The San Francisco 49ers today informed season ticket holders via email that the team would kick off the 2020 season at Levi's Stadium without fans in attendance. This is due to continued concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
The 49ers only specifically referenced the September 13 contest against the Arizona Cardinals, leaving future home games potentially open to possibly hosting fans.
The 49ers sent the following email to season ticket holders (h/t to Chris Wilson).
We hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during this time.
Last month, we informed 49ers season ticket members of our expectation to start the 2020 NFL season with limited fans or without fans at Levi's® Stadium due to the continuing COVID-19 health emergency and accompanying government restrictions. Through ongoing dialogue with State and Santa Clara County officials, and in accordance with public health guidelines, we can confirm we will begin our season on September 13th against the Arizona Cardinals without fans in attendance. We will continue to work with State and County officials regarding the potential to welcome the Faithful back to Levi's® Stadium later this season.
If we are able to host fans at any point this season, 49ers season ticket members who credited their 2020 payments to 2021 will receive priority access to single-game tickets at the season ticket member rate. With demand expected to exceed availability, tickets will not be guaranteed. If it becomes safe to permit fans in any capacity, we will communicate that information with you as soon as possible.
The atmosphere created by the Faithful was on full display last season and we truly appreciated your continued support throughout our NFC Championship season. We look forward to being able to welcome you back as soon as it is safe to do so and we are working hard to create virtual experiences and early access for members to digital events like this year's State of the Franchise.
We know that 2020 has already been extremely challenging and we thank you for your patience as we navigate this pandemic together.
Sincerely,
Membership Service Team
San Francisco 49ers
The announcement was expected. NFL teams across the league have been announcing that home games, at least for the start of the season, would be played without fans or at limited capacities.
"It will be a different dynamic," 49ers cornerback K'Waun Williams said on August 13 when asked about the possibility of playing in front of empty seats, "but I feel like you're going to have to bring your own juice and be ready to play football in any environment. I feel like you've just got to be able to adapt and just play at a high level."
No California-based teams will host fans at the start of the season as the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers have already announced that spectators will not be allowed at SoFi Stadium "until further notice."
The division rival Seattle Seahawks announced on August 19 that they would also play at least their first three home games without fans at CenturyLink Field, eliminating one of the biggest home-field advantages in the NFL. Of course, the 49ers at Seahawks matchup is Seattle's fourth home game of the 2020 season, so that one remains an option to host fans.
San Francisco's second home game is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, when the 49ers host the Philadelphia Eagles.