If an NFL player scores a touchdown in 2020 and wants to give the ball to a fan in the stands, chances are he will have to chuck it six to eight rows deep rather than simply handing it to his supporter of choice.
The reasons reportedly are safety and — you guessed it — money.
According to a Sports Business Daily report, NFL teams will be able to sell "camera-visible signage to local sponsors" when the 2020 season plays out. Such ad sales are expected to "significantly defray pandemic-related revenue losses" in the event some or all fans are not allowed in stadiums.
From SBD's report: "The first six to eight rows of seating in every stadium -— including on-field suites — will be off limits to fans this season. That move is officially to protect players, coaches and team staff from coronavirus exposure, but it would also free up that space to become lucrative sponsorship assets.
"Sources said those seats will be covered by tarps that could include sponsor logos, similar to how EPL teams repurposed empty seating sections for ads during its return to play last week."
MORE: NFL medical officer defends viability of 2020 season
As SBD notes, the NFL will have to change its current policy that prohibits the display of non-sideline sponsors within 40 feet of the field. The local ads in the first few rows of stadiums will not be able to conflict with league sponsors.
NFL owners on Thursday approved the proposal to allow sponsored seat coverings.
According to ESPN, the NFL's planned call with team owners Thursday also served as a chance to "debrief them on COVID-19 and plans for reopening facilities. ... A social justice update also will be given." The plan is to begin NFL training camps on time, starting July 28.
The NFL to this point has not done much to alleviate the inevitable concerns associated with playing a season during a global pandemic. Because the league was fortunate the outbreak reached the United States during its offseason, it has been proceeding with business as usual — albeit virtually — through the spring and now the summer.
But training camps are scheduled to begin in a little more than a month, and the clock is ticking for the NFL to establish comprehensive health and safety protocols to be implemented for players, coaches and all team and league personnel.
Part of the plan, according to NFL Network, will be to test players for COVID-19 three times per week and isolate anybody who tests positive. NFLPA medical director Thom Mayer reportedly told player agents "there’s a 90 percent chance reliable saliva testing (will be) available before players return to facilities."
NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills last week: "Make no mistake, this is no easy task. We will make adjustments as necessary to meet the public health environment as we prepare to play the 2020 season as scheduled with increased protocols and safety measures for all players, personnel, and attendees. We will be flexible and adaptable in this environment to adjust to the virus as needed."