Many colleges are not taking proper safety precautions for football games, which can cause a huge increase in COVID cases if someone was infected. Only a few schools have permission to hold football games, and those are only allowed to be filled at 25% capacity.
The University of Georgia’s (UGA) crowd is under fire after many of the students from the school at the game weren’t wearing masks. UGA is supposed to do temperature checks before spectators walk in the stadium and ensure that they have on a mask. UGA’s spokesperson said, “Last night’s crowd was 20,524 which is a capacity sellout. Our normal capacity is 92,746. So, you are looking at about a 22% capacity.” They also said they were following the guidelines by social distancing while seated, but a photo of a large number of students together without masks during the game of Georgia and Auburn counters that argument.
Southern Methodist University (SMU) forced students out of their section after the students didn’t follow the safety guidelines. The students were in close contact and not spread out. At the game, there was a large audience of students gathered together, similar to the one during the Georgia and Auburn game. Those not following the guidelines were kicked out by police.
However, Texas A&M is taking proper safety precautions by only allowing 25% capacity of their stadium. Their safety guidelines are strict, and if a spectator doesn’t follow them security gives them a warning, and if they continue with their unsafe practices they are kicked out. Along with normal safety guidelines, audience members must also be seated if they’re eating or drinking a beverage during the game. A&M fans continue to be a great example of how to safely enjoy college football during the pandemic by having on a mask while social distancing.
Colleges would love to fully open up the stadium for the fans, not only to let the fans enjoy the full view, but also because it’s one of the schools ways to get revenue. But with the pandemic it’s hard to manage the fans’ needs and keep them under control during the game.