Iowa State To Allow 25,000 Fans At Home Opener
It looks like we will have fall college football in the state of Iowa after all. The Iowa State Cyclones plan to start on September 12th and have announced how many fans can attend along with their coronavirus mitigation plan for their home opener.
In a press release announced on Monday, Director of Athletics for Iowa State, Jamie Pollard, gave a detailed mitigation plan along with details about allowing fans at their home opener on September 12th. In his press release, Pollard said that those who purchased Cyclone seasons tickets will be allowed inside of Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State staff has reassigned all seat locations using current Cyclone Club giving levels, priority points within those levels and taking into account location and/or price, to create improved social distancing.
Pollard said that he expects approximately 25,000 fans at the first game against Louisiana on September 12th. Fans who purchased season tickets can click here to see an overview of the stadium by section with seats plotted for the tickets purchased. Season ticket holders will be contacted via email by September 3rd.
Iowa State Athletics has already announced their mitigation efforts for fans and can be viewed via these two links:
Pollard highlighted 8 key points about their mitigation plans below.
- 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 gather in the parking lots to socialize.
- No Tailgating – There will be no tailgating allowed on university-owned property, including parking lots and grass areas adjacent to parking lots. Fans may not bring nor set up items normally 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 properly wear a face covering, will be denied access and/or removed from the stadium. Gaiters and face shields are acceptable face coverings.
- Stadium Entry – Prepare to enter the stadium early. Gates will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Honor other fans' wishes for physical distancing and avoid crowding at entry.
- Seating – All fans were reassigned 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 own judgment when departing 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 said that if their mitigation at the September 12th game is successful, ISU will allow fans at their next home again against Oklahoma on October 3rd. If Iowa State feels that the mitigation efforts at the home opener is not successful, they will not allow any fans to attend home games starting with the Oklahoma game.
Even though many Cyclone fans I bet are excited to hear this news, Pollard ended his announcement saying that this is not set in stone.
"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."
Let's just be happy we will have some football to watch in a couple of weeks.