Michigan Football: To play with or without fans inside the stadiums
By Nick Popio
With Fans Allowed
As unlikely as that sounds Michigan football’s most heated rival, Ohio State, wants to attempt to make this a reality. Their Athletic Director, Gene Smith, stated that 20,000 or so people can enter the gates if social distancing is properly adhered to. Plus the fact that wearing a mask has to be worn at all times throughout the process. That’s something that can be envisioned in May, but how and who gets chosen to attend is the much more weighted question to answer.
Parents of the student athletes have to be considered essential, but where do the decision makers draw the line after that. The debate for other family members and friends to be included in the mix sparks a controversy in and of itself. Students, donators, and season ticket holders follow next on that priority list. And even perhaps the popularity of tailgating may have to be taken away for a while.
Just want to clarify:
— Gene Smith (@OSU_AD) May 20, 2020
The number of fans we could host in Ohio Stadium this fall under physical distance guidelines could be as low as 22k, but also may be as many as 40-50k if guidelines are relaxed. pic.twitter.com/VEUPFPc4V8
Prices have to be considered in the equation as well. Tickets, parking, merchandise, and concessions will probably skyrocket. That includes sales inside and even outside the arenas by independent sellers themselves. More money has to be made in some fashion after going through this lost time period.