Wearing N95 masks and face shields, John Goodman, his wife Alison McMillan and their two teenage children made their way through the crowds to the neighboring streets at Raymond James Stadium and settled into their seats for the Super Bowl almost three hours before it started.
They were the first in their section. They didn’t want to be part of the “madness” that was happening elsewhere.
“We were a little nervous,” admitted Goodman, who traveled with his family from Greensboro, North Carolina.
They arrived in Orlando on Friday and made the 90-minute trip to Tampa the next day to “see the panorama” and have dinner. They saw people without masks and decided to return to Orlando.
Then it was no surprise to spot something similar around the stadium on Sunday. But, they were ready.
“Mom has us well protected,” Goodman said.
The NFL summit – with local Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defending champion Kansas City Chiefs playing the championship – bore no resemblance to the previous 54. About 25,000 fans were allowed to attend, with 7,500 of them. these vaccinated health workers. Another 30,000 cardboard scraps filled the empty seats to create space and comply with social distancing protocols.
“The cardboard cuts make it look like it’s full,” said Matt Geer, a Tampa native who owns a Bucs pass. “It feels like a real game. It doesn’t feel programmed like other regular season games.”
Geer spent $ 9,000 for a seat at the top and explained that entering the stadium was “crazy”.
But it was worth it.
Those who attended had to cover their faces during the meeting unless they were eating or drinking. Accommodationers with signs applied the rule, which should already be a normal operation protocol. However, offenders could be seen in all directions.
Tampa Bay Mayor Jane Castor issued an executive order last month requiring the use of outdoor masks for the most popular areas of entertainment and recreation for Super Bowl festivities and later days.
That wasn’t enough to deter the thousands of fans who gathered outside the stadium.
Miley Cyrus led the event before the match. Wear a black and pink cheerleader dress for several songs. The list included “Head Like a Hole” by Nine Inch Nails, “Jolene” by Dolly Parton and “Heart of Glass” by Blondie.
Billy Idol and Joan Jett joined her on stage for two songs.
Fans entered the stadium slowly, which required several hours, some more focused than others on COVID-19 protocols.
“It’s great what the NFL has done here,” said Kelvin Walls, a Kansas City health emergency surgeon. “Inviting health care workers to watch the game is amazing. But the NFL should have done the same for the others who attend us. I know they feel despised and should be here.”
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