Fans can opt out if CDC guidelines deem them as high risk due to age or underlying conditionsGETTY IMAGES
The Patriots are offering season-ticket holders who are at an "elevated risk of COVID-19 infection the chance to skip the 2020 season entirely and still hold onto their seats for the next year," according to Jimmy Golen of the AP. The policy "appears to be the most generous -- or perhaps cautious -- yet announced by an NFL team in response to the coronavirus pandemic, going beyond the league’s blanket offer of a full refund for games not played and allowing fans to opt out in advance 'if because of age or an underlying health condition (they) are in a population the CDC has identified as being at higher risk of illness from COVID-19.'" The Patriots last week in a letter to season-ticket holders said, "By completing this agreement now, your seat location will be protected for the 2021 season." Typically, fans who cancel their season tickets "lose the chance to buy those seats in future years and are replaced by someone on a waiting list, if there is one." The Patriots' wait list has "tens of thousands of names." Other teams contacted by the AP said that they "had not arrived at a similar policy, with some noting that the timeline and path of the disease is unpredictable" (AP, 6/19).
PAY UP, IF YOU'RE STILL IN: In Boston, Ben Volin noted the Patriots in the letter reiterated that "deposits for the 2020 season are still due by June 30." The team in effect has "offered fans the opportunity to defer their ticket plans to next year, but are asking those who intend to use this year's tickets to make the payment." The letter also "reiterates that the team will offer a full refund or a credit toward 2021 tickets for any game that is canceled, is not played in front of fans, or if there are conditions that prevent a ticket from being used (such as a partial crowd)" (BOSTON GLOBE, 6/21).
GIANTS MAKE AN OFFER: In New Jersey, Justin Toscano reports the NFL Giants "will allow their season ticket holders to skip the season if they desire." The team reportedly sent an email to season-ticket holders today, informing them that they "can skip the season and return in 2021 without losing their PSL (personal seat license) or the status of their tickets" (Bergen RECORD, 6/22).
