Bucs fans have been waiting for an announcement on how many of them will be able to attend home games at Raymond James Stadium this season.

As of now, the first two home games will be played in an empty stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Things will be reevaluated after that and will be based on guidelines and recommendations from state and local health and government officials.

Bucs QB Tom Brady – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

In a letter sent to season pass members Bucs COO Brian Ford wrote, “Over the past several months, we have worked closely with the NFL and local officials to determine the best way to safely and responsibly host a limited number of fans at Buccaneers home games during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have sought to balance the opportunity to provide access to you, our loyal fans, with the responsibility to adhere to public health and medical guidance in order to maintain the health and safety of fans, players, staff, and our Tampa community. Based on our conversations with local officials, we have determined that it is not yet the right time to welcome fans back to Raymond James Stadium.”

Ford also wrote, “We share this disappointment along with at least 25 other NFL teams who also won’t be hosting fans to begin the season. This September, we will deeply miss the energy and passion that our fans bring to Raymond James Stadium on game days. We remain excited for the 2020 season kickoff in New Orleans on September 13 and appreciate your tremendous support as you “Fire the Cannons” from home!”

News of no fans comes as somewhat of a surprise, especially after the Miami Dolphins announced last month they would allow 13,000 fans in Hard Rock Stadium for the Dolphins season opener on September 20. The Miami-Dade area was the hardest hit region in the state and continues to be one of the leading areas in cases and deaths.

The Saints, Panthers and Falcons had previously announced no fans in attendance through at least their first home games. Each NFL is being allowed to make that determination after consulting with the league and also local officials.

According to a report by Rick Stroud in the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs home game against the Packers on October 18 would be the earliest fans might be able to attend home game at Raymond James Stadium.