Ohio should be the NFL’s bubble for the 2020 season
By Kyle Edmond
Columbus Stadiums
The obvious starting point for the games would be to stay in Columbus. Previously mentioned as practice locations as well, both Ohio Stadium and MAPFRE Stadium could be used for games each week. With three prime-time games as well as a game at each stadium on Sunday, five games would be played each week in Columbus.
The biggest barrier with using these stadiums is the Ohio State football team. Being their stadium, the Buckeyes would have first dibs on the use of the facilities. Luckily, the NFL shouldn’t interfere in any way, playing on Thursdays, Sundays, and Mondays when Ohio State plays on Saturdays.
It also helps that the surface is turf. If it were grass, the condition of the field seeing that much use could be a concern, but with it being a grassy turf, that shouldn’t be nearly as concerning.
Additionally, MAPFRE Stadium shouldn’t be that occupied since MLS is currently in a bubble of their own with the season coming to a close with the playoffs. That should free up the schedule and make the stadium a perfect spot to host multiple games a week. The only downside is the natural grass turf that would quickly wear away with multiple practices and games being held there over the course of the season.