The NFL have announced that 7,500 health care workers vaccinated for coronavirus will be given free tickets to Super Bowl LV in Tampa Bay on Sunday, February 7.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also said in a news release that attendance for the game would be limited to those workers and about 14,500 other fans.
Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has a capacity of just under 66,000, so it will be roughly filled to a third of its capacity for the title game to the 2021 season.
- 'Lack of NFL coaching diversity is a drastic problem'
- Who are the NFL's final four at QB?
- Rodgers vs Brady: A playoff first to savour
Most of the health care workers who will get free game tickets will come from the Tampa Bay area and central Florida, Goodell said. But he added that all 32 NFL teams will choose some workers from their cities to attend the game.
"These dedicated health care workers continue to put their own lives at risk to serve others, and we owe them our ongoing gratitude," Goodell said. "We hope in a small way that this initiative will inspire our country and recognize these true American heroes."
There will also be what Goodell called a variety of special moments to honor health care workers in the stadium during the game and also on the television broadcast by CBS.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said the NFL's decision is a perfect way to honour health care workers at such a high-profile event.
"Our country has endured too much over the last year and we can't lose sight of those who worked day in and day out to keep us safe," Castor said in the NFL release.
As with NFL games throughout the season, the Super Bowl will include mandatory wearing of masks, social distancing, touchless concession stands, and controlled entry and exits.
This Sunday's two Conference Championship games will determine which teams meet in Super Bowl LV. Tampa Bay travels to face the Green Bay Packers in the NFC, while the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Buffalo Bills in the AFC.
If Tampa Bay wins, the Buccaneers will be the first team ever to play in a Super Bowl on their home field.
Sky Sports NFL is your dedicated channel for NFL coverage through the season - featuring a host of NFL Network programming. Don't forget to follow us on skysports.com/nfl, our Twitter account @SkySportsNFL & Sky Sports - on the go!