COVID-19: NJ Governor Phil Murphy's executive order impacts Jets, Giants fans attending home games

The New York Jets and New York Giants respond to Governor Phil Murphy's executive order by saying no fans will attend games to start the NFL season.

On Monday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy announced the protocols that will govern sports in the state this fall. This Executive Order will impact the attendance of fans at New York Jets and New York Giants games at MetLife Stadium, at least at the start of the season.

In response to Murphy’s order, the Jets and the Giants issued a joint statement stating that fans will not be in attendance at MetLife Stadium, at least at the start of the season.

Here is Murphy’s full statement: 

“My Administration has been working in close coordination with professional sports and college teams to determine how to proceed safely with games at their stadiums amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While we look forward to the day we can return to games as normal and cheer from the stands, continued concerns for the health and safety of fans, team members, and staff dictates that our executive order limiting outdoor gatherings does apply to sporting events, including training camp.

“We will continue to closely monitor the public health reality and work with health experts to determine how to move forward, and we will continue to work closely with the teams as conditions change. Like all fans across New Jersey, I look forward to watching our teams play from home and plan to be there in person to support the teams when it is safe to do so.”

New Jersey is home to both the Jets and the Giants. In addition to playing games at the Meadowlands, both teams have their practice facilities in the state.

The order from the Governor will also impact Rutgers football, which competes in the Big Ten.