(Ames) Iowa State Athletic Director Jamie Pollard released a letter to fans regarding attendance at the September 12 home football game against Louisiana.
Pollard stated during the past several weeks; they’ve been working closely with university officials as it relates to having fans at home football games. As a result of those discussions, they have decided to provide fans, which purchased season tickets the opportunity to attend the opener on September 12 vs. Louisiana.
ISU staff has strategically reassigned all seat locations using current Cyclone Club giving levels, priority points within those levels, and price, to create improved social distancing. They estimate there will be approximately 25,000 fans in the first game. You can click here to see an overview of the stadium by section with seats plotted for the tickets purchased. The ticket office will be emailing all account holders their seating locations by September 3.
The safety of all participants and fans remains their top priority. If mitigation actions are successful, they will allow all season ticket purchasers to attend the Oklahoma game on October 3. However, if mitigation measures are not followed adequately at the first game, there will be no fans at future games (beginning with Oklahoma).
An essential factor in the decision to allow fans is their belief that Cyclone fans are willing to adhere to the mitigation measures.
“The purpose of this letter is to ask for your support in helping create a safe environment while also providing our team an impactful home-field advantage,” said Pollard. “This is an incredible opportunity for Iowa State University to showcase its ability to successfully navigate the challenges associated with large outdoor events during a pandemic.
“For our plans to succeed, we need full buy-in from everyone,” Pollard said. “I wanted to highlight several of the essential elements from the mitigation document we linked above.
- Health Check – If you are sick or have symptoms related to COVID-19, please do not come to the game. Stay home and cheer on the Cyclones on television.
- Parking – Fans should arrive early to avoid traffic congestion, park their vehicle, gather game gear, and walk directly to the stadium for entrance. Do not accumulate in the parking lots to socialize.
- No Tailgating – There will be no tailgating allowed on the university-owned property, including parking lots and grass areas adjacent to parking lots. Fans may not bring nor set up items usually associated with a tailgate such as lawn chairs, coolers, grills, tents, canopies, tables, etc.
- Face Coverings – Wear your face covering upon exit from your vehicle. Face coverings will be required at ALL times for ALL individuals. Anyone, who refuses to wear a face-covering correctly, will be denied access and removed from the stadium. Gaiters and face shields are acceptable to face coverings.
- Stadium Entry – Prepare to enter the stadium early. Gates will open 90 minutes before kickoff. Honor other fans’ wishes for physical distancing and avoid crowding at entry.
- Seating – All fans were reassigned to new seating locations, and it is critical to sit in those seats to maintain social distancing.
- Fan Flow – We encourage fans to remain in their seats as much as possible to limit congestion on the concourses.
- Departing the Stadium – Use your judgment when exiting the stadium. Take your time while leaving and respect others’ desire for physical distancing. There will be no tailgating or social gatherings allowed in the parking lots after the game.
Pollard stresses attempts to implement mitigation strategies to a standard of absolute protection are not reasonable. It will ultimately be up to each attendee to decide if they are comfortable attending games given the mitigation strategies we implement.
He says every person has a unique perspective of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are fearless; others are cautious. Our measures will be too restrictive for some and too lenient for others. All we ask is that you respect others, follow our guidelines, and support the Cyclones.
“Lastly, this information is subject to revision. We will continue to monitor the situation closely the next two weeks and will take appropriate actions, including no fans for the first game if circumstances warrant changes,” stated Pollard.
We look forward to seeing you on September 12 at MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium.
