Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said the NFL’s decision was a perfect way to honor healthcare workers at such a high profile event.
“Our country has been through so much in the past year and we cannot lose sight of those who have worked day in and day out to protect us,” Castor said in the NFL press release.
As with NFL games throughout the season, the Super Bowl includes mandatory mask wear, social distancing, touchless concession booths, and controlled entrances and exits. The NFL had approximately 1.2 million fans who have attended 116 games so far during the regular season and playoffs, Goodell said.
The two conference championships this Sunday will determine which teams meet in the Super Bowl. Tampa Bay will face the Green Bay Packers in the NFC, while the defending champions Kansas City Chiefs host the Buffalo Bills in the AFC.
If Tampa Bay wins, the Buccaneers will be the first team to play in a Super Bowl on their home field.