It is not looking promising for Tennessee Titans fans who hoped to see the team play at the Nissan Stadium this season. While an official statement has yet to be released to the general public regarding the upcoming season, in a letter to season ticket holders, which was shared on the Titans website, the NFL team said it is doubtful that they will fill the stadium to its full capacity for the 2020-21 season, due to COVID-19 concerns.
“Over the past several days, there have been many reports regarding stadium capacities at NFL venues for the 2020 season,” the letter began. “As these reports continue to emerge, we wanted to let our fans know that we are currently working closely with NFL, state and local officials on a solution for Titans games to be developed with the health and safety of our fans at the forefront of all decisions.
“Based on CDC guidelines and initial feedback from other governing authorities, it is unlikely that Nissan Stadium will be open to full capacity this fall,” the statement continued. “The presence of and the exact number of fans has not yet been determined. Despite this, it is our hope that all Season Ticket Members will have the chance to attend a number of our games.”
President and CEO of the Titans, Burke Nihill, said that the Titans are hoping to at least allow season ticket holders a way to attend the Nashville games.
“The health and safety of our players, staff and fans are our highest priorities as we explore ways to accommodate Season Ticket Members at Nissan Stadium this season,” he said in the letter. “We are in the process of working with the NFL, Metro Health Department and healthcare professionals to determine how we can safely provide a first-class experience in the stadium this year.”
Season ticket holders will also have the ability to opt out of the 2020 season, and apply future payments to next season instead. Refunds for anything paid for the upcoming season will also be available.
“Though the full extent to which we are able to host fans at Nissan Stadium is still yet to be determined, our staff is dedicated to helping our Season Ticket Members navigate these unique circumstances,” the letter concluded.
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) has suggested suspending all preseason games, something Jon Robinson, General Manager for the Tennessee Titans, would not necessarily support.
“Those preseason games, they’re extremely important for those guys that are on the roster bubble, that are kind of clamoring for spots, maybe they’re on the outside looking in for their team,” he said (via the Nashville Post). “But also, these rookie free agents and evaluating those guys, we’ll have to be extremely creative. Maybe go back and watch some of their college film to see is there anything that we see in however many preseason games that they play in that they might be a help for our football team.”