Denver’s Sept. 14 home opener at Empower Field at Mile High will be held without fans.
The only way for fans to watch the Broncos’ Sept. 14 home opener against the Tennessee Titans will be on television after the team announced Friday no spectators will be allowed to enter Empower Field at Mile High.
The Broncos joined nearly half of the NFL teams in closing their gates for at least one game because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, the Broncos said they remain “hopeful that we can host a limited number of fans on a gradually increasing basis beginning early this season.”
The Broncos host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 28, but then have three weeks until their next home game (Oct. 18 vs. Miami).
“It’s disappointing,” coach Vic Fangio said. “I watch a lot of sports and it’s just not the same without fans there. It isn’t. I’ve always known fans are a big part of pro sports in particular and we’re going to miss our fans. They give us a great boost and advantage at home and we love playing in front of them and there’s a love affair between the fans and players and team.
“Hopefully at some point here, we can keep doing the job with COVID(-19) that we’re doing in the NFL and eventually get some fans in there.”
The Broncos said their decision was made after “working in collaboration with the state and with safety as the top priority.”
Representing the Broncos in formulating a potential seating plan and entrance-exit protocols at the stadium have been Stadium Management Co. general manager Jay Roberts and assistant general manager Scott Bilek and Broncos vice president of strategic initiatives Brittany Bowlen.
“We will continue to work closely and in collaboration with the state to determine the next steps, ensuring we are doing our part to protect the health of our fans and community,” the Broncos said.
The Broncos have sold out 411 consecutive home games. A study by money.co.uk estimated the Broncos will lose $932,531 in concession revenue for each game without fans, which adds up to $7.46 million in a full season.
On July 15, the Broncos informed season-ticket holders their plans for a reduced capacity schedule and account holders would have first priority for single-game tickets and parking passes. Fans not interested in attending games this year were given the option of a full refund or a credit rolled over to 2021.
The Broncos and Stadium Management Co., also announced that face coverings will be required if they decide fans can attend games and the stadium will feature cashless concession options, touchless bathroom fixtures, sanitation stations and the latest air purification technology.
Right tackle Elijah Wilkinson said it is “definitely a bummer to me,” that fans won’t be able to attend the Titans game.
“(The fans) get me amped,” he said. “I love going into Mile High and 70,000 strong are loud, especially when the defense is on the field. There’s nothing like it. It will definitely be a little bit different, but it’s the times we’re in and it’s something we have to deal with until things get better with our nation.”
Wilkinson echoed what other Broncos players have said during training camp that once the football is snapped, it will be business as usual.
“I don’t think it’s going to affect us,” he said. “Whether it’s no fans or no noise, we’re coming to play some football and win games.”