Like many football stadiums, Clemson’s Memorial Stadium will open 2020 at reduced capacity
Despite rising COVID-19 rates on college campuses nationwide, the Clemson Tigers have received support from the state of South Carolina to open Memorial Stadium with fans, albeit not the sell-out crowd football players are used to on Saturdays.
Like professional sports franchises and college programs across the country, Clemson sought out permission from local and state officials before making any drastic decisions. For now, the plan is for attendance to be reduced to 19,000 fans, well short of the usual 81,000.
How did Clemson come to this decision?
“Clemson sought input from external medical, public health and facility planning experts during the process, as well as the University Strategic Operations Group. With the information available today, we are confident in our ability to safely allow fans at games, which is incredibly important to our student-athletes, coaches, fans and local community. We’ll continue to monitor guidance and make adjustments if necessary,” Director of Athletics Dan Radakovich said in a statement.
Face coverings will be required at all Clemson sporting events, and the University has recommended that any at-risk supporters consider staying home, rather than taking a substantial risk.
Per the school, pregame traditions such as the Tiger Walk won’t take place in 2020. That sort of gathering, which typically draws a crowd, isn’t smart in times like these. There will also be no tailgating, and large crowds are prohibited. Seating arrangements will keep fans as distanced as possible.
“Fans will be seated primarily in pods of two and four affiliated guests throughout the stadium with distancing between pods. Lots will open three hours prior to announced kickoff times and tailgating and tents or large groups are prohibited,” the school said, per its press release.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson and the ACC remain committed to playing out a conference slate. Receiving support from the local community and state government will go a long way in making that a reality.
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