Texas athletics announces implementation of new safety measures for 2020

AUSTIN, Texas — The University of Texas athletic department, in keeping with current state government guidance regarding attendance at sporting events, has announced the implementation of a series of safety measures designed to improve safety at events this fall.

“Our priority is to create the safest gameday environment for our student-athletes, coaches, game officials, fans, staff and visiting teams,” Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris Del Conte said in a statement released through the UT athletic department. “Our facilities, events, ticketing, marketing, communications and Longhorn Foundation staffs have been working on various scenarios and possibilities throughout the past four months to accomplish our priorities within state of Texas guidelines and in conjunction with medical officials. It is more important now than ever that we remain united as one with our horns held high. Whether you are attending with us in-person on gameday, or engaging with us from afar, your support is the lifeblood of our program. Gamedays at DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium are one of the most revered traditions in college sports, and we can’t wait to see the Burnt Orange and White faithful cheering on our teams this fall.”

The athletic department is working in conjunction with university leadership, as well as with the Big 12 Conference, the NCAA and public health officials to create as safe an environment as possible for a return to athletic competition this fall. Among the precautions announced by the athletic department:

• Fans are asked to practice physical and social distancing, wash their hands frequently, use hand sanitizer, wear face coverings and enter at the specific gate designated on their mobile tickets.
  • Fans are asked to keep a safe distance between their party and other fans while inside or outside the stadium.
• Fans who do not feel well or have been in close contact with someone they suspect might be infected should stay home and call a doctor.

The announcement also specified what fans are allowed to bring in to the stadium — bags that are clear plastic and do not exceed 12 by 12 by 6 inches, one-gallon clear resealable plastic storage bags and/or small clutch bags or purses, which do not have to be clear but may not exceed 4.5 by 6.5 inches — and what may not be brought in: larger purses, diaper bags (although items normally carried in diaper bags may be brought in in clear bags), cases for cameras or binoculars, etc., backpacks, printed pattern plastic bags, reusable grocery bags, mesh or straw bags, duffle bags or large totes.

Fans will be allowed to bring 3.4-ounce individual-sized hand-sanitizer bottles, sanitary wipes and all applicable medical exceptions.

The athletic department is installing Attis Clean hand sanitizer kiosks throughout the stadium, including 225 dispenser trees throughout assorted venues. Attis Clean exceeds the minimum alcohol concentration guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control to effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2 and reduce other pathogens present.

All stadium restrooms, suites and clubs, as well as the press box and locker rooms will be treated by GermLogic throughout the season, as will the turf at both Campbell-Williams Field and the Indoor Practice Facility to help protect student-athletes. GermLogic uses the latest in products and technology to combat microbes such as MRSA, Staph, Influenza, as well as the novel Coronavirus. Their solutions reportedly will kill up to 99.99% of common illness-causing pathogens while physically preventing future growth.

To see the entire announcement about the measures taken by the UT athletic department, click here.