Utah State fans will be welcomed inside Maverik Stadium this fall to cheer on the Aggies, beginning on Halloween night when USU takes on San Diego State. The goings on inside the stadium will be a little different this year, though.
With the COVID-19 pandemic ongoing and in accordance with the recommendation and guidance from local health experts, the Mountain West Conference, NCAA, and university staff and administration, USU Athletics has announced safety protocols that will be implemented for fans in attendance at football games.
What are the protocols?
- The season will begin with Maverik Stadium at no more than 20% fan capacity.
- All tickets for the 2020 season will be sold on a single-game basis. Season ticket holders who made a commitment to USU football — whether they opted in for spring football, rolled tickets over to fall 2021 or donated the cash portion of their tickets — will have priority access to tickets. The general public will then be able to access tickets after all priority windows close.
- Tickets for each game will go on sale approximately two weeks prior to game day. This is intended to allow for maximum flexibility to change stadium capacity restrictions if state and local guidelines change.
- In an effort to promote and maintain social distancing in the stadium, tickets have been separated into pods. Pods range in size from one to eight tickets. There are a limited number of pods containing six and eight tickets, and sales will be limited to one order per game.
- Rather than pick up tickets in person, fans are strongly encouraged to have their tickets delivered to their mobile phone or emailed via a print-at-home format.
- Face coverings are required. All spectators ages 2 and up must wear a personal face covering that covers both their nose and mouth as they enter, exit and move around the concourse.
- Seating will be limited and has been reduced in the general seating bowl and premium areas. Physical distancing between non-household members is required and fans will be asked to remain in their assigned seat to ensure proper physical distancing.
- USU is also implementing a clear bag policy in an effort to speed up the entrance process and reduce touch points. Fans are permitted to bring one 12-by-12-by-6-inch clear bag and one small clutch bag that does not exceed 4.5-by-6.5 inches. Diaper bags and medical bags will be allowed but are subject to search.
- Concessions will be available, but fans are encouraged to use mobile delivery through the Paranoid Fan app on the official Utah State Athletics app.
- All working staff in Maverik Stadium will maintain social distance when possible and will wear masks. Concessions staff and third-party vendors will follow all COVID-19 and Bear River Health Department hygiene standards, including symptom checking prior to work, wearing masks and gloves, and frequent hand-washing.
- And finally, hand sanitizing stations will be located throughout the stadium. High-touch areas will be cleaned throughout the game.
Each of the protocols has been instituted with one thing mind, per an official statement by USU Athletics: “The health and well-being of the student-athletes, fans and staff are the top priority and will continue to guide these protocols.”