NFL stadium attendance is suffering as the backlash from players protesting the National Anthem continues in week 13.
As Jeff Barker wrote for the Baltimore Sun:
The league faces troubles on multiple fronts this year from politics to health and the game itself. There’s fan anger, stoked by President Donald Trump, over the decision of some players to kneel during the national anthem to protest racial inequity and police brutality; injuries to star players such as Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers; fresh concerns about the long-term effects of hits and concussions on players’ brains; and inconsistent play.
“The league has an issue in front of them that demands they keep owners, players, fans and ultimately their business partners — sponsors — happy. They aren’t doing any of this well,” says T.J. Brightman, president of public relations firm ‘A Bright Idea.’
Check out the thousands of empty seats at StubHub Center and University of Phoenix Stadium.
Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcQSOxTA9GCdBxVlgKNC3GVCutk6qrutiinbC80/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcQRtgshmfr/
Here to enjoy the Cleveland @Browns vs. Los Angeles @Chargers game at @StubHubCenter… pic.twitter.com/1TLMe8xjfg
— Max Strauss (@StraussMax) December 3, 2017
Still lots of empty seats at 27,000-seat #Chargers Stubhub Center 10 minutes before game time. Lots of orange in the stands pic.twitter.com/a6SNPNJCX7
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 3, 2017
Here to enjoy the Cleveland @Browns vs. Los Angeles @Chargers game at @StubHubCenter… pic.twitter.com/1TLMe8xjfg
— Max Strauss (@StraussMax) December 3, 2017
StubHub Center just right size for MLS. Too big for NFL. The Chargers’ “Fight For LA” slogan is hilarious. Stadium holds 27,000 fans. pic.twitter.com/yrYUTKlHYg
— Tom Reed (@treed1919) December 3, 2017
Here’s the crowd at the Stub for #Chargers #Browns with two minutes remaining in the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/RHdACGTdeG
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) December 3, 2017
Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinal at University of Phoenix Stadium
#AZCardinals being introduced here at University of Phoenix Stadium. pic.twitter.com/IRyJQseq2L
— Richard Morin (@ByRichardMorin) December 3, 2017
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcQVKaql-TF/
Don't believe the media hype about empty seats in L.A. Here is Phoenix 1st Qtr at 11:41. pic.twitter.com/ik0RqsNWlY
— Travis Thompson (@PhoenixSTLRams) December 3, 2017
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154975215616437&set=pcb.10154975220721437&type=3&theater
https://twitter.com/mgharbron/status/937438016561401856
As The Gateway Pundit reported Sunday, stadiums around the league are suffering major attendance issues.
