While most teams around the league are already expecting to play in empty stadiums to begin the 2020 NFL season, there are some that still plan to allow a reduced capacity to attend. This has some concerns regarding whether they would be carrying an unfair advantage or not during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Coaches and executives throughout the NFL have pointed out the lack of equal footing this can create for those that are not allowed all the perks of a home-field advantage. Regardless, Commissioner Roger Goodell has since shut down this notion, via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk:

“We do not believe it’s a competitive advantage,” Goodell said. “We discussed it very early on with our Competition Committee and with our clubs. We do not see that. We obviously have varying capacities across the league, and from our standpoint, we want to invite our fans in if we can do it safely and we can do it with the full support of local officials. We think our fans want to come the stadium.”

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer touched on how much the fan element has played a part in their preparation for the 2020 campaign. Even Las Vegas Raiders team owner Mark Davis pointed out the advantages it would create both on and off the field.

Although Goodell has since denied these claims, he has not done much to back up his stance aside from the obvious desire from fans to attend the games. With the start of the season just weeks away, it does not appear as though Goodell will be handing down any further restrictions for stadium capacity.