New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy hopeful MetLife Stadium will be full in Week 1
After playing in an empty MetLife Stadium throughout 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York Jets could once again be playing in front of a full house in their New Jersey home.
With the NFL set to release the regular-season schedule Wednesday night, Gov. Phil Murphy said the chances of MetLife Stadium being able to host fans at full capacity are “pretty good” during his COVID-19 press briefing on Monday, according to NJ.com.
Murphy went on to say that whether MetLife Stadium is allowed to fill its 82,500 seats depends on COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations remaining at low levels in New Jersey. The state has experienced a 66 percent drop in positive coronavirus cases since last month, and COVID-related hospitalizations are at their lowest point since October.
“If we blow through our objectives, there’s a lot higher likelihood the Jets and Giants can sell more tickets,” Murphy said.
According to Murphy, social distancing recommendations for fans at MetLife Stadium will follow CDC guidelines. Murphy said the CDC is likely to shift social distancing and mask-wearing recommendations in the coming months, but to what extent remains to be seen. Changes in the CDC’s social distancing recommendations would likely be a major factor in whether the Jets will be able to play in front of sellout crowds in 2021.
“Could you sit beside someone who is not in your family or your bubble?” Murphy wondered. “Too early to tell, but there’s a good shot.”
Under new guidelines set to be enacted on Friday, large outdoor venues in New Jersey can increase their capacity to 50 percent, with the standard applying to outdoor venues with more than 1,000 fixed seats. However, six feet of distance between fans is required.
The earliest the Jets could host a home game is Sept. 12; the season is slated to begin Thursday, Sept. 9. New York’s home opponents next season include its AFC East rivals, as well as the Bengals, Buccaneers, Eagles, Jaguars, Saints and Titans.
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Every Jets opponent in 2021, including 17th game vs. Eagles
