As unexpected as the changes to the game day fan experience announced by the Miami Dolphins may be they are still shocking and very sad for all true Dolfans. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to grip the US, with cases still rising dramatically in Florida, with hospitals in Miami running out of beds, it seems petty to be focussed on restrictions at a sporting game.
However, the changes announced today will make the 2020 season one that will hopefully never be repeated. If these changes are only for one season we may be thanking our lucking icons, as today things are still looking bleak for a lot of people when it comes to this horrific disease, and we are still unaware of the longterm health effects that it may present.
Miami Dolphins fan experience changes for 2020
In the statement Miami Dolphins CEO Tom Garnfinkel said: “Things are changing week to week and we are still more than two months away from our first scheduled regular season home game so we’ll wait and work with local authorities and make the determination about fans or no fans based on the data as we get closer; with the first priority continuing to be everyone’s health and preventing any spread of the virus.
“We’re ready for any scenario and feel very good about the diligence and attention to detail that has gone into creating the safest environment we can if we are able to have fans on September 20th.”
Changes include:
- No fans for training camp and preseason games
- No tailgating for 2020 season
- Socially-distanced seating clusters
- All fans and stadium employees will be required to wear a mask when not eating or drinking
- Mobile touchless entry with more points of entries and exits to help avoid bottlenecks at ingress/egress
- Cashless experience for food service, parking and retail
- GBAC Star certification
With regard to tickets to regular season games, if this is deemed possible the team added: “When a capacity is determined, season ticket members will have first priority to purchase tickets based on their tenure.
“All season ticket members will have the option to roll their 2020 payments into the 2021 season and retain all of their tenure, seats and associated benefits, and any season ticket members who may be considered at-risk based on CDC guidelines will be strongly encouraged to exercise the 2021 option and stay at home in 2020.”
COVID-19 reality for Miami Dolphins fans
While some are still downplaying the gravity of the situation and pointing fingers, the important thing is the health and well-being of our fellow Dolphins fans. It is important to focus on that rather than all the things we will miss this season. 4,520 people have lost the battle with COVID-10 in Florida, and a staggering 585,000 globally.
With that number sadly expected to go much, much higher in the coming months. Please don’t be one of those denying the seriousness of this situation, or belittling the loss that all of those families have experienced already.
And fingers crossed we will all be able to support our Miami Dolphins long into the future. Together.
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