CEDAR CITY, Utah -- Southern Utah University Athletics has announced an update regarding attendance at home sporting events, opening up the America First Event Center to more spectators moving forward.
"The athletics department staff has continued to work really hard to determine what we could manage when it comes to allowing fans back into the America First Event Center," SUU Director of Athletics Debbie Corum said. "This plan gives us the best of both worlds. We are able to welcome fans into our events that want to support our teams, and still stay within the required health and safety guidelines. We paused last week because of a couple different factors, including having the student population tested before they could attend a home event as opening for student attendance has been one of our top priorities. Moving forward, we are hopeful that we will not need to reduce attendance again, but instead, continue to open the doors to even more of our community. As difficult as this has been for our supporters, it has been even more difficult for our student-athletes. They want to play most of all, but they also want to play with fans in the stands. The crowd provides energy for them that is just missing in an empty arena. As long as the people in the arena continue to help us follow protocols of mask wearing, social distancing, etc. we will keep the doors open with the intention that they will open even wider as the competitive season progresses."
Overall attendance will be capped and will remain consistent with state and local health guidelines. The attendance cap will be below 25% of the facility capacity.
There will now be a limited number of public tickets for sale. For availability, please visit www.tbirdtickets.com or contact the Southern Utah Ticket Office at 435-586-7872. These tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
Faculty and staff will be offered a limited number of complimentary tickets in accordance with University policy by presenting a staff ID card at any ticket window the day of an event, also on a first come, first served basis.
Students will be able to pick up tickets from the Student Ticket Table in the Rotunda of the Sharwan Smith Student Center one to two hours before events start. Tickets will be provided to students who can show a valid Student ID or T-Number. Students will also be required to provide proof of a negative COVID test. They will be permitted into the event on a first come, first serve basis.
All seats issued will be reserved seating. Those who do not comply with sitting in the seat they are assigned will be asked to move to that seat, and upon refusal to do so they will be asked to leave the event.
Masks are required and must be worn through the entirety of the contest. Those who do not comply will be asked to leave the event.
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