LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. – There will be no fans at FedEx Field to watch the Washington Football Team for the 2020 season.
The teams says the decision, endorsed by local officials and partners, comes "out of an abundance of caution due to the rapidly changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic."
“We are fortunate to host the best fans in the NFL year after year, but the well-being 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,” said Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder in a statement. “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. 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.”
The team noted the decision will be re-evaluated by all parties should the situation surrounding the pandemic improve over the course of the season.
Washington says they had developed a comprehensive health and safety plan in close coordination with the State of Maryland and Prince George’s County (MD).
The team says fan will be able to learn more about ways to cheer on the Washington Football Team virtually prior to the season opener on September 13 via the team’s website or on social media.
