Miami Dolphins owner claims 2020 NFL season will happen
The National Football League is one of the few professional sports leagues that has not been disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the 2020 season is not scheduled to kick off until September, there has been speculation that the league would still not be able to play their season when originally scheduled.
On Tuesday in an interview with CNBC though, Miami Dolphins’ owner Stephen Ross made it clear that he not only believes that season will take place, but that there is also a possibility that a limited number of fans could be allowed into the stadiums as well.
“I think there definitely will be a football season this year,” Ross told CNBC. “The real question is will there be fans in the stadiums?”
“Right now, today, we’re planning on having some fans in the stadiums,” Ross continued. “But I think the NFL is very flexible so that we will be able to start on time and bring that entertainment that is really so needed to all of us in this country.”
While it may not have been the most ideal of circumstances, the league was still able to conduct its annual entry draft virtually with free agency not being affected either.
It remains to be seen whether the full season will take place as planned or whether it will be altered to help prevent unnecessary travel. Currently, the first preseason game is scheduled to take place on August 6th with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys squaring off in the Hall of Fame game. The regular season is scheduled to take place a month later on September 10th with the defending Super Bowl Champions the Kansas City Chiefs hosting the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium.
On Tuesday, the NHL announced a return to play plan that includes an expanded playoff format while the NBA is looking to finish their season playing all remaining games in Florida. However, unlike both of those leagues the NFL did not have to cancel any games and had to time to prepare for what their upcoming season will look like.
“One thing we miss is our sports,” Ross said. “I don’t think a lot of people realize it until they no longer have it. Certainly the NFL, I think, will be ready to go. I know we’re all looking forward to it. I know I am.”
Ross has not been the only vocal member of the Dolphins’ organization with the team’s CEO Tom Garfinkel suggesting the team is considering social distancing proposals for games, and perhaps limiting crowds to 15,000. However, it remains to be seen whether teams will even be able to play in their own stadiums or whether they will need to complete the games in hub cities like both the NHL and NBA plan to do.
“We’ve done a lot of things down in Miami,” Ross said. “We’re prepared either way, and hopefully there will be fans in the stadiums.”
Miami finished dead last in the AFC East last season, with a record of 5-11.
