For the first time in Super Bowl history, the week prior to the big game will be conducted virtually due to the ongoing pandemic.
With the exception of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers - who are a win away from playing in the Super Bowl on their home field - teams aren't allowed to arrive in the host city any earlier than Friday, Feb. 5, league sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Super Bowl teams usually settle in a week prior to the game.
If the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers win their respective conference championship games, they've tentatively planned to arrive in Tampa Bay on Feb. 5th, adds Schefter. The Kansas City Chiefs don’t intend to land until Feb. 6, the day before the Super Bowl, if they win their AFC Championship tilt.
The change in tradition comes as the league attempts to continue its COVID-19 prevention measures. Despite the magnitude of Super Bowl LV, most of the clubs remaining will treat the matchup as a road game.
Super Bowl media day (held the Monday of Super Bowl week) is set to be conducted virtually, along with many other activities. There's also uncertainty around the postgame parties for both teams. Clubs will get the option of flying home immediately after the game.
