A Bears announcement said the team will put a plan in place "once it is deemed safe and appropriate"GETTY IMAGES
The Bears currently are planning "not to have fans at games at Solider Field this season" due to COVID-19 concerns, according to Colleen Kane of the CHICAGO TRIBUNE. After discussing a plan with Chicago health officials, the Bears and the city "agreed that health data showed it is not safe to host fans at games as of now." The Bears in their announcement yesterday said that they "will put a plan in place 'once it is deemed safe and appropriate'" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 8/18). In Chicago, Jason Lieser notes the Bears "will indefinitely keep Solider Field empty for home games." The Bears' announcement said, "The team and city will continue to monitor the environment and believe there can be a sound plan in place to bring fans back to Soldier Field once it is deemed safe and appropriate" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 8/18).
WHEN SEPTEMBER ENDS: The Falcons and Atlanta United yesterday announced that all of their games in September at Mercedes-Benz Stadium "will be played with no fans in attendance." AMB Group CEO Steve Cannon said, "The health and safety of our fans is our top priority. ... After thoughtful consideration and collaboration, it became clear to us that adhering to the guidance by national and local health officials was the right decision" (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 8/18). This decision will affect two Falcons home games, including the home opener against the Seahawks on Sept. 13 and the Sept. 27 game against the Bears. Atlanta United previously announced that the team would be playing with no fans in attendance for the first phase of MLS continuation of play in local markets. The schedule for the second phase of competition has not yet been released and may include additional September home matches (Falcons).
TRENDING THE RIGHT WAY: Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez yesterday during an interview on WMEN-AM said the Dolphins "would like to get" up to 25% stadium capacity for games at Hard Rock Stadium. Gimenez said that he "will make that decision -- adding that Governor Ron DeSantis has the authority to overrule mayors -- and that the decision is at least 'a couple weeks off.'" Gimenez also said the rate of positive tests in Miami-Dade County "is going down." Gimenez: "We may see some fans in the stands if the trend continues. It's an outdoor facility. Much safer than indoors. We are going to see what we can do, with them and the [Univ. of Miami] Hurricanes, to see if we can get some fans in the stands. It's a little bit early now" (MIAMI HERALD, 8/18).
