Rams Football to Allow Fan Attendance
The wait for football season is over, and there will be fans allowed at the games.
This past fall, the Bluefield College football season was postponed to the spring for COVID-19 concerns, and while the pandemic is still a concern the BC administration has agreed to let fans attend the games in person.
However, to ensure player, coach and fan safety there are rules and regulations for attending the games, according to BC’s Erika Bell, director of sports medicine.
“Essentially, what they are going to have to do — just like a visitor that comes on campus — they are going to have to fill out a questionnaire in order to come in the gate,” Bell said about fans who want attend football games.
She said temperature checks prior to entering the stadium will not be required because they are not typically accurate in an outdoor environment, but face coverings or masks she said, “are to be worn at all times, even though it’s outside.”
Inside the stadium, fans are expected to socially distance themselves into the clusters in which they arrived. Additionally, there will be a section of bleachers reserved for the Ram Band, which fans will not be permitted to sit.
“After the game, no loitering (will be allowed) with game participants, such as football players, cheerleaders, and marching band members,” Bell sadi, “and no fans are allowed on the field after the game.”
Changes to the rules, Bell added, may be made throughout the season, but even with all the new guidelines, players, coaches and fans are excited to get to be at the games this spring.
“I feel good about having fans at our games,” said head football coach Dewey Lusk, “as I know how important it is to parents to watch their kids play.”
“I’m excited to have fans because it’s always good to have supporters,” said senior football player Lowell Patron, “and it gives us the extra motivation to go out and play our best each game.”
Senior Katie Kendrick, a member of the Lady Rams volleyball team and a big Rams football fan, said she’s looking forward to providing that extra motivation for the players.
“It’s going to be a different environment this season for the Rams,” she said, “but I’m excited to get the cow bells going and screaming in the stands.”
While Coach Lusk said he’s happy for the players and parents to have fans in the stands, he said other factors will determine how successful the team is this year.
“Practice, preparation, and depth affect how a team performs the most,” Coach Lusk said, “but I’m sure there is some added incentive to having fans in the stands for players. My hope is that players, staff, and fans stay safe, primarily. Also, we want to provide the safest and best experience possible for our players, staff, school, and fans for our spring 2021 season.”
The Rams football team will host its first home game on Saturday, February 6 at 3 p.m. For a look at the complete schedule, visit bcrams.com.