PHILADELPHIA– City officials say that no fans will remain in the represent Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia Phillies video games in 2020, citing security issues in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.
” The Eagles are still going to be enabled to play, although without crowds. The Phillies will continue to be permitted to play, although without crowds,” managing director Brian Abernathy said, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
” We have been in interaction with the Eagles. We have informed them our expectations are that they dont have fans.”
Philadelphia health commissioner Thomas Farley said he believes that baseball and football games can be played under the security protocols recommended by both leagues, but having fans in the stands would be too big of a threat.
” I do not believe that they can have viewers at those video games. Theres no method for them to be safe having a crowd there,” he said.
The Eagles have yet to openly comment.
“We are collecting details on Philadelphia,” stated NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy, who added that what occurs in Philadelphia will not affect the NFLs decision-making for the other 31 groups.
“Decisions on the number of fans at arenas will be figured out on a market-by-market basis,” McCarthy said.
The NFL has stated from the start that safety decisions will be made in combination with assistance from public health professionals and in accordance with local and state standards.
The city officials remarks came on the exact same day mayor Jim Kenney announced that all large-scale events in Philadelphia would be canceled through February 2021.
Earlier this month, the Eagles informed season-ticket holders that they had the alternative of deferring their tickets for the 2020 season, keeping in mind that some might have issues about going to video games personally.
” I do not believe that they can have viewers at those games. Theres no method for them to be safe having a crowd there,” he stated.
