and wear face coverings while attending games.
This is the best-case scenario unless, obviously, a vaccine is miraculously developed before the start or within the first few weeks of the season. Only a portion of Patriots Nation will get to see Cam Newton, but in doing the math, that means 13,175 fans will be able to watch the team play at home games. That’s not bad, right?!
#Patriots announce reduced capacity and preliminary protocols for fans at @GilletteStadium: https://t.co/nP9jGEiQFV
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) July 14, 2020
Of course, out of all the years this happens, the Patriots finally have a challenging and intriguing schedule. Aside from the lullaby AFC East matchups with the Dolphins, Jets and Bills, New England is set to host the Raiders, Broncos, 49ers, Ravens and Cardinals. None of those are really cakewalks and should be entertaining in some capacity for the home crowd.
We’re sure those interested in seeing a game this year are going to overwhelming attempt to buy tickets to the 49ers and Ravens games, but don’t underestimate Las Vegas, Denver and Arizona. All of those teams have young players set to take the NFL by storm.