The site of the 2022 Super Bowl has long been publicized as SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
This is the home stadium for both the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers.
Preparations are underway for the NFL‘s biggest game of the year.
Super Bowl 56 is scheduled for February 13, 2022.
However, there are concerns about the rapid spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19 and if this could impact that game.
The NFL is working with local public health officials who remain optimistic about holding a successful game at SoFi.
LA County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer said:
“It will be challenging if the surge continues in February, but I do think we are working closely with both the NFL and SoFi Stadium to have a wonderful Super Bowl here with the appropriate safety precautions.”
"It will be challenging if the surge continues in February, but I do think we are working closely with both the NFL and SoFi Stadium to have a wonderful Super Bowl here with the appropriate safety precautions…"
— Dr. Barbara Ferrer, L.A. County Public Health Director pic.twitter.com/FZX8sN5Thb— Liz Mullen (@SBJLizMullen) January 7, 2022
The NFL Always Has A Plan B
It is not unusual for the NFL to have a Plan B for an alternate Super Bowl site in the event the game needs to be moved.
In normal circumstances, this is a contingency plan that never needs to be utilized.
This year, there is more concern because of COVID-19.
This is especially true after the announcement that the Grammy Awards were postponed indefinitely.
The 64th Grammy Awards will not take place Jan. 31 in Los Angeles because of the rapid spread of the highly infectious Omicron variant of the coronavirus.https://t.co/LFgTESWnoM
— Los Angeles Times (@latimes) January 5, 2022
The Grammys were scheduled to occur in Los Angeles on January 31.
AT&T Stadium Is One Possible Alternate Location
BREAKING: WFAA has confirmed that the NFL has reached out to AT&T Stadium to check on its availability as a possible backup 2022 Super Bowl venue; Arlington officials say the city is ready to host the game if needed.https://t.co/1F5z8On6kR
— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) January 5, 2022
AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, is a possible location should the Super Bowl need to be moved.
This stadium hosted the 2021 Rose Bowl due to COVID-19 restrictions.
It is one of several locations the NFL is evaluating.
It is unclear how the logistics of such a change would happen.
Hopefully, we do not need to find out, and the Super Bowl can proceed as scheduled.
NFL Remains Committed To SoFi Stadium
The @NFL is moving forward with the Super Bowl at @SoFiStadium.
"We’re confident in our protocols for putting on full-capacity games safely." —NFL Exec VP/Club Business and Legal Events Peter O’Reilly
(via @latimes)https://t.co/JkX6DjuqyG pic.twitter.com/OH5LCEX6Zk
— Sports Business Journal (@sbjsbd) January 6, 2022
The NFL is moving full steam ahead in its preparations for a SoFi Stadium Super Bowl.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy updated fans on how things are progressing.
“We plan on playing Super Bowl 56 as scheduled at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 13. As part of our standard contingency planning process that we conduct for all regular and postseason games, we have contacted several clubs to inquire about stadium availability in the event we cannot play the Super Bowl as scheduled due to weather-related issues or unforeseen circumstances.”
He went on to say that preparations have gone well, and all is proceeding ahead of schedule.
“Our planning process for the Super Bowl in Los Angeles is ahead of schedule and we look forward to hosting the Super Bowl there to culminate another fantastic NFL season for our fans and clubs.”
Super Bowl 55 Was A Success
Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida successfully hosted Super Bowl 55 during the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2021.
There were concessions made to maintain safety.
Only 22,000 spectators were permitted in the stadium.
"This really means a lot to us to be there." This nurse will be one of the thousands of vaccinated healthcare workers attending the Super Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. #SBLV https://t.co/N7cIDZ1YDf pic.twitter.com/nj8yWG6P7c
— CBS News (@CBSNews) February 4, 2021
Among them were 7,500 vaccinated health care workers who were given free tickets to the game.
We will keep a watchful eye on this in the upcoming weeks.
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