The Washington Football Team announced Wednesday that there will be no fans at its games at FedEx Field this year. Officials say the health and safety of its fans and employees were “top of mind” when making the decision.
The franchise had originally developed a plan health and safety plan, but decided not to go through with it out of “an abundance of caution” after talking with federal, state and local officials. Team owner Dan Synder said the “current knowledge of COVID-19 is too unpredictable” to welcome fans into the stadium to start the 2020 season.
Team officials say if the situation surrounding the pandemic improves, they will re-evaluate.
According to a press release, the franchise has reached out to season ticket members with financial alternatives for their ticket plans. Information for single game ticket holders is available by calling customer service and on the ticket section of WashingtonFootball.com.
Several people reacted on Twitter with tongue-in-cheek comments, referring to team’s 2019 record:
There usually aren’t that many anyways. pic.twitter.com/gkDbH701nX
— Stormin’ (@StorminDMV) August 12, 2020
Just like last season.
— Gregory (@gwtrimmer) August 12, 2020
The Washington Football Team had a dismal season in 2019 finishing 3–13, which was the league’s second-worst record that year, ahead of only the 2–14 Cincinnati Bengals. Following the season’s end, team president Bruce Allen and several others were fired.
Synder says the franchise is working to “find ways to make our fans’ presence felt in new and innovative ways.” The release says there will be more information available on the team’s website and its social media channels before the Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 13.
