Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross believes there will be an NFL season in 2020, with or without spectators.
The NFL has said it expects to play a full schedule beginning Sept. 10, but is preparing contingency plans in case the coronavirus pandemic makes venue changes or games without fans necessary.
“I think there definitely will be a football season this year,” Ross said during an interview on CNBC. “The real question is will there be fans in the stadiums?”
“One thing we miss is our sports,” Ross said. “I don’t think a lot of people realize it until they no longer have it. Certainly the NFL, I think, will be ready to go. I know we’re all looking forward to it. I know I am.”
Earlier this month, the Dolphins said their stadium committed to becoming the first to receive accreditation from a cleaning industry association for infectious disease prevention efforts. CEO Tom Garfinkel said the team is considering social distancing proposals for games, and perhaps limiting crowds to 15,000.
“We’ve done a lot of things down in Miami,” Ross said. “We’re prepared either way, and hopefully there will be fans in the stadiums.”
A number of NFL teams have begun the process of reopening their facilities.
In the Northeast, the Giants, Jets, and Bills all have received green lights from their respective political leaders to resume onsite activities.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said professional sports teams in their respective states may return to training and competition , opening the door for the Giants and Jets to open their training and practice facilities.
This will be a strategic approach by the league. No coaches and only players rehabbing from injuries are initially allowed to enter the building under the first phase of the NFL plan.
Major League Baseball, the NBA and the NHL are also in continued discussions for resumption of their seasons with their players’ unions.
