No fans will be allowed at Raymond James Stadium for Tom Brady's first two games at quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10 Sports can confirm.
In a message to season ticket holders, the NFL franchise cited health concerns about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as the reason. That means fans won't be allowed at the Sept. 20 home opener against the Carolina Panthers.
Under the current plan, fans wouldn't be allowed back to the stadium until Oct. 18 at the earliest when the Bucs host the Green Bay Packers. And, that's only if the pandemic situation improves.
"We share this disappointment along with at least 25 other NFL teams who also won't be hosting fans to begin the season," Bucs Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford wrote in a letter. "This September, we will deeply miss the energy and passion that our fans bring to Raymond James Stadium on gamedays."
The University of South Florida previously announced fans wouldn't be in the stands for its first home football game at Raymond James on Sept. 12. However, fans are currently expected to attend four home games, beginning with the Oct. 10 game vs. East Carolina University.
It remains unclear exactly how many fans will be allowed back to Bucs or Bulls games when health conditions allow. But, safety precautions are being taken at Raymond James Stadium to help limit the spread of the virus when fans do come back.
- Florida approved for $300 federal unemployment payments, but the money won’t last long
- Florida cuts ties with Quest Diagnostics after lab failed to report nearly 75K COVID-19 test results
- Organizer of Florida's Trump boat parades charged with felony
- Verizon looks to hire about 1,000 people for work from home job
- Tropical Storm Nana forecast to become a hurricane in Caribbean
- Depression strengthens to Tropical Storm Omar as it moves away from US
►Breaking news and weather alerts: Get the free 10 Tampa Bay app
►Stay In the Know! Sign up now for the Brightside Blend Newsletter