Patriots announce no fans for remainder of 2020 season

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots, Gillette Stadium announce no fans for remainder of 2020 season

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/9/20

Fans of the New England Patriots will have to wait until next season to watch Bill Belichick's squad take the field at Gillette Stadium.

Stadium officials announced Monday that fans will not be permitted to attend games through the remainder of the 2020 campaign. Gillette also is home to Major League Soccer's New England Revolution, who also won't be allowed to have fans in attendance this season.

Statement from Gillette Stadium officials:
— Gillette Stadium (@GilletteStadium) November 9, 2020

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker enacted an executive order, banning gatherings at large venues in the state due to an uptick in coronavirus cases. The order will remain in effect through the NFL and MLS seasons.

Patriots fans hadn't been allowed at the stadium all season, but Monday's announcement takes away any hope that some seats at Gillette would be filled this year.

In September, social distancing markers were placed throughout the stadium, signaling that fans may have been welcomed back if COVID-19 was better under control.

When fans finally are welcomed back to Gillette Stadium, they'll be getting their first in-person look at a Patriots squad who is without Tom Brady for the first time in 20 years.

A number of NFL teams have allowed fans in a limited capacity this season, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys, to name a few.

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