BUFFALO, NY (WKBW) — On Tuesday afternoon the Buffalo Bills announced they'd be playing at least their first two home games without fans in the stands, becoming the latest team to make some form of decision. This includes the team's games against the New York Jets on September 13th and against the Los Angeles Rams on September 27th.
The team isn't ruling out the possibility of having fans later this Fall, but that would be dependent on New York State, which currently bans all spectators from professional sports venues due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We know where the Bills stand but what about other teams, specifically those the Bills will be visiting?
Here's a breakdown:
Bills @ Miami Dolphins (Week 2) - Sunday, Sept. 20th
- The Bills will be playing in front of fans down at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins announced Monday they plan on having 13,000 socially distanced fans for the team’s home opener. Beyond that hasn’t been determined. As of now, Florida remains on New York State's travel advisory which requires visitors to quarantine for 14 days upon return.
Bills @ Las Vegas Raiders (Week 4) - Sunday, Oct. 4th
- The Raiders announced no fans will be in attendance for any home games this season. That means fans will have to wait until at least 2021 to see the new Allegiant Stadium.
Bills @ Tennessee Titans (Week 5)- Sunday, Oct. 11th
- The Titans plan on playing without fans until at least the end of September. According to Mayor John Cooper, they “may ease restrictions based on improved COVID-19 numbers and the experiences of other NFL and MLS cities.”
Bills @ New York Jets (Week 7) - Sunday, Oct. 25th
- The Jets announced there will be no fans allowed inside MetLife Stadium until further notice. The team hasn’t ruled out the possibility of having fans later this season, saying in a team statement, “We will continue to work with Governor Murphy's office and will provide updates if necessary.”
Bills @ Arizona Cardinals (Week 10) - Sunday, Nov. 15th
- The Cardinals have yet to make a decision regarding fans this season and in late July said in a statement, “It is not clear at this point how many spectators — if any — will be permitted to attend Cardinals home games in 2020.” While things could change, it should be noted that Arizona was taken off New York’s travel advisory list Tuesday afternoon.
Bills @ San Francisco 49ers (Week 13) - Monday, Dec. 7th
- The 49ers announced there won’t be fans for their home opener. As for the rest of the season the team said in a statement Tuesday, “We will continue to work with State and County officials regarding the potential to welcome the Faithful back to Levi's Stadium later this season.” As of now, California remains on New York State's travel advisory which requires visitors to quarantine for 14 days upon return.
Bills @ Denver Broncos (Week 15) - Sunday, Dec. 20th
- The Broncos announced they’d play without fans for their home opener. A team statement read, “our organization remains hopeful that we can host a limited number of fans on a gradually increasing basis beginning early this season.” While things can change, Colorado is not on New York State's travel advisory.
Bills @ New England Patriots (Week 16) - Monday, Dec. 28th
- The Patriots have announced they'd play without fans for at least their first two home games. In a statement the team said they “will continue its preparations to safely host fans later this fall”. Last month the team presented plans that included reduced capacity pending local and state approval. While things can change, Massachusetts is not on New York State's travel advisory.
