GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – While news of a 17th NFL regular season game was expected for months, Commissioner Roger Goodell added some information on Tuesday that was perhaps unexpected for many: the NFL expects full fan capacity at games next season.
“Football simply is not the same without fans and we expect to have full stadiums in the upcoming season,” said Goodell.
Lambeau Field and 17 other NFL facilities have been doing their part to make the goal a reality. 1.5 million vaccine doses have been administered between them.
“We’re going to do everything we can as a league and as the Packers organization just to encourage people as soon as you’re able and eligible to get vaccinated,” said Mark Murphy, Packers President & CEO.
While Murphy says vaccination hasn’t been talked about as a requirement for attending games, health officials say local numbers will likely play a role in capacity decisions. So far, more than 1 million people in Wisconsin have been fully vaccinated.
“We could fill Lambeau Field about 12 times over,” said Gov. Tony Evers.
Prevea Health President and CEO Dr. Ashok Rai tells FOX 11 a lot can happen before the season kicks off in September.
“Really I think it’s great that the commissioner set a goal for us, a five-month goal for those of us who love football.”
FOX 11 asked Dr. Rai if he believes the NFL’s goal is realistic.
“Oh I think it’s realistic if we continue on the path that we’re on, especially here in the state of Wisconsin around vaccination, continuing to mask until we see cases go down to a very low level.”
If you want to be at a Packers game next season, Rai recommends you keep masking up, staying socially distant and get vaccinated.
