TAMPA, Florida, USA – Wearing N95 masks and face shields, John Goodman, his wife Alison McMillan, and their two teenage children pushed their way through the crowds on the streets around 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 did not 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 drive to Tampa the next day to “see the big picture” and have dinner. They saw people without masks and decided to return to Orlando.
So 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 contesting the championship – was nothing like the previous 54. About 25,000 fans were allowed to attend, with 7,500 of those health workers vaccinated. Another 30,000 cardboard cutouts filled the empty seats to create space and comply with social distancing protocols.
“The cardboard cutouts makes it look like it’s full,” said Matt Geer, a Tampa native and Bucs compost owner. “It feels like a real game. It doesn’t feel scheduled like other regular season games. “
Geer spent $ 9,000 for a seat at the top and said 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. Ushers with signs applied the rule, which should already be a normal operating protocol. However, violators 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 entertainment and recreation areas for the Super Bowl festivities and the days after.
This was not enough to dissuade the thousands of fans who gathered outside the stadium.
Miley Cyrus headlined the event before the game. She wore a black and pink cheerleader outfit 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, something that took several hours, some more focused than others on the Covid-19 protocols.
“It’s great what the NFL has done here,” said Kelvin Walls, a Kansas City emergency healthcare surgeon. “Inviting healthcare workers to watch the game is incredible. But the NFL should have done the same for others who we they attend. I know they feel belittled and should be here. “
