TAMPA, Fla., Feb 7 (Reuters) — Masks-clad followers streamed into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ stadium on Tremendous Bowl Sunday for the NFL’s championship recreation, because the restricted crowd of attendees largely noticed COVID-19 well being and security restrictions.
The showdown between the hometown Bucs and the reigning Tremendous Bowl champion Kansas Metropolis Chiefs is the end result of a Nationwide Soccer League season that when appeared unsure, because the novel coronavirus ripped by america and plunged the world {of professional} sports activities into disarray practically 11 months in the past.
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The 65,618-capacity Raymond James Stadium, which is permitting 25,000 ticketed followers within the stands and suites for America’s greatest annual sporting occasion, had the looks of a packed crowd, as cardboard cutouts have been scattered between the in-person followers.
“I like this,” stated Colleen O’Malley, 61, a lifelong Chiefs fan who traveled from Lawrence, Kansas, gesturing to the cutouts, as she loved the sunny skies and 71-degree Fahrenheit (22 C) climate. “We have been frightened in regards to the rain and take a look at this!”
The cutouts, which function photos of common followers, former NFL gamers and celebrities together with disc jockey and report producer DJ Khaled and singer Lizzo, have been among the many measures designed to maintain attendees socially distanced.
Officers scattered all through the stadium reminded ticket holders to area themselves out on escalators, whereas pop singer Miley Cyrus crooned her cowl of “Coronary heart of Glass” to a crammed tailgate live performance for among the 7,500 vaccinated healthcare employees to whom the league offered free tickets.
Whereas the overwhelming majority of followers have been carrying masks, the signage requesting that attendees keep 6 ft (1.8 m) aside was largely ignored round of among the stadium’s concession stands.
Michael Simpkins, 51, a Buccaneers season-ticket holder for 5 years, was among the many many hometown followers hoping to see Tampa Bay clinch its first NFL championship since 2003, with six-time Tremendous Bowl-winning quarterback Tom Brady – taking part in his first season for the crew – on the helm.
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“I hated him till he got here right here,” Simpkins stated of the longtime New England Patriot. “Now I like him! I like Brady. He’s superior.”
Tampa is the primary metropolis to host its personal crew on the Tremendous Bowl, and followers shelled out 1000’s of {dollars} for the restricted provide of tickets. The bottom value for a pair on Ticketmaster was $10,716 as of Friday, in keeping with knowledge equipped by the ticket vendor.
Keith Kunzig, a 53-year-old monetary adviser in Tampa, who’s attending his second straight Tremendous Bowl, was accompanied by his 21-year-old daughter, Future.
“I knocked this off my bucket record to be within the house stadium with our Tampa Bay Bucs and my child woman. That’s all I can ask,” Kunzig stated. “Now let’s get a victory.”
(Reporting by Amy Tennery and Gabriella Borter in Tampa, Florida; Enhancing by Peter Cooney)
