10 ways the Super Bowl will be different due to the pandemic

While things will look a little different this year, the NFL says it is committed to delivering the ultimate fan experience in the safest way possible at this year's Super Bowl.

News 12 Staff

Feb 3, 2021, 1:03 PM

Updated 1,344 days ago

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Super Bowl LV will be played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Feb. 7, 2021. 
While things will look a little different this year, the NFL says it is committed to delivering the ultimate fan experience in the safest way possible.
The NFL is allowing 22,000 fans at Super Bowl LV, including 7,500 vaccinated health care workers who will get free tickets, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced on Jan. 22
Below are some of the ways the Super Bowl will be different for fans at the stadium this year:

1. Physical distancing

Fans are required to follow all six-foot physical distancing markers displayed throughout common areas inside and outside Raymond James Stadium. These markers will designate how to enter security gates, restrooms, shops and concessions. 

2. Face coverings

Facial coverings will be mandatory for anyone in the stadium (fans and staff) and must be worn at all times (other than while actively eating or drinking), from the parking lot to the stadium entry gates. Vented face masks and face shields without a face covering will not be permitted.

3. Hygiene

Hand sanitizer will be readily available for use throughout the stadium, and fans are encouraged to use it regularly.

4. First aid

Fans that begin to feel ill on gameday, should get help immediately. A fan dedicated isolation area will be available for any fan that begins to feel ill after entering the stadium. The stadium's onsite medical team will be fully prepared to treat fans. Anyone that feels sick before getting to the stadium is asked to stay home. 

5. Directional signage

Fans are asked to follow signage to help maintain physical distancing. Staircases, elevators, and escalators will be modified so that everyone flows in the same direction. 

6. Ingress and egress

To reduce congestion when entering and exiting the stadium, there will be different entrances and exits for stadium staff and ticketholders. The game tickets will have specific details. 

7. Proximity to players and each other

The first several rows of seats closest to the field will be closed off to create distance between fans and players. Additionally, the stadium will be blocking off seats to support physical distancing.

8. Enhanced cleaning

All high touch surfaces in stadium common areas will be cleaned extensively. Those surfaces include door handles, elevator buttons, handrails, sink handles, toilets, ATMs and other touch screens, turnstiles, vestibules, and water fountains.

9. Staff temperature checks

All staff will have their temperature taken before entering the stadium. Any temperature above 100.4⁰F will be flagged, and that employee will be sent home.

10. Face coverings and PPE

Like fans, all staff will be required to wear a face covering at all times. They will also be required to complete a health screening questionnaire before entering the stadium on Super Bowl Sunday. For those staff who work in concessions or handle any high touch surfaces, gloves will also be required.
Source: NFL