This story is reported by Tampa Bay Times a Spectrum News partner.

TAMPA — This is, unfortunately, Bucs (bad) luck.

Tom Brady left the Patriots after 20 seasons, and the six-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback chose to continue his career in Tampa Bay. The result? Raymond James Stadium was nearly sold out with fans who had decided to purchase season tickets.

But because of safety rules in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some Bucs fans may be left holding the short end of the ThunderStix.

In a letter to season pass members Thursday, Bucs Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford said the team will be unable to re-seat everyone who purchased tickets.

The total seating capacity still is being determined. But in accordance to government and NFL rules, the Bucs plan to tarp the first seven rows in the lower bowl and must socially distance groups of season ticket holders 6 feet, significantly reducing attendance in the 65,618-seat stadium.

But if fans opt to have their season ticket payment for 2020 credited toward 2021, they alone will have access to a priority pre-sale for single-game tickets this season. Priority for the pre-sale will be based on tenure. The longer you have had season tickets with the Bucs — a team that hasn’t reached the postseason in 12 years — the better chance you have in the pre-sale.

All season pass members who want to declare their option or request a full refund can log into their account beginning 8 a.m. Friday, July 31. All refund requests most be received on or before Sunday, Aug. 9. Ticket holders will not lose their tenure or seats for 2021.

Pricing for individual tickets and how many will be available has yet to be determined.

“The excitement and extremely high demand had resulted in a near sell-out situation on a season pass basis for all home games this season,” Ford said in the letter. “We had hoped to have Raymond James Stadium filled with valued Season Pass Members like yourself to welcome Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to Tampa and provide an unmatched home field advantage. While we share in your disappointment, we remain optimistic for what still promises to be a very memorable season of Buccaneers football.

“Unfortunately, we will be unable to fairly re-seat the entire season pass member base across a limited number of seats. Therefore, we are currently working to determine a capacity that is safe for our fans, staff and players.”

All premium ticket holders in suites, Hall of Fame Club and Legends Club will receive additional information.

What are the options for non-season pass members to see a game in person? Individual game ticket available for non-season pass members will be determined by the response of the pre-sale.

Several weeks ago, the Jets and Giants announced they would not be able to play games in front of fans at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The Ravens have said they will limit attendance to 14,000, and the Jaguars plan to operate TIAA Bank Stadium at 25 percent capacity.

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