Saints announce no fans for 2020 season-opener vs. Buccaneers

The New Orleans Saints will kick off their 2020 season in an unusually quiet Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The team announced Wednesday evening that their Week 1 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be played without spectators in attendance due to the COVID-19 pandemic, though whether fans will be allowed at subsequent home games is still under discussion.

After hosting Tom Brady’s Buccaneers on Sept. 13, the Saints will not return for another home game until Sept. 27 — when they’re scheduled to play Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in prime time on Sunday Night Football. Louisiana has been a hotspot for COVID-19 infections throughout this public health crisis, leading decision-makers to make tough calls like this one.

It’s a big blow to the Saints, who have enjoyed an unparalleled streak of success on offense over the last two decades in their home venue. That’s thanks in large part to a welcoming crowd, with the rowdy Who Dat Nation making communication difficult for opposing squads.

But at the end of the day, its been Drew Brees and his Saints teammates scoring points. And that’ll remain the case no matter how many fans pack the stands. It’s just a shame that few people will be part of the beginning to such a highly-anticipated season.