Want to get into Arrowhead Stadium for a Chiefs game this year? You’ll need a mask
If the NFL season proceeds as scheduled, and if fans are still allowed to fill the stands in some capacity, masks will be a requirement inside the stadium.
That mandate comes from the league, per Brian McCarthy, the NFL’s vice president of communications.
“For those wondering, yes, it is league-wide: fans at NFL games this season will be required to wear face coverings,” McCarthy said.
If they’re there at all.
Earlier this month, the Chiefs announced they will have reduced capacity at Arrowhead Stadium in 2020. The percentages are still being worked out.
They automatically forwarded season ticket-holders’ 2020 payments to the 2021 season, though those members will be included in a single-game pre-sale for seats after capacity is finalized, per the team.
“While our goal all offseason was to have a full stadium as we begin our Super Bowl title defense, it is out of consideration of the health and safety of our fans, employees, coaches and players that we move forward with a reduced-capacity plan that adheres to local guidelines and expert recommendations,” Chiefs president Mark Donovan said.
Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas extended the city’s mask order through Aug. 15, running in conjunction with the city’s state of emergency order. Kansas City Health Department director Rex Archer has said wearing masks will be the best avenue for schools and sporting events to open again.
On the possibility of a reduced crowd, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said earlier this offseason: “First of all, we love our fans. They are the loudest in the world. And it’s ridiculous how loud it gets for our opponents. On the other hand, we’ll still go play and they’ll be that way. There will probably be a lot more talking with the players that you can hear. Those guys get pretty creative out there in their conversation.
“There’s homefield advantage with the fans. There’s homefield advantage that you don’t travel and that you know the facility and where everything lays on the field. You have that part of it. ...
“If nothing else, we know the fans are watching because Kansas City fans don’t miss a beat. They’ll make sure our players know they’re behind us.”
This story was originally published July 22, 2020 at 2:05 PM.