New England Patriots to play final home games without fans, team officials say



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The New England Patriots will not be allowed to have fans at any home game this season at Gillette Stadium.

Team officials said on Monday they had been informed that an executive order from Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker banning high-capacity venues from opening to the public would remain in effect for the remainder of the 2020 NFL season and of the professional football season.

Stadium officials and Kraft Sports Entertainment have tried to develop a plan to safely accommodate a reduced number of fans that complies with guidelines issued by CDC, National Football League and Major League Soccer. But the rise in cases in the state has forced the crackdown to expand.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health officials on Sunday reported a total of 166,745 cases of the virus in the state and a fifth consecutive day of more than 1,600 new confirmed cases, the first time since early May.

Team officials said they will continue to work closely with the advisory committee to safely reopen the stadium next year.

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