During a video briefing Thursday, Director of Athletics Josh Whitman and Associate Athletic Director for Sports Medicine Randy Ballard joined Chancellor Robert Jones in discussing the ongoing development of student-athlete return to campus protocols as well as the return to play plans for the 2020-21 season. The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has spent many months preparing detailed plans in accordance with guidelines set by the University, Big Ten Conference and the State of Illinois and local health officials. Those plans represent incremental steps being taken to return the Fighting Illini and college athletics to play this year.
The first step came last week when the Big Ten Conference announced the plan for conference-only schedules and guaranteed scholarships and aid to student-athletes, regardless of participation.
In this second step, the DIA will begin to communicate plans for football gameday. In adhering to the state’s Restore Illinois plan, Phase 4 allows for the conducting of live spectator events with the CDC-recommended guidance on health and safety.
Football gameday events (pregame, in-game and postgame) will follow these guidelines with some of the below adjustments:
Memorial Stadium will be seated to 20% capacity with social distancing and reserved seating.
Face coverings will be required in public areas, and six-foot social distancing will be observed in the Great Halls and concourses.
Tailgating will not be allowed this season.
Increased cleaning will be conducted during the game and areas such as restrooms may be closed for brief periods for cleaning.
Concessions will be designed as “grab ‘n go”.
All tickets will be delivered via mobile device.
Complete plans and outstanding information will be disclosed to fans, donors and season ticket holders once finalized schedules are released from the conference.
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