John Goodman, his wife Alison McMillan, and their two teenage children wore N95 masks and face shields and made their way through the crowds on the streets around Raymond James Stadium, settling into their seats for the Super Bowl nearly three hours before it started.
They were the first in their section. They didn’t want to be part of the “madness” that was happening elsewhere.
“We were a little nervous,” admitted Goodman, who was traveling with his family from Greensboro, North Carolina.
They arrived in Orlando on Friday and made the 90-minute drive 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 like this in the stadium on Sunday. But they were done.
“Mum has protected us well,” Goodman said.
The NFL summit – with the local Tampa Bay Buccaneers and defending champions Kansas City Chiefs contesting the championship – was nothing like the previous 54. About 25,000 fans were allowed to attend, with 7,500 of those sanitation workers vaccinated. Another 30,000 cardboard cutouts filled the empty seats to create space and comply with social distance protocols.
“The cardboard cutouts make it look like it’s full,” said Matt Geer, a Tampa resident and Bucs compost owner. “It feels like a real game. It doesn’t feel like other regular season games. “
Geer spent $ 9,000 for a seat at the top, saying it was “crazy” to enter the stadium.
But it was worth it.
Attendees were required to cover their faces during the meeting unless they were eating or drinking. Characters users applied the rule, which should already be a normal operating protocol. However, offenders could be seen in all directions.
Tampa Bay Mayor Jane Castor issued an executive order last month mandating the use of outdoor masks for the most popular entertainment and recreation areas for the Super Bowl festivities and the days after.
This was not enough to deter the thousands of fans who gathered outside the stadium.
Miley Cyrus headlined the event before the game. She wore a black and pink cheerleader outfit for a number of 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 her on stage for two songs.
Fans slowly entered the stadium, which took several hours, some more focused than others on COVID-19 protocols.
“It’s great what the NFL has done here,” said Kelvin Walls, an emergency physician in Kansas City. “It’s incredible to invite health professionals to watch the game. But the NFL should have done the same for others we attend. I know. They feel belittled and should be here.”
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