In photos: Scenes from first Super Bowl with more cardboard cutouts than fans in stadium
Published Date: 2/8/2021
Source: axios.com
The first Super Bowl LV with coronavirus precautions in place is under way at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
The big picture: The most-watched TV broadcast of 2021 is taking place with more cardboard cutouts (30,000) than fans (25,000). The NFL has provided fans present for Sunday's game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs with personal protective equipment including masks and hand sanitizer.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense celebrates during the third quarter. Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after a touchdown in the third quarter. Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Line judge Sarah Thomas #53, has made history at the game, becoming the first woman to officiate in a Super Bowl. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Patrick Mahomes, #15 of the Chiefs, takes the snap during the third quarter against the Buccaneers. Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
A worker holds a "face coverings required" at the stadium. Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Masked fans cheer at Raymond James Stadium. Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
The scene during the Weeknd's performance during the halftime show. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Harrison Butker #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs kicks a 49-yard field goal in the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
The scene in the stands at Raymond James Stadium during the game. Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass during the second quarter. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Jazmine Sullivan and Eric Church perform the national anthem before the game. Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden express gratitude to health care workers during an address delivered via a big screen at Raymond James Stadium ahead of the game. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
With restrictions on attendance, many fans were represented as cardboard cutoffs — including four-legged ones. Photo: Patrick Smith/Getty Images
A vendor selling merchandise at the stadium before the game. Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
What a moment. @TheAmandaGorman #SBLV pic.twitter.com/v8VM9uhPww
— NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2021
Celebrating our three honorary coin toss captains for #SBLV! pic.twitter.com/iXKtkYtDl4
— NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2021
Go deeper: How the NFL countered COVID-19
Editor's note: This article will be updated with more images as the game progresses.