The effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have been drastic as American society has essentially shut down. Businesses have suspended activity and the streets are nearly empty.
The sports world was one of the first signs that normal life was going to be changed. All of the active leagues suspended play within the same few days after NBA player Rudy Gobert and others tested positive.
Although the NFL’s regular season hopefully will be unaffected, the offseason has seen some changes. The NFL Draft will be done largely through remote communications and just recently, the Las Vegas Raiders have decided to alter their business operations.
Although there are no signs of the NFL season being delayed, the Raiders have taken the initiative to delay season ticket holders’ final two payments until July 3, via Mick Akers of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:
The Las Vegas Raiders are extending final season ticket dues into the summer as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue.
An email sent to season ticket holders Monday alerted them to the change. The final two payments for 2020 season tickets for games at Allegiant Stadium were originally due March 15 and April 15. The due dates were first extended to April 15 and May 15 as the initial effects of the novel coronavirus hit Las Vegas.
Now both final payments will be due July 3.
“It made more sense to have one date at a later point than delaying it multiple times on a month-to-month basis,” Raiders President Marc Badain told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
With only essential businesses still up and running, many citizens have had their hours cut back or lost jobs entirely. Extending the due dates for final payments until July will hopefully help to relieve any further sources of stress for Raiders fans.
Badain further explained that he felt this was the most appropriate response the Raiders could make:
“We wanted to assist the fans as best as we could under the circumstances, and this was the most responsive to their feedback,” Badain said.
With mixed responses to the virus and waves of illness across the country, there is really no telling when things will return to the status quo. Currently, President Donald Trump believes that the NFL is on track to kick off in August, so hopefully, Raiders season ticket holders will get to make the most of their purchase.
Furthermore, Allegiant Stadium is still set to be completed by July. Construction workers were deemed necessary and construction has continued despite one worker testing positive for COVID-19.
One way or another, Raiders football will be here soon.
