The NFL is currently investigating the possibility of running its game in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. Holding the 2020 season in complete isolation is becoming an increasingly important issue.

In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, the accustomed way of life will be increasingly restricted. So now the NFL has to deal with the thought that a football season under normal circumstances will not take place this year.

In view of the forecasts for the further spread of the virus and the fact that the pandemic will spread to different degrees and at different times in the various NFL cities, it is now considered not unlikely that all games will be played in front of empty stadiums by 2020.

Excluding the fans, however, could only be the first step.

2020 season in complete isolation?
“ProFootballTalk” discusses the following scenario to solve the problem: The NFL gathers all teams at one place, tests all arriving people on the way there and then isolates the entire league there for the entire duration of the season.

The report is accompanied by simultaneously discussed plans of other sports such as the NBA, which according to reports in Las Vegas could continue their season in casinos, or thought games of the Premier League, which according to the “Telegraph” wants to play their remaining games of the season completely behind closed doors starting in June.

It would probably make the most sense to conduct the NFL season in isolation if the league officials decide that a normal season is not possible. Because this approach would at least get the TV money.

Which locations come into consideration?
One possibility would be to literally find a place in the middle of nowhere and build enough pitches there. In addition, one would have to build appropriate premises to accommodate the players, coaches, broadcasters and the like for 17 weeks of regular season and four weeks of playoffs (269 matches in total).

The report also mentions the expansion of the Sports Performance Center in Greenbrier, West Virginia, which currently has 710 rooms. The Houston Texans used to hold their training camp here during the preseason.

The time factor also plays an important role in the planning, as a large number of construction measures would have to be implemented in a short time, regardless of the location. The construction of a completely new, gigantic football complex seems rather unlikely in the given time in connection with the personnel to be accommodated.

The number of players in the league alone is enormous. In the recent vote on the new Basic Treaty (CBA), just over 2000 players alone were entitled to vote.

In addition to the necessary accommodation, the underlying schedule for the season is also a point of contention.

Will the schedule be changed?
The league could play its games continuously from the weekend after Labor Day (September 7th) up to and including the Super Bowl. With the currently not unlikely cancellation of the college season, Saturday could be added to Sunday as well.

“NBC” further reports that an announcement of the schedule is not expected before May – normally it is announced in April.

With a few weeks’ lead time to consider the further course of the crisis, a shortening of the Regular Season to 14 or even twelve games could be considered.