Big West Conference Updates Spring Sports Attendance Policies
3/18/2021 11:46:00 AM | Baseball, Football, General, Softball
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- The Big West Conference's Board of Directors has approved unanimously a measure to allow each Big West member school to exercise institutional discretion with regard to fan attendance at spring sporting events.
Cal Poly's plan to repopulate athletic events is in progress and will be consistent with state and county recommendations. Based on San Luis Obispo County's current Red Tier status, the plan is to allow up to 20 percent of capacity at its venues, which would mean about 2,200 fans for the two remaining home football games inside Alex G. Spanos Stadium, 628 for baseball events at Baggett Stadium and 200 for softball contests at Bob Janssen Field.
In the fall, the board voted to prohibit spectators at basketball and other sporting events, but indicated they would revisit the issue as new data became available. As gathering protocols have evolved at a faster pace and vaccines have become more readily available, each Big West institution will now have the freedom to develop attendance policies that may grant fans access to venues on a limited basis as federal, state, local and campus COVID-19 protocols allow.
"Although policies and procedures will vary from place to place, all 11 Big West institutions remain committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our student-athletes," Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly added. "Based on the best guidance from university leadership and public health officials, each institution will be able to assess conditions on the ground and determine the best course of action. With case counts diminishing and outdoor sports presenting a lower risk of spread, we remain cautiously optimistic and are pleased to welcome fans back to venues where it is possible to provide a safe environment for both student-athletes and fans alike."
As medical and scientific data rapidly evolves surrounding the pandemic, the conference will continue to monitor developments and will consider additional actions as needed.
Cal Poly's plan to repopulate athletic events is in progress and will be consistent with state and county recommendations. Based on San Luis Obispo County's current Red Tier status, the plan is to allow up to 20 percent of capacity at its venues, which would mean about 2,200 fans for the two remaining home football games inside Alex G. Spanos Stadium, 628 for baseball events at Baggett Stadium and 200 for softball contests at Bob Janssen Field.
In the fall, the board voted to prohibit spectators at basketball and other sporting events, but indicated they would revisit the issue as new data became available. As gathering protocols have evolved at a faster pace and vaccines have become more readily available, each Big West institution will now have the freedom to develop attendance policies that may grant fans access to venues on a limited basis as federal, state, local and campus COVID-19 protocols allow.
"Although policies and procedures will vary from place to place, all 11 Big West institutions remain committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of our student-athletes," Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly added. "Based on the best guidance from university leadership and public health officials, each institution will be able to assess conditions on the ground and determine the best course of action. With case counts diminishing and outdoor sports presenting a lower risk of spread, we remain cautiously optimistic and are pleased to welcome fans back to venues where it is possible to provide a safe environment for both student-athletes and fans alike."
As medical and scientific data rapidly evolves surrounding the pandemic, the conference will continue to monitor developments and will consider additional actions as needed.
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