The NFL has told business partners that Super Bowl Opening Night and other major events that normally precede the Big Game will likely go virtual-only -- or be canceled altogether -- to minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread, according to sources. Monday’s usual Opening Night event with both teams and media will not happen in its usual form, with no ticketed access and all-virtual interviews. NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy said the NFLPA agreement dictating all-virtual player interviews during the season would still apply. Saturday’s NFL Honors award show will be a made-for-TV production only, with no red carpet or tickets available -- possibly akin to the early-pandemic NFL Draft, a source said. The NFL House is cut entirely, though the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee says it will have some hospitality spaces available to sponsors, including possibly a Yacht Village. All these changes were discussed on a confidential video conference call with sponsors, licensees and networks on Wednesday. McCarthy emphasized that all plans around the Super Bowl remain subject to change, and nothing should be considered final. “Plans continue to evolve,” he said.
