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The 2020 NFL season faces a lot of uncertainty as the summer winds down, but one thing for certain is that training camp will be quiet.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, teams have adjusted how training camps will be run this year. Fans will not be allowed to attend camps, which could pave the way for empty stadiums come the regular season.
Update on where things stand 18 days out:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 10, 2020
— Almost everything is done and agreed to except for number of preseason games and testing protocols.
— No fans will be at training camp, but teams can have up to two fan events at stadiums this preseason with strict protocols if allowed
This is out of concern for player and staff safety in order to reduce the amount of interactions, and it also aims to keep fans safe and at home. We shall see if the two fan events come to fruition, given the difficulty that could come with organizing it.
Although still being ironed out, media coverage could be reduced as well in 2020:
Media access to 2020 NFL training camp and preseason also will look a lot different — most notable, no in-person interviews with players will be permitted until further notice. pic.twitter.com/3po9SFQZHa
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 4, 2020
Training camp will look a lot different.
Today’s Question of Day is:
What will you miss the most about training camp?
My answer: I think the interactions between players and fans will be missed the most.
There are a lot of reasons to attend a training camp. You can watch to see player performances and get an understanding of how position battles are going. You can watch to learn about new players. You can watch to get a sneak peek at play calling. You can watch for fun interactions between players and coaches.
However, the most important part of training camp, for fans, is being able to meet players afterwards. Signature scrums after practice are a staple of training camp. Being able to greet and see NFL players up close is vital to a healthy fanbase. On television, we often see players as names on a screen and not human beings. Something as simple as seeing their faces in person is a great way to connect with the players we watch all season. Meeting players is a really important moment for young fans as well. Taking a trip out to training camp and seeing your idols is a fond memory.
Sadly, we will be missing these kind of interactions this season. Here’s hoping we will get some alternatives.
Your turn.