While football season is in full swing, federal emergency planners have earmarked another purpose for NFL stadiums -- emergency shelters.

Four stadiums in disaster-prone areas around the country will serve a dual function in the event of severe weather as part of a collaboration between the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Football League to bolster community resilience through an initiative called Mission Ready Venues.

Recent storms, such as Hurricane Helene , which barreled through Florida's Gulf Coast last week, are "are another reminder that planning and resource delivery is critical to a recovery effort," Brendon Plack, the NFL's senior vice president of public policy and government affairs, said in a statement to
on Wednesday.

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, home of the New York Jets and New York Giants; Lumen Field in Seattle, home of the Seattle Seahawks; Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, home of the Pittsburgh Steelers; and Raymond James Stadium in Tampa; home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, have been designated for large-scale emergency use, FEMA announced.

During an extreme weather crisis, the stadiums will serve as a central and accessible location, offering safe storage and shelter during response and recovery operations, as stated by FEMA.

"During large-scale emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, hurricanes, or tornadoes, we have witnessed how extensive music, sports, and entertainment venues can serve as safe havens for communities," stated FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell. "This new strategy we are implementing with the NFL presents an innovative opportunity to empower our partners to utilize these venues for emergency response and recovery operations, ensuring community safety and enhancing their resilience."

This wouldn't be the first instance of an NFL stadium serving as an emergency shelter. In 2005, the Superdome, home to the New Orleans Saints, was used as a shelter during Hurricane Katrina. This type of emergency response will become increasingly crucial in the future as the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events escalate, according to FEMA.

If a stadium is utilized for disaster response, it will significantly expedite the relief process, saving valuable time for those impacted by the storm, according to Plack.

"Our collaboration with FEMA will enable NFL stadiums to be designated as 'Mission Ready Venues,' which will provide clear information to local, state, and federal authorities regarding these facilities' capacity to distribute supplies, mobilize first responders and equipment, and function as central coordination points for federal and state efforts," said Plack.

Historical data reveals that existing sports venues, with their expansive size, versatile capabilities, and strategic locations, have effectively served the public in various ways during emergency situations. These venues have been utilized as emergency shelters, staging areas for relief operations, centers for distributing essential goods, evacuation assembly points, disaster recovery hubs, mass vaccination and testing centers, and temporary hospitals, according to FEMA. Notably, stadiums have consistently proven to be conducive to public safety, as highlighted by FEMA.

"Stadiums serve as valuable community resources, often utilized during disaster situations," stated NFL Chief Security Officer Cathy Lanier. "This designation reflects the crucial role that many stadiums play, not only on game days but especially in times of need. We are proud to collaborate with FEMA and local and state first responders to ensure disaster response agencies have the necessary information and resources to aid community recovery following a disaster."

SoFi stadium in Los Angeles, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, is also being considered as a potential fifth location, FEMA mentioned.

While FEMA is starting with the NFL, it encourages all sports venues to participate in the initiative, Criswell stated. To be designated as a Mission Ready Venue, venues must undergo a comprehensive assessment to evaluate their capacity to support emergency and disaster response and recovery efforts.

According to FEMA, stadiums must be able to demonstrate their capabilities in providing safety and security, accessibility, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring collaborative efforts.

The designations are valid for five years, and stadiums will be subjected to yearly reviews to ensure the venue's preparedness, the agency announced.