Teams could decide to recapture lost revenue by selling parking spots and concessions outside venuesGETTY IMAGES
The NFL is "anticipating the congregation of fans outside stadiums that aren’t open for business" during the upcoming season, according to a source cited by Mike Florio of NBCSPORTS.com. A source said that parking lots "can be set up for social distancing via the separation of cars, even if the people at the tailgates don’t stay six feet apart from people in their own group or other groups." Florio noted some teams "could decide to recapture lost revenue by selling parking spots (probably at a premium), and likewise making food, beer, merchandise, and even programs available." Still, at some point near the stadium there will be a "perimeter created by the team." On the other side of that perimeter, "nothing will stop fans from driving up, parking their cars, cracking open a few beers, grill up a few burgers, and watch the game." This leads to an "obvious question." If nothing in a given community will "stop fans from assuming the risk and showing up outside the stadium, why not let them in?" (NBCSPORTS.com, 6/24).
IN AN ENVIABLE POSITION: NESN’s Matt Chatham noted the NFL can learn from MLB how to operate with or without fans in venues. Using the example of L.A., Chatman said, "Whatever would be pertinent for (the Dodgers) should presumably also be pertinent for whatever happens to the Rams and Chargers. We’re going to get to see it fleshed out in another sport.” Chatman said he “assumes and hopes” wearing masks becomes “universal throughout NFL markets.” Chatman: “It’s going to be very difficult to have the six-foot thing. The idea of blacking out some seats and allowing space between them is probably not feasible” (“After Hours,” NESN, 6/24).
