Florida State will no longer allow tailgating for home opener vs. Georgia Tech

Florida State are advising fans to enter Doak Campbell Stadium immediately upon exiting their vehicles for their home opener against Georgia Tech.

The ACC joined the SEC and Big 12 by announcing that their 2020 season will take place as scheduled as the coronavirus pandemic still rages through the United States. Many college football programs in the conference have announced the limitation of fan attendance and the banning of tailgating. Two weeks ago, Florida State announced that tailgating would be allowed for their home opener against Georgia Tech on Sept. 12. Now, the university has backtracked from their original announcement.

Florida State officials confirmed that tailgating will not be permitted for the home opener after all.

“Given what is going on throughout the country and the number of COVID cases in Leon County, we have determined that for the safety of all involved we will not allow tailgating for the Georgia Tech game,” said FSU Director of Athletics David Coburn, via the university’s official website.

“We will continue to monitor the situation, and if changes are warranted, we will adjust the policy accordingly.”

A spike in COVID-19 cases led to a change of heart for FSU

Initially, the university allowed fans to tailgate individually at their own parking spaces and that all fans must keep six-feet apart while wearing face masks. Florida State faced serious pushback from season ticket holders about those plans, and the school ultimately reversed course.

Now, Florida State says that fans cannot put up tents or tables, while being barred from using outdoor grills in the parking lot. Gates will open two-and-a-half hours before the 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Once fans leave their cars, they’re advised to enter the stadium immediately.

Last week, the Miami Hurricanes announced that their home opener will be limited to a maximum of 13,000 fans at Hard Rock Stadium. Tailgating and alcohol sales are banned, and students are prohibited from attending the game due to an increase in positive COVID-19 cases on campus.

While tailgating is officially off the table for Florida State’s home opener, it’s unknown what the university’s plan will be for their next home game on Oct. 3 against the Jacksonville State Gamecocks.

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