Gophers to welcome back full capacity at sporting events starting in fall
Limited seating was the norm at TCF Bank Stadium this past fall. This upcoming season, 100 percent capacity will be allowed. (FOX 9)
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The University of Minnesota says its sports venues will be 100 percent open to fans starting this fall.
In a release Tuesday, Gophers Athletics said soccer, volleyball and football will be the first ticketed sports to welcome back fans at full capacity.
"We are excited to safely welcome fans back into our venues," Gophers Athletic Director Mark Coyle said Tuesday in a statement. "We will follow all University, local and state guidelines, and we are looking forward to our fans once again providing a tremendous advantage for our Gopher student-athletes when they compete on campus. We are so thankful for our fans, donors and sponsors who helped provide necessary resources for our student-athletes last season, but we missed seeing and hearing them at games. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back to campus in a few months, while still providing our fans with a safe and enjoyable experience."
Minnesota opens the 2021 football season at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2 when it hosts Ohio State. The team will also host Miami (Ohio), Bowling Green, Nebraska, Maryland, Illinois and Wisconsin at TCF Bank Stadium this season.
In addition to the on-field action, tailgating, the Ski-U-March arrival, Gopher Garden activities, marching band performances, spirit squads and more will resume as normal.
The university also said it would be transitioning to mobile tickets for all its on-campus events starting in the fall. In the release, the school says the transition allows for "improved ticket delivery and management features."
The Gophers played the 2020 season without fans at TCF Bank Stadium due to concerns with the COVID-19 pandemic.