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Florida has been a renegade in terms of its willingness to open before nearly every other state in the union. Governor Ron DeSantis is calling on businesses to reopen in the Sunshine State, and besides pro wrestling occurring in the panhandle, this may be a way for the NFL to maximize one place for games.
Further, the University of Florida Gators athletics program could play hosting duties if NFL franchises need to relocate during the 2021-21 season.
Florida athletic direct Scott Stricklin released a statement, via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, that reads, in part:
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“I reached out to remind him that UF and Gainesville have world-class health care facilities, an iconic football stadium, a state-of-the-art basketball arena and a brand new baseball ballpark within two hours of cities with professional franchises … We’ve been receiving excellent guidance from our state and health care officials, and when those groups believe it is safe to host college and pro sporting events in Florida, we will be prepared to do so.”
While Florida has been cavalier in reopening beaches, businesses, and public places, other states have dealt with an overwhelmed U.S. healthcare system, with cases of COVID-19 not declining. Over 80,000 U.S. residents have had fatal cases of the coronavirus with millions knowingly and unknowingly infected, making it more than difficult to reopen and encourage people to leave their homes within being aware who might spread the infectious virus.
In the meantime, for the professional sports landscape, the NFL may have to use Florida as a staging ground for the upcoming season, especially if the University of Florida doesn't have students on campus or athletics taking residency in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
