On July 24, Executive VP and Chief Marketing Officer Terry Bateman said Washington was planning on having fans at games. Now it appears the unpredictability of the coronavirus pandemic has caused the franchise to change its mind.
After discussions with health officials from Prince George's County and the state of Maryland, the Washington Football Team announced their decision to play home games without fans during the 2020 season.
“We are fortunate to host the best fans in the NFL year after year, but the wellbeing of those supporters, along with that of our players, coaches and each and every member of our gameday staff is simply too important, and the current knowledge of COVID-19 too unpredictable, to welcome our fan base to FedExField to start the season,” Dan Snyder said in a statement.
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“We were the first team in the league to recall our scouts and other personnel from the field back in mid-March and have been monitoring this evolving situation ever since," Snyder said. "This decision was not an easy one, but after several discussions with federal, state and local officials – along with input from some of the nation’s foremost medical experts, based right here in the nation’s capital – we are confident that it is the right one. We are working to find ways to make our fans’ presence felt in new and innovative ways for 2020 and can’t wait to welcome the community through the gates as soon as it’s safe.”
In their announcement, the team also said they will reevaluate this decision should the situation with the coronavirus pandemic improve. They have also reached out to season ticket holders with financial alternatives to their ticket plans. Ahead of their Week 1 matchup with the Eagles on September 13, Washington plans to give fans the opportunity to virtually cheer on their favorite team.
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