UA: Avoid Campus Saturday If You Don’t Have a Ticket

The University of Alabama is asking fans who don't have a ticket to the Crimson Tide's first home football game Saturday to stay away from campus since tailgating will be prohibited to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

On a conference call with members of the media Tuesday morning, UA's Associate Director of Event Management Nick Frenz said adhering to these new guidelines will be crucial to ensure that Alabama's 2020 season can continue.

Frenz said no tailgating will be allowed on campus, and no one will be allowed to set up tents, grills or televisions on the Quad or anywhere else on University property. He said the Tuscaloosa Police Department and UAPD are going to work together to break up groups that assemble on campus and to ensure that any off-campus gatherings adhere to local and state guidelines.

Inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, where capacity will be limited to roughly 20,000 fans, the University is asking fans in attendance to use debit or credit cards instead of cash as much as possible when patronizing concession stands and other vendors inside the stadium.

Frenz said fans in the stadium will be required to wear a mask at all times, unless they are eating or drinking, and that failure to do so could result being ejected from the facility. Masks will be provided for those who do not bring their own.

Additionally, fans will be required to practice social distancing. Stadium staff will place chair-back seats in the portions of the stands where fans are allowed to sit, which will also allow personnel to quickly identify anyone who is not in their designated place.

Frenz said a limited amount of Million Dollar Band members will be allowed in the stands to play for during games, but said the band will not be allowed on the field for pre-game or halftime performances.

There will be hand sanitizing stations throughout the stadium and restrooms will be marked and taped off to encourage social distancing.

Fans will be required to complete a short COVID-19 health assessment prior to entering the stadium, either digitally on a mobile device or by filling it out in person at either of the two screening sites. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, exposed to someone who is COVID-positive or been directed by a healthcare professional to be in quarantine or isolation for a period of time that includes game day will not be allowed entry.