MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama athletics director Joel Erdmann said in an update to fans that the department intends to play its fall sports seasons as scheduled, and that face masks will likely be required for fans at football games this fall. The Joel Erdmann update outlined the return of athletes to campus and planned game-day changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Athletes Return to Campus
According to Erdmann, 75 football players returned to campus during the week of June 8 for voluntary strength and conditioning workouts. The remaining 45 football players returned this week, along with several men’s and women’s basketball players. Volleyball and soccer athletes are expected to begin returning soon after July 4.
Erdmann said the department is following health and safety precautions recommended by the NCAA and the Sun Belt Conference for athletes’ return, including testing, daily screening, grouping and distancing strategies, and rigorous cleaning and sterilization protocols.
Game-Day Changes
“Our intent is to play our fall seasons as scheduled,” Erdmann wrote. “With that in mind please know we will adjust our operations to protect student-athletes, fans and guests to the best of our ability.”
Possible game-day measures listed by Erdmann include:
- Maintaining a playing surface that protects student-athletes, coaches and staff
- Assigned entry gates to distribute crowd flow
- Paperless ticketing options
- Queuing strategies to help with distancing at concessions and restrooms
- Extensive cleaning before and during events
- Changes to concessions and catering
- Screening at entry gates, which could include temperature checks
- Face masks, which will likely be required
Stadium Capacity
If current social distancing protocols remain in place, attendance at Hancock Whitney Stadium, South Alabama’s new on-campus football stadium, could be limited to as few as about 6,000 fans. Seating would be determined through the priority points system among season ticket holders, and fans would be directed to enter through the gates closest to their seats.
Erdmann said plans are in place for distancing at stadiums and venues once capacity limits are known, and that the department expects to have more details in mid-to-late July.
“We look forward to seeing everyone at Hancock Whitney Stadium, the Cage and Jag Gym this fall,” Erdmann wrote.
