Tampa Mayor Mandates Wearing Masks Outdoor At Super Bowl Events

TAMPA, FL — In an effort to protect the health and safety of Super Bowl fans and the community, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has signed Executive Order 2021-07 requiring the use of face coverings outdoors within specific areas in the city defined as Event Zones and Entertainment Districts.

The order is intended to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at sites where large crowds of people are likely to congregate for Super Bowl-related activities, with limited ability to maintain socially distancing.

“We are incredibly excited to host a fun and safe Super Bowl here in Tampa—but we need everyone to do their part," Castor said. "We want fans to feel confident knowing that when they come out to celebrate Super Bowl LV, they can do so safely in a city that takes this pandemic seriously. In football terms, it’s simple—masks are the right defense. Don’t let COVID-19 intercept your ability to make unforgettable memories or keep your loved ones safe.

"We are grateful to the NFL and the Super Bowl Host Committee for being amazing partners and going above and beyond to implement strict COVID-19 safety precautions. Now, we need everyone to take personal responsibility to keep themselves, others fans and our Tampa Bay community safe," she said.

“Thank you to Mayor Castor and the city of Tampa for quickly implementing this executive order to enhance the health and safety of the Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s along with other key surrounding areas,” said Rob Higgins, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee. “This is yet another example of how Team Tampa Bay and the NFL are working tirelessly to create lifelong Super Bowl memories for local and visiting fans in the safest fashion possible.”

The “Event Zones” impacted by Executive Order 2021-07 include areas of Downtown Tampa and the area surrounding Raymond James Stadium.

“Entertainment Districts" include the Ybor City Historic District, the South Howard Commercial Overlay District, the Central Business District, Armature Works, the NFL Super Bowl Experience in Julian B. Lane Park, the Tampa Riverwalk and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Channel District include Sparkman Wharf.

Although civil infractions can carry a fine of up to $500, Castor said she's not focused on enforcement. Instead, she is asking visitors to take personal responsibility.

“We’re not looking at this from an enforcement viewpoint, but from an encouragement viewpoint,” she said.

Exceptions to the order include:

• Children under 5 years of age
• Persons (including their family members or companions) when outdoors at their personal residence, provided they comply with CDC guidance
• Persons working in a business or profession where use of a face covering would prevent them from performing the duties of the business or profession
• Persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition
• A person communicating with a hearing-impaired individual who needs to see that person's mouth in order to communicate.

This executive order is now effective and will remain in effect in the city of Tampa until Feb. 13, unless otherwise modified, repealed or earlier terminated.

In addition, Executive Order 2020-42 (which was adopted on Aug. 19) remains in effect, requiring the use of face coverings at most indoor locations.

For more coronavirus information, health and safety tips, FAQs and executive orders, click here.

To see the NFL’s Super Bowl Experience Health Playbook, click here.

Entertainment Districts

Event Zones

Courtesy city of Tampa

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