Dressed in 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 sat in their seats for the Super Bowl for almost three hours Before you start.
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,” said Goodman, who traveled with his family from Greensboro, North Carolina.
They arrived in Orlando on Friday and drove 90 minutes 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 see something similar around the stadium on Sunday. But, they were ready.
“Our mother is well protected,” Goodman said.
The NFL summit – with local Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defending champion Kansas City Chiefs contesting the championship – did not resemble any of the previous 54. About 25,000 fans were allowed to attend, with 7,500 of these sanitation workers vaccinated. Another 30,000 cardboard cutouts filled the empty seats to create space and to comply with social distancing protocols.
“The cardboard cutouts make it look full,” said Matt Geer, a Tampa native and Bucs compost owner. “It simply came to our notice then. It doesn’t feel like other regular season games. “
Geer spent $ 9,000 on a top spot and said the entrance to the stadium was “crazy.”
But it was worth it.
Those who attended had to cover their faces during the meeting, unless they ate or drank. Signed users have applied the rule, which should already be a normal operating protocol. However, criminals could be seen in all directions.
Tampa Bay Mayor Jane Castor last month issued an executive order requiring the use of outdoor masks for the most popular entertainment and recreation areas for Super Bowl festivities and the following days.
This was not enough to discourage thousands of fans who gathered outside the stadium.
Miley Cyrus titled the event before the game. She wore a black and pink cheerleading 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 him on stage for two songs.
Fans entered the stadium slowly, which lasted 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 surgeon. “Inviting health care workers to watch the game is incredible. But the NFL should have done the same for the others involved. I know that you feel diminished and you should be here. “
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