The Super Bowl, as most Americans recognize, is the biggest sporting event of the year. Even amidst a global pandemic, fans were not willing to give up their beloved Sunday game days for the sake of, well, everybody’s safety. The 2020-21 NFL Season went ahead as scheduled, and just like every year, two lucky teams faced each other for the final game of the season. This year’s Super Bowl COVID-19 restrictions did not go unnoticed, as they made sure every player, coach, and staff member tested negative, and they only allowed 25,000 fans in an arena that could house nearly 50,000. Regardless, allowing the Super Bowl to take place as normal left room for various repercussions that could make a lasting impact on the rising number of COVID-19 cases.
Here are some reasons for why the 2021 Super Bowl was not worth having.
- Constantly making sure that football players are COVID-19 negative takes away resources for at risk groups.
According to ESPN, the NFL tests players and essential employee’s for COVID-19 daily. Now, of course I understand how sports teams are considered high risk, however by cancelling the 2020-21 sporting season, these tests could have been allocated to people who can’t necessarily afford them that often.
- Large Super Bowl gatherings still took place.
Super Bowls parties are a staple of American football. I mean, who doesn’t love to watch their favorite sport surrounded by their fried foods and great company? Unfortunately, hosting a Super Bowl party in the midst of a global pandemic puts hundreds at risk. Despite the CDC recommending people to avoid crowds in indoor spaces, to always wear a mask indoors, and to avoid direct contact with people that are not from their household, people simply did not listen.
- The streets of Tampa were flooded with fans after their win.
It’s no surprise that the city of Tampa wanted to get up and rejoice in the big win. In fact, this happens every year with every team that wins. The problem with the large celebrations this year is that they could potentially be super spreader events. Viral videos show thousands of fans on the streets of Tampa with no masks and no social distancing. In addition to that, team members hosted a boat party and parade which attracted even more fans to the event on Hillsborough River.
- 25,000 people is still considered a super-spreader event and goes against CDC guidelines.
Although being outside is a lot safer than being inside, the CDC states that spectators should stand 6 feet apart and be wearing masks. As the cameras showcased the crowd during the Super Bowl, many people were spotted maskless, including Florida Governor Ron Desantis himself. This puts the friends and families of these spectators at risk.
This country values sports and entertainment over the wellbeing of its own citizens, and hosting The 2021 Super Bowl, “restrictions” included, is clear evidence of that. As quarterback Peyton Manning once said: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it.” Ironically, the NFL did just that by deciding that their viewership and funding means more to them than the collective efforts put forth to end this devastating pandemic.