Friday the Detroit Lions announced that the team will not host any fans for their first two home games this season as the United States continues to shit the bed when it comes to handling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Home games against the Chicago Bears on September 13 (which also marks the season opener) and New Orleans Saints during Week Four on October 4 will have to be caught on television for Lions fans while they keep their collective fingers crossed in hopes that Week Eight against the Colts on November 1 will be open to the public.
“We have spent considerable time and resources implementing new gameday protocols at Ford Field and are ready to host fans at Lions games once approved by state guidelines,” said Lions Team President Rod Wood. “The health and safety of our players, coaches and staff, has been a focal point for all facets of 2020 season planning as demonstrated by being one of the first teams to gain approval from the NFL and NFLPA for meeting training camp COVID-19 requirements. We have the utmost confidence that we can provide a safe and enjoyable experience for fans at our stadium.”
“Lions fans have traditionally created an intimidating environment for visiting teams at Ford Field and, even in a reduced capacity, will be missed when we kick off the season against our division rival, the Chicago Bears. We are hopeful for an opportunity to host fans at the remaining six 2020 home games.”
In addition, other areas of Ford Field will be closed to fans on game day including parking lots and other Ford Field businesses such as Blitz and The Stadium Collection according to DetroitLions.com.
This move by the Lions was pretty much expected and understood all things considered. At least too the Lions seemed to rationally evaluate the situation in-hand unlike Jerry Jones who doesn’t seem to have much of a plan down in Dallas as he prepares to turn Jerry World into some massive COVID-19 petri dish.
