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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell today announced that the NFL is inviting approximately 7,500 vaccinated healthcare workers to Super Bowl LV as NFL guests to thank and honor them for their extraordinary service during the pandemic .
The majority of these health workers – who will all have received both doses of the vaccine – will come from hospitals and health care systems in the Tampa area and central Florida. They will receive free Super Bowl tickets and gaming experiences straight from the NFL. All 32 NFL clubs will select vaccinated healthcare workers from their communities to attend the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay on Sunday, February 7.
The NFL will also recognize health heroes across the country through a variety of special moments both in the stadium and during the CBS broadcast.
“These dedicated healthcare workers continue to put their lives at risk to serve others, and we owe them our continued gratitude,” said Goodell. “We hope in a small way that this initiative inspires our country and recognizes these true American heroes. It is also an opportunity to promote the importance of vaccination and appropriate health practices, including the wearing of masks in public places.”
There will also be 14,500 additional fans in attendance at Raymond James Stadium.
Today’s announcement follows discussions with public health officials, including the CDC, the Florida Department of Health, and area hospitals and health care systems. These officials have reviewed and provided feedback on comprehensive NFL plans that will allow the league to welcome vaccinated fans and healthcare workers in a safe and responsible manner.
The Super Bowl plans improve on already rigorous COVID-19 protocols implemented by NFL clubs that have hosted more than 1.2 million fans in 116 games throughout the regular season and playoffs. These protocols include the mandatory wearing of a mask, social distancing and other measures to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes pod seats, touchless experiences in the stadium at concessions, restrooms and security checkpoints, as well as controlled entry and exit.
“Florida is proud to host Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa to crown the champion of an unprecedented NFL season. On behalf of Floridians and football fans across the country, I want to thank the many men and women who worked hard to make this game a reality, especially our frontline health workers who have worked tirelessly over the past year to keep people safe. I look forward to the impact positive that this game will have on the Tampa Bay area, and my family and I can ‘wait for the big game! ”- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
“We are grateful for the leadership the NFL has shown in thanking our healthcare workers and promoting vaccine acceptance around Super Bowl LV. I applaud them for making safety their top priority and for taking a thoughtful approach to ensuring that the Super Bowl is a safe and meaningful experience for the fans and the Tampa Bay community. “- Surgeon General of State Dr Scott Rivkees
“I can’t think of a bigger step than Super Bowl LV to honor our healthcare professionals. On behalf of Tampa Bay, I thank the NFL for their commitment to recognize our local heroes for their tireless efforts and dedication to help us get through this pandemic. “- Ken Hagan, Hillsborough County Commissioner
“Our local healthcare workers have been working around the clock to ensure the health and safety of our community and I can’t think of a better way to honor them than with the eyes of the world on our hometown for the Super Bowl LV. Our country has suffered so much over the past year and we cannot lose sight of those who have worked day in and day out to keep us safe. Thanks to the NFL for helping make this happen. “- Mayor Jane Castor, City of Tampa
“With this already shaping up to be the most significant Super Bowl in our hometown history, the NFL has decided to welcome and honor our local vaccinated healthcare workers at the Super Bowl LV carries the importance of the event to a whole new level. The unsolicited outpouring of recognition we have received for supporting this initiative from our local healthcare workers across the community has been truly amazing. These heroes inspire us every day, so we couldn’t be more grateful to the NFL for working on creating an effort to celebrate them. “- Derrick Brooks and Will Weatherford, Co-Chairs, Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee
“We applaud the NFL for honoring healthcare workers and promoting vaccine acceptance around Super Bowl LV. We are pleased to support their planning efforts to create a safe and enjoyable event for all participants, and we look forward to seeing you. looking forward to a successful Super Bowl in Tampa Bay. ”- John Couris, President and CEO, Tampa General Hospital
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