Florida State Seminoles football announced new stadium policies after criticism surrounding the wearing of masks during games (a mandatory policy) and student responsibility (in the wake of several videos showing massive parties and tailgates.)
© Don Juan Moore
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The most notable is that students must now test negative for coronavirus before attending an FSU home game. Tests will be administered on campus.
The new policy requires students to test negative for COVID-19 during the week prior to each football home game they are planning to attend.
Students who already have a positive COVID-19 test result on file with the university but are no longer positive and have been officially cleared to be on campus are not required to test again to be eligible for football tickets. Students who test for the purpose of football tickets who are also selected for the randomized program that week may utilize the same test for both purposes.
The release also says that those who aren’t wearing masks will be subject to ejection.
The full release can be seen below:
Dear FSU Students,
Attending football games is a cherished tradition at Florida State University, and I know you all want to continue to be able to cheer on our team in person. To do that, it is critical that everyone follows health and safety protocols and do everything that we can to stop the spread of COVID-19.
As President Thrasher stated in his letter to students on Friday, that will include changes to the student football ticket request process.
The new policy requires students to test negative for COVID-19 during the week prior to each football home game they are planning to attend.
This policy goes into effect immediately, beginning with the Florida State-Jacksonville State game on Oct. 3.
The new student football ticket procedures for the Oct. 3 game are as follows:
Students who request tickets must be tested at the Tucker Center COVID-19 Test Site between 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 28, and 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. The online registration window will open on Thursday, Sept. 24, to sign up for a mandatory COVID-19 test at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center. Students may sign up for testing at https://uhs.fsu.edu/coronavirus/testing.
The Student Ticket Request Period runs from 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, through 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept 29. Requests will not be accepted after 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29. Students can request tickets at https://seminoles.com/studenttickets/.
Students who are eligible to receive their requested ticket will be notified by Friday, Oct. 2, pending a negative test result. All test results are confidential and Athletics Department personnel do not have access to private medical information.Tickets will be emailed to eligible students by 12 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.Students who do not get tested during the Monday – Wednesday window or who receive a positive COVID-19 test result will not be eligible for a ticket. Students who test positive will be contacted by FSU’s SAFER contact assessment team.
Please keep in mind that a number of additional factors may also determine your eligibility for tickets, including student conduct code violations.
Students who already have a positive COVID-19 test result on file with the university but are no longer positive and have been officially cleared to be on campus are not required to test again to be eligible for football tickets. Students who test for the purpose of football tickets who are also selected for the randomized program that week may utilize the same test for both purposes.
Due to privacy laws and regulations, we are only able to accept tests that have been completed through the campus testing program.I
In addition, the following policies also will be strictly enforced on game days:
Any fan who is not wearing a mask will be asked to put on a mask or leave the event.
Any student who violates the University’s safety protocol will not have access to the ticket lottery system in the future.
Students must sit in seats designated by a decal stating “SIT HERE”. Any student who is sitting or standing in an unauthorized location will be asked to move or leave the event.
Tailgates will continue to be prohibited.
I urge everyone to stay vigilant as we all play a part in battling COVID-19: Continue to wear face coverings, comply with social distancing guidelines, wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation in making FSU football games a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone rooting on the Seminoles!
Sincerely,
David Coburn
Director of Athletics
Here’s the original Q&A released by the school before the season opener:
What is the expected capacity of Doak Campbell Stadium this fall?
We are planning for 25% capacity, which will include a mix of donors, students and various other commitments.
Will seats be socially distanced?
Yes. We sold seats in pods of 2, 4, 6 or 8 seats. Each of these pods is socially distanced to maximize personal space.
Will masks be required in Doak Campbell Stadium?
Yes. Masks will be required while attending games this fall
Will concession stands be open this season?
Yes. We have worked with our concessions partner to implement a plan that maximizes safety for our fans. In addition, transactions will be cashless at our events this year.
Will fans still have access to the beer gardens this season?
Fans will have the ability to purchase beer from concession stands, but the beer gardens will be closed in an effort to maximize social distancing. Beginning this season, fans will be allowed to take all beverages to their seats in the stadium.
What time will gates open this fall?
Gates will open two hours prior to the announced kick-off time for each home game just as they have in the recent past.
Will gate entry be different this year?
Yes. We have printed specific gate assignments on tickets that correlates to the gate closest to your seats. We are asking fans to enter ONLY through the gate printed on your tickets.
What time will parking lots open this season?
Parking lots will open three hours prior to announced kickoff time for each home game.
When will I receive my parking passes?
Parking passes will be sent electronically this year. Fans will be asked to print out your parking pass at home and bring with you to the game. Please have it visible for officers as you approach all checkpoints leading into the stadium complex. Passes will be scanned and can only be used one time.
Can I sell my tickets on StubHub?
Yes. However, please be mindful of social distancing when it comes to seating within your pod of seats.
Will motorhome parking be available this season?
Yes. Seminole Booster members at specified levels who drive self-contained motorhomes will be eligible. Parking assignments will be sent via email and the registration process begins Monday at 9:00 a.m. and ends Tuesday at noon prior to each home game.
Are suites open this season and what do I need to know?
Yes. Suites will be limited to 20 guests only. Social distancing will be required and masks must be worn in all common areas including check-in, elevators, restrooms and hallways. Tickets will be sent electronically this season.
Will the Marching Chiefs be present at games?
Yes. The Chiefs will also be required to socially distance, which will reduce the size of the band. They will perform their pregame and halftime shows from the stands.
Will Osceola and Renegade be allowed at the stadium?
Yes. The spear plant will take place to signify the beginning of the game and then Osceola and Renegade will unfortunately have to exit the field per Covid-19 safety protocol.
Will the Legacy Walk take place prior to gates opening?
Unfortunately, there will not be a Legacy Walk for the Georgia Tech game. Our hope is to re-evaluate as the season progresses.
Will there be a Friday Night Block Party this fall at CollegeTown?
Unfortunately no. Our hope is to bring this back for the spring game next year.
Will Florida State pump in crowd noise over the public address system?
No. We have faith our fans can take care of that for us.
Will you have the 50/50 lottery that you had in the past?
Yes, no changes this season
Are the restrictions on what fans can bring with them in the stadium the same?
No changes from last season
Are water fountains available inside the stadium?
Water fountains will not be in service due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, we will have several bottle filling stations for you to fill your empty water bottles.
**All policies listed above will continue to be evaluated throughout the fall season