Florida football games will look a lot different this year with reduced capacity, no tailgating, no Gator Walk and no cheerleaders.
The Florida Gators enter the season as legitimate playoff contenders and made it official Thursday that there will be fans in attendance this season. However, it will be only 20 percent of fans in The Swamp this fall.
“As we have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked hand in hand with UF Health, the SEC and its Medical Guidance Task Force, and campus officials to create the safest environment possible for the student-athletes, staff and fans,” Athletics Director Scott Stricklin said.
Florida’s plan for home games in 2020
The first notable aspect of the plan is the attendance figure. The stadium will be at one-fifth capacity, meaning roughly 17,000 fans will be allowed in for each game. Fans also have to wear face coverings for the entire game except when they are eating or drinking. This seems to follow similar protocols put in place around the country.
The restrictions continue with no cheerleaders allowed on the sidelines and the cancellation of the “Gator Walk” from the bus to the stadium. Tailgating is gone as well, which was to be expected.
- Tailgating will not be permitted on the UF campus
- Gator Walk will not occur in 2020
- Gator Walk Village will not be set up for 2020
- No Gators Fan Fest
- No Spirit teams on the sidelines
Playing the games in the first place is a big achievement given the fact major conferences like the Big Ten and Pac-12 have outright postponed their fall seasons. Getting fans in the stands was the next step and doing so safely could set a blueprint for outdoor sports during the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Florida also made sure to announce this is an ongoing situation and plans can change. The home opener on Oct. 3 will serve as a trial run to make sure this is safe and that everyone is following the rules. The latter may be the ultimate key to success.
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