Included in the layout for the 4 home video games arranged to start Oct. 3 are areas for more than UGA trainees, faculty and personnel, gamers families and visiting-team households.
” We looked at (seating) models for twos all the method to 8s,” Brooks stated. “But when you started considering a tidy application system that would be easy and easy to operate for a ticket workplace and for a fair system out donors would understand, it was much better to choose 2s and fours.”
Brooks and Georgia Athletic Director Greg McGarity spent 36 minutes with press reporters Wednesday describing the strategy and answering concerns about the approaching football season. McGarity was asked if he thought it was risky to think about playing football during a pandemic.
” Weve got a lot of time, through the entire month of September to examine things,” McGarity stated. “We simply require to be able to pivot if essential. Weve got a long time prior to we have our very first house video game. … We seem like the way weve drawn up the arena, we can keep social distancing and still comply with the CDC guidelines to keep individuals as safe as possible. Again, individuals can pull out.”
ExploreSEC presence guidelines for fall seasonFollowing are some other talking points UGA authorities addressed:
Will there be tailgating?
McGarity: Well make that decision a bit later. I know Alabama has currently come out and stated no tailgating– Arkansas has, as well– but were going to wait and see. We dont have to make that decision today but certainly as we near the first game, well make those choices about tailgating. We will just wait and make that decision a little bit later.”
Will there be a “Dawg Walk?”
McGarity: We dont understand. We just havent zeroed in on those plans for when we start in October.
Will there be a trainee area?
It was important to us early on that we keep the student section, and footprint was not impacted. We in fact increased the students footprint slightly. Well start satisfying with more trainee leadership to validate the allowance plan and make sure they are comfy with what were working through.
Will the Redcoat Band or cheerleaders exist?
McGarity: That has yet to be determined. I understand the (SECs) Medical Advisory Task Force is supplying some guidance to the athletic directors as we move forward. That has yet to be figured out as far as how band and cheerleaders would function this year.
Will mask rules be imposed?
Brooks: According to the SEC details, you need to have them on when you get in or move about the stadium, however if you can preserve 6 feet of distancing within the arena, you do not need to wear the masks. … In the blocks weve set out, you can maintain social-distancing.
Is there a point of go or no go?
McGarity: I do not think there is a drop-dead date; we do not have one designated. I believe it would have to be the week of the video game at the newest, however we will just wait and see what establishes on a daily basis.
What are the safety and sanitation steps inside the stadium?
Brooks: Thats going to be a big part of our operation this year. Were going to have hand-sanitizer stations everywhere across the arena. All of our personnel will be truly masked-up, all of the concession workers will have face-shields, masks, gloves. That is really crucial to think about all of those things, and follow all the CDC guidelines as you speak about concessions, restrooms, ingress, egress. That was what kind of gave us confidence to move forward with this strategy knowing that with a crowd of this size, the operations at the concessions and restrooms will be simple. Ingress and egress will be simple. We can handle that. … We are going to be deep-cleaning. There are going to be a custodian appointed to each and every single toilet that will be constantly cleaning down touch points. We are going to disinfect all of the bathrooms the day of the video game, all common locations. I feel actually great about the plan.
What about the Florida game in Jacksonville?
McGarity: We will (disperse tickets) much like we carry out in a regular season down there. Certainly you have less tickets. The circulation process will be consistent with our routine roadway video games.
Any possibility that participation could be increased or decreased for home games?
McGarity: I just think we have to be prepared to pivot on both sides. If we can go up, that d be terrific.
Why no road-game tickets?
McGarity: That was perhaps one of the quickest decisions we made as a group (in the SEC), to limit that. And the ability to take a trip is going to be minimized for fans anyway.
Will schools be able to make use of artificial noise or anything to produce atmosphere or any type of a homefield benefit?
Brooks: I can tell you from my Louisiana-Monroe days that 18- to 20,000 can make some sound in an arena and I believe our fans are quite vibrant and are going to make sounds. … Im sure conference guidelines will be included however thats something we have not survived yet.
Any unique considerations for Sky Suite holders?
McGarity: They will be running at half-capacity. Suites have 16 seats, so theyll be able to go with eight.
I know Alabama has already come out and stated no tailgating– Arkansas has, as well– but were going to wait and see. Brooks: Thats going to be a big part of our operation this year. Were going to have hand-sanitizer stations everywhere across the stadium. We are going to disinfect all of the restrooms the day of the game, all typical locations. And the capability to take a trip is going to be reduced for fans anyway.
