For those that wish to attend the Packers home games this season, there is still a chance you may be able to do so. President and CEO of the Packers, Mark Murphy, said it’s possible that no fans will be allowed to attend games this season, but the organization is holding out optimism. In fact, the team sent a notification letter to season ticket holders that there are plans to play in front of fans, although at a much smaller scale.
Clearly if fans can attend, there will be strict protocols, including wearing masks and social distancing. There will be several options available to season ticket holders, including the chance to opt out. Those that opt out will get either a full refund or keep their ticket package for next season.
With the absence of preseason games, it will be interesting to see how well-prepared teams will be to kick off the regular season in less than three weeks. There still is no official word as to whether or not fans will be permitted to attend games.
There is a possibility that some teams in cities less heavily affected by COVID-19 will be allowed to have fans, while others are not so fortunate. In an interview with Fox Business Network, former Packers’ great Brett Favre clearly noted that home field advantage is a real thing, and to play without fans takes away from teams and somewhat evens the playing field.
Favre believes fans, if they take the proper precautions, should be allowed to attend games should they choose to do so. He added that the players clearly thrive off the emotion of the fans, particularly at home.
With a significant number of top 25 college football teams not playing this season, Favre hopes there will be some semblance of college football this year, and thinks if the SEC plays, there will be some college football. Maybe not all the teams will play, but any kind of football this year is a bonus, with or without fans in attendance.
Brief transcript of Favre’s comments on Fox Business Network’s Varney & Co.:
I can’t imagine Lambeau Field on a Monday night game with zero fans watching in attendance.
You know, home field advantage is a real thing. And you are going to take that away from some teams. But I’m curious to see how it all plays out.
Me personally, I think they should allow fans to attend as they wish, and take the proper precautions. And if you — you’re fearful of catching this virus, then you stay home.
But there’s no question that the players feed off of the fans, especially at home, obviously. And I think, of all the sports, here in the States, at least, football certainly, I think, thrives, feeds off of the fans.
So, it’s going to be interesting.