NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced today that the NFL is inviting some 7,500 vaccinated health professionals to the Super Bowl LV as NFL guests to thank and honor them for their continued extraordinary service during the pandemic.
Most of these health care professionals – all of whom will have received both doses of the vaccine – will come from hospitals and health systems in Tampa and central Florida. They will receive free tickets to the Super Bowl and gaming experiences directly from the NFL. All 32 NFL clubs will select vaccinated health professionals from their communities to participate in the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay on Sunday, February 7.
The NFL will also recognize health care heroes across the country through a variety of special moments at the stadium and during the CBS broadcast.
“These dedicated health professionals continue to put their own lives at risk to serve others, and we owe them our continued gratitude,” said Goodell. “We hope in a small way that this initiative will inspire our country and recognize these true American heroes. This is also an opportunity to promote the importance of vaccination and appropriate health practices, including wearing masks in public settings ”.
There will also be an additional 14,500 fans at the 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 systems. These officials reviewed and provided feedback on comprehensive NFL plans that will allow the league to host vaccinated fans and healthcare professionals in a safe and responsible manner.
The Super Bowl plans enhance the already rigorous COVID-19 protocols implemented by NFL clubs that have received more than 1.2 million fans in 116 games during the regular season and in the playoffs. These protocols include the mandatory use of a mask, social distance and other measures to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes seated seating, non-touch experiences at the stadium in concessions, restrooms and security checkpoints, as well as controlled entry and exit.
“Florida is proud to host the Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa to crown the champion of an unprecedented NFL season. On behalf of Florida and football fans across the country, I would like to thank the many men and women who worked hard to make this game a reality, especially our frontline health professionals who have worked tirelessly over the past year to keep people safe. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this game will have on the Tampa Bay area , and my family and I can ‘Don’t wait for the big game! “- Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
“We are grateful for the leadership that the NFL has shown in thanking our healthcare professionals and promoting acceptance of the vaccine around the Super Bowl LV. I applaud them for making safety their top priority and taking a careful approach to ensure that the Super Bowl will be a safe and meaningful experience for Tampa Bay fans and the community. “- State Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees
“I can’t think of a bigger stage than the Super Bowl LV to honor our healthcare professionals. On behalf of Tampa Bay, I thank the NFL for its commitment to recognize our local heroes for their tireless efforts and dedication to help us overcome this pandemic. “- Ken Hagan, Hillsborough County Commissioner
“Our local health professionals worked 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 by looking at the world in our hometown for Super Bowl LV. Our country resisted a lot. a lot in the last year and we can’t lose sight of those who worked day after day to keep us safe. Thank you to the NFL for helping to make this happen. “- Mayor Jane Castor, Tampa City
“While this was already shaping up to be the most significant Super Bowl in our hometown’s history, the NFL’s decision to welcome and honor our local vaccinated health professionals at Super Bowl LV takes the event’s importance to an totally new level. The unsolicited spill of thanks we received in support of this initiative from our local health professionals across the community has been really incredible. These heroes inspire us every day, so we couldn’t be more grateful to the NFL for working to create this monumental effort to celebrate them. “- Derrick Brooks and Will Weatherford, co-chairs of the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee
“We applaud the NFL for honoring healthcare professionals and promoting vaccine acceptance around the Super Bowl LV. We are pleased to support their planning efforts to create a safe and enjoyable event for all participants and look forward to a successful Super Bowl. in Tampa Bay. “- John Couris, President and CEO, Tampa General Hospital