Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl won't allow fans due to COVID-19

If the Rose Bowl and Fiesta Bowl are allowed to go on in early 2021 despite concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, they will happen behind closed doors and without fans in attendance. 

"The Tournament of Roses requested special permission to allow for a limited number of spectators or a select number of student-athlete and coach guests at the 2021 Rose Bowl Game," the Tournament of Roses explained in its official announcement regarding the contest scheduled for New Year's Day. "The request was denied based on state and county guidelines related to COVID-19 and L.A. County’s Tier 1 status." 

The Fiesta Bowl, scheduled for Jan. 2 at State Farm Stadium (home of the Arizona Cardinals), explained that it is banning paying spectators based on recommendations offered by the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Mike Nealy, executive director of the Fiesta Bowl Organization, said in the prepared statement:

"While we are disappointed that the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl will not have fans in the stadium to enjoy Bowl Season this year, we respect the decisions made by the local authorities. 

"Our staff was incredibly diligent to put health and safety measures in place that earned the endorsement from the Governor's Office for policies that aligned with recommendations for reducing COVID-19 transmission risk. Ultimately, we all need to do our part to ensure the health and safety of our community to reduce the spread of COVID-19."

Nobody should assume Thursday's news means either bowl game or any college football postseason contest will occur, as planned. On Wednesday, the Las Vegas Bowl became the 10th postseason game canceled because of the health crisis, and it's increasingly likely more will be scrapped during the holiday season.