Doane athletics limiting fan attendance to family members only

Sports active in the fall who are affected by the announcement are football, volleyball, men's & women's soccer, men's & women's tennis, men's & women's cross country, and baseball/softball (fall exhibition games).

From: Doane Athletics

CRETE, Neb. – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact communities around the country and throughout Nebraska, Doane University Athletics has announced its spectator protocol regarding home athletic venues in Crete.

Sports active in the fall who are affected by the announcement are football, volleyball, men’s & women’s soccer, men’s & women’s tennis, men’s & women’s cross country, and baseball/softball (fall exhibition games).

Spectators of Doane and the visiting team will be limited to no more than four (4) immediate family members per student-athlete suited up for the athletic competition. No other spectators will be admitted to games at this time. Additionally, tailgating will not be permitted on campus. The athletic department will continue to evaluate whether to open venues to more fans during the academic year with the health and safety of the Doane student body at the forefront.

“Our first goal is to keep our students on campus for the fall semester and to have our athletic seasons,” Doane Director of Athletics Matt Franzen said. “We have chosen to follow our campus protocols and provide a safe atmosphere for our student-athletes and their immediate families by providing the opportunity to physically distance at our athletic events. As the season progresses, we will continue to make decisions with the best interest of the health of our students and fans in mind.”

The following protocol will be put in place to start the fall season:

• Student-athletes suiting up for the game will complete a form with up to four (4) family members listed (name and relationship to student-athlete need to be provided)… the visiting team’s athletic department will be responsible for providing the fan list to Doane
• Game admission cost for family members registered by student-athletes are $3.00 for adults, $2.00 for students (football, volleyball)
• Family members will check-in and pay at the designated entrance
• Family members will receive ID bands upon entering for the game
• Wearing a mask while at the competition facility will be required at all times per GPAC protocols for spectators and in areas on campus where social distancing is not available
• Family members should plan accordingly when arriving at the athletic venue in the event lines become long with one available entrance open during games

If the athletic department can transition to allowing more fans into venues later this fall, instructions regarding ticket purchasing will be made available with seating limitations likely.

The majority of Doane home athletic events are available to watch on the Doane Sports Network (DSN), which has two channels on YouTube. Additionally, home football games are broadcasted by News Channel Nebraska and available to watch through local cable providers as well as online. Events with live broadcasts available will be marked on each sports’ schedule page through www.doaneathletics.com with a video camera icon and are free to watch.

All protocols put in place are subject to change on a game-by-game basis as conditions dictate. The health and wellbeing of the Doane community, student-athletes, fans, personnel and staff are the highest priority. Doane Athletics will continue to plan to make the necessary adjustments in order to conduct games in as safe a manner as possible