JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jaguars released a preliminary look at what football may look like at TIAA Bank Field this season, saying they expect no more than 25% capacity due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The team said that season tickets will be refunded or they will allow fans to apply those to 2021 season tickets. That means roughly 16,791 fans will be spaced out across the stadium’s 71,000 capacity. Face coverings will also be required for fans at games.
“It was our sincere hope to welcome a capacity crowd to TIAA Bank Field this fall and celebrate together with the First Coast community. However, with the health and well-being of everyone in mind, the Jaguars anticipate reducing capacity this season,” the team posted on its website.
“In compliance with state and local authorities and following CDC social distancing guidelines, TIAA Bank Field will be able to seat approximately 25 percent of its capacity at each Jaguars home game in 2020. Once the season begins, any future increase in capacity will depend on developments on the health and safety front.”
Among some areas covered in the Jaguars’ post to fans:
- All season tickets will be returned, and funds paid to date will be credited to accounts.
- Full cash refunds will also be made available upon request.
- 2020 Season Ticket Holders will have first access to tickets
- Based on demand some single game tickets may be available
- Season ticket member status will not be affected
Other teams around the NFL had put out similar messages this week.
Training camp is scheduled to begin July 28 around the league. The league has already canceled the first and fourth preseason games and the NFL Players Association has voted to try and get the NFL to scrap the other two.
Jacksonville is now scheduled to play nine games at TIAA Bank Field in 2020. Its first preseason home game is Aug. 29 against Washington. Its regular season opener is Sept. 13 against the Colts.
News4Jax sports analyst and former Jaguars quarterback Mark Brunell said the reduction in crowd size will make home games feel substantially different this year. From a player’s perspective, that won’t be all that bad because the goal is still to play and win. That won’t change regardless if there’s fans in the stands or not.
“When you’re out there in the huddle and your calling out audible and cadence, you want it as quiet as possible so there might be a few but the word is it’s going to be strange, its going to be weird, but there is going to be football which is a good thing,” he said.