The UTEP Miners will play its first game of the 2020 season Sept. 5 against lower division opponent Stephen F. Austin State University and has released social distancing guidelines for the limited number of fans who will be allowed to attend.
“We are committed to providing the safest environment possible for our fans, players, coaches, and staff as football returns this fall,” UTEP Director of Athletics Jim Senter said. “We will be testing our football team for COVID-19 weekly during the season. We will be reducing seating capacity in the Sun Bowl to ensure that social distancing can be practiced between family units. We have implemented new features like a clear bag policy and mobile ticketing system, that should make our fans feel safer and more comfortable when entering the venue.”
UTEP Athletics recently announced its COVID-19 Fan protocols for the Fall 2020 football season. The season is set to kick off on Saturday with seating capacity capped at 18%, approximately 9,000 fans.
“We have spent the better part of the last few months analyzing our venue and, in coordination with our special events team, we have formulated a plan that we believe will provide the safest experience possible for our fans,” Senter said.
Some key takeaways from the 2020 UTEP Football COVID-19 protocols include:
- Face coverings/masks are required.
- Tailgating is prohibited.
- All parking passes will be digital – season passes and single-game passes.
- All parking lots will open 3 hours prior to kickoff.
- The traditional fan, spirit squad, and marching band welcoming of the team to the stadium (Miner Walk) will not take place.
- Gates will open 30 minutes earlier than usual – 2 hours prior to kickoff compared to 90 minutes – to assist with fan entry and social distancing.
- Parking lots will open three hours prior to kickoff.
- All fans will have assigned seats and are asked to remain in their seats, so social distancing can be practiced.
- Water fountains will not be available.
- All stadium staff and game day personnel will be required to fill out and complete an online COVID-19 screening form prior to arriving to campus for game day and will wear face coverings in the venue.
- Frequency of cleaning by custodial staff will be increased, especially in high traffic public areas.
- At the conclusion of the game, fans will be instructed to depart in a “deplaning” fashion with those fans closest to the exits leaving first followed by the next closest fans, all the while recognizing and respecting social distancing.
- Game tickets will only be sold through the following channels prior to game day: Call 915–747-UTEP, Visit UTEPMiners.com/tickets or email [email protected]. No in-person sales prior to game day.
Season tickets for the 2020 UTEP Football season are on sale now. For information about the UTEP Football Fan Protocols, visit 2020 Football Game Day COVID-19 Fan Protocols.
Heriberto Perez may be reached at [email protected]
