The Buckeyes want to have fans in their stadium, as does every other NCAA team. If that’s feasible is still yet be seen though.
Unlike many teams, the Buckeyes have a plan. While it may not be what fans are hoping for, athletic director Gene Smith put together a model that will allow for 20,000 fans.
“We have played a little bit with the social distancing concept. We know that will probably take us down south of 30,000 fans in the stands, actually closer to 20,000-22,000. We’ve played with that a little bit as a framework to start,” Smith said according to CBS Sports’ Dennis Dodd.
Ohio State’s website notes that the stadium holds 102,780, although more have been jammed into the massive structure before. That said, as you are probably well aware, this downsizing is due to COVID-19.
The team’s game against Oregon has already reportedly been impacted by the state’s legislation. While games won’t start until early September, the dynamic of this virus and how it will slow is still unknown.
Ohio State AD Gene Smith starting to envision college football this fall with, and without fans https://t.co/SWxLUX1twT
— Buckeyes Wire (@BuckeyesWire) May 21, 2020
For now, all we can do is hope for the best. A tell-tell sign of the college’s plan to restart athletics will be if these players return for training on time.
From there, they’ll likely mount a plan to get fans into stadiums for games while keeping a keen eye on the virus’ progression. Smith’s idea seems to be almost a worst-case scenario as fans can then wear masks and social distance to their seats and on their way out.
It’s disappointing obviously, but at the same time, it will get at least some fans in the stadium which is a positive. College football with no fans, or at least a limited number is way better than no college football at all.
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