AD White asks fans to wear masks, wait for football updates
UCF athletics director Danny White asked fans to wear masks and told them he remains optimistic the Knights will play sports in 2020-21 despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.
White shared those sentiments in a letter to fans Thursday evening, giving updates on potentially having fans in the stands for football games and options for season ticket holders.
“Our staff has been working tirelessly to prepare for the return of sports at UCF, even in the midst of some uncertainty,” White wrote. “... There are no guarantees, but we are focused on preparing to host events this fall, even if we don’t yet know all the details and specifics as to how those contests will happen. We expect more clarity in the next few weeks.”
White said much of the athletic department’s attention was focused on safety protocols for the return of football players for voluntary workouts in June, but that now the attention has turned to transition those protocols for football game days and other sports.
“We will follow the guidance and direction of our state, county and UCF health and safety professionals,” White wrote.
Decisions about the upcoming fall season won’t be made just by UCF, according to White. The school is working with the American Athletic Conference along with state and local government officials, who will give guidance relative to the number or percentage of fans that can attend football games.
“Our goal remains the same — to provide safe, memorable experiences at UCF Athletics events for all fans,” White wrote. “Once we receive a decision on the percent of capacity allowed inside the Bounce House, our team will finalize the various contingency plans we have in place and publish them so fans can make arrangements to enjoy game day in Orlando.”
If fans are able to attend sporting events, they’ll be required to follow state and county public health precautions including physical distancing and masks.
“At this time, the specific precautions for this fall and their impact upon the logistics of viewing a game remain unknown,” he wrote. “Public health guidance — particularly in Florida — continues to evolve and our planning always will be responsive to those public health orders.”
The AAC is waiting to set schedule, but it’s ready to adapt to playing fewer football games.
It’s still unclear how any change will impact season ticket holders, but White wrote the school “will offer and communicate several options for season-ticket members” if crowd sizes are capped or the football schedule is offered.
He closed the letter by asking Knight Nation to help assure sports can be played in the fall.
“You can help us improve the chances of sports returning to UCF this fall,” White said. “Make smart and informed decisions about when and where you go, wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands. Following all those health guidelines can help us have athletics on our campus in 2020-21 and beyond.”