Should the Titans get the "green light to host fans at Nissan Stadium in October, the venue could hold up to 22% capacity with COVID-19 protocols in place," according to Erik Bacharach of the Nashville TENNESSEAN. The Titans' only home game this month -- against the Jaguars on Sept. 20 -- will be played "without fans in the stands." Titans President & CEO Burke Nihill yesterday said that in order to host fans for the Titans' next home game -- against the Steelers on Oct. 4 -- the team "would need to get word soon." Nihill: "Probably within the next seven to 10 days." In terms of the potential layout of fan seating at Nissan Stadium, Nihill described a “pod-based seating of one to six fans that are socially distanced from every other pod of fans." He indicated that the percentage of fans the venue "could hold in that situation is about 21-22%," meaning 15,211 fans (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 9/9).
NO CUTOUT MAFIA: The Bills "are not planning to have fan cutouts in the stands at Bills Stadium," as no fans will be allowed for the Bills’ first two home games, including Sunday’s opener, based on state and local health guidelines. The plan "will be re-evaluated before the team’s third home game, in early October." At least five NFL teams have "announced fan cutout programs." Instead, the Bills have announced a "Bills Fan Box program in which fans can purchase a box for each home game." The box includes a "T-shirt designed by a Bills player and assorted game day gifts." A portion of the proceeds will "go to the charity of that player’s choice" (BUFFALO NEWS, 9/9).
STILL NO. 1? In L.A., Emmanuel Morgan writes the Raiders "still can make a case for being the No. 1 team" in the market despite their move to Las Vegas and the presence of the Rams and Chargers. Fans in Southern California "stay devoted" to the Raiders, epitomizing the "enthusiasm of the Raiders fanbase" despite the team leaving Oakland for the second time. Former Raiders Chief Exec Amy Trask said, "I can’t explain the why -- I think it’s more appropriate for the fans to speak to that -- but the passion is tremendous and it is global" (L.A. TIMES, 9/9).
