No tailgating? Reeves announces COVID-19 rules for college football in Mississippi
Attendance at college football games in Mississippi will be limited to 25% of stadium capacity under a new executive order issued by Gov. Tate Reeves.
The order is set to expire on Aug. 31, but Reeves expects to extend the order before it runs out.
“It’s something that’s been polarizing around the country — some conferences have opted not to make any effort to play. Some states have not yet put out their plans,” Reeves said. “This is an effort, which we worked closely with the universities on, to set a floor. We took their joint recommendations, and with a little work we put this plan together. This is the minimum that each school is required to do this fall, to keep players and spectators safe while allowing college football to occur.”
This limit on capacity will likely apply to the Sept. 3 game between South Alabama and Southern Miss at M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg — a facility that has an official capacity of 36,000.
There will be a ban on social gatherings outside stadiums, including tailgating, picnics and fanfare areas.
“I’ll miss (tailgates) terribly myself, but it’s better than some states prohibiting football altogether,” Reeves said.
When asked what priority students may given for attending games, Reeves said that it will be up to each individual university to determine who gets in the gate.
The 25 percent capacity rule will apply to bowl seating as long as six feet of social distancing is available between persons not in the same household.
Indoor club seating and suites will be limited to 50 percent of seating capacity depending on the space available for social distancing. Outdoor club seating will be limited to 25 percent capacity.
All restrooms, entry gates and exit games will remain open, but social distancing is expected from those waiting in line. Hand sanitizing or hand washing stations will be available at entry gates and on concourses throughout the stadium.
Ole Miss is set to open the 2020 season with a home game against Florida on Sept. 26. Mississippi State, which opens Sept. 26 at LSU, will hold its first home game on Oct. 3 vs. Arkansas.
Other guidelines set under the new order include:
▪ Everyone over the age of 6 must wear masks as they enter or exit the stadium, unless they are seated. Masks are strongly encouraged while seated.
▪ Game day events such as tailgating and rallies outside the stadiums are prohibited.
▪ Individuals allowed on the sidelines are limited to those essential for the game.
▪ Concession stands are open, though grab-n-go food and drink options are strongly encouraged.
▪ All transactions should be contactless and touchless, such as mobile ticketing and cashless concessions.
▪ Elevator capacity shall be restricted to family units or a maximum of five people.
This story was originally published August 20, 2020 at 2:54 PM.
