Study Finds Having Fans at NFL & CFB Games Didn't Increase COVID Spread

For all of us in favor of fan attendance at sporting events, we got some great news on Saturday. A recent study published on medRxiv found that having fans in the stands for NFL and college football games did not increase the spread of COVID-19.

Yes, you read that correctly.

There could be a few Coronabros out there upset with the results of this study, but folks, this is significant news. The research was conducted by Asmae Toumi, Haoruo Zhao, Jagpreet Chhatwal, Benjamin P. Linas and Turgay Ayer.

The purpose of the study was to identify whether or not the limited in-person attendance had any effect on the number of COVID cases. Below is a snippet from the results of the study, filed under the "conclusions and relevance" section:

Granted, we have to remember that this is based on the limited in-person attendance allowed at those varying games. But this is certainly a good sign.

For those wondering how the information was gathered and analyzed, that question is answered as well.

They "quantified the effect of interest by comparing daily changes in COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents in counties that have held NFL/NCAA games with limited in-person attendance with those that did not hold NFL/NCAA games or have no attendance."

And to think, we almost found ourselves in a situation where this information would not have been available. Why? Because the season almost didn't happen, and it took a lot of fighting back from players and their families, coaches, fans and public figures such as OutKick owner Clay Travis.

Had those people pushing to cancel the season gotten their way, we would more than likely still be mulling over the effects of allowing fan attendance at sporting events -- or even allowing those sporting events to happen at all.

Good thing the right people in charge didn't succumb to public pressure.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.



















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Clint Lamb is a College Football Writer for OutKick. Managing Editor for Roll Tide Wire. Sports radio host for The Bullpen on 730/103.9 The UMP. Co-host for The 'Bama Beat podcast through The Tuscaloosa News and TideSports.com.