Philadelphia Eagles fans won’t be allowed to attend home games in 2020

Here’s some bad news for Philadelphia Eagles fans heading into the season.

When the Philadelphia Eagles take the field at Lincoln Financial Field for eight games in 2020, they’ll be doing so without the NFL’s most loyal and dedicated fans behind them. According to a report by Justine McDaniel, Sean Collins Walsh and EJ Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer (the report contains premium content, so a subscription is required) that was later discussed in a report by ESPN staff writer Tim Mcmanus, officials in the “City of Brotherly Love” have determined that, in the wake of safety concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, fans won’t be allowed to attend home games for the Eagles or the Philadelphia Phillies.

Prior to the recent announcement of his resignation, the city of Philadelphia’s managing director, Brian Abernathy had overseen Philly’s day-to-day functions of its major operating departments, and he maintains direct oversight of the City’s public safety functions, so you figure he’s a pretty good guy to ask about these things.

Mcmanus’ report also states that the Philadelphia Inquirer spoke with Abernathy about the decision. Here’s an excerpt from some of what he had to say.

"The Eagles are still going to be allowed to play, although without crowds. The Phillies will continue to be allowed to play, although without crowds… I do not think that they can have spectators at those games. There’s no way for them to be safe having a crowd there… I can’t say what the plans are for the league, but from a safety perspective, they can play games but not (have) crowds."

At the time of this story being published, the Eagles haven’t made any statement.

Hey, Philadelphia Eagles fans. Are you sick of this coronavirus yet?

By now, if you’re like most sports fans, you’re probably sick of this coronavirus. Sure, this decision is the wisest and safest move. This is the best way to handle things, but who wouldn’t want to attend an Eagles game right about now? Everyone just wants a return to a little normalcy, but still, the most important thing in all of this is ensuring the safety of the American public until that normalcy is achieved.

As far as that home-field advantage that the “Birds” have enjoyed at “The Linc” since 2003, who knows? Maybe the league will allow Philly to pump some crowd noise in through the speakers. Sure, that will never happen, but it’s nice to use our imaginations.

Stay tuned. If there are any developments, you can best believe the Philly media and the best fans in sports will be on top of things.