Because of the surge in coronavirus cases in Ohio and the subsequent advisory put in place by the Columbus Department of Health, family members will no longer be able to attend Ohio State athletic events said the university in a news release.
The policy is effective immediately and includes the home football game against Indiana this Saturday in Ohio Stadium. The advisory announced by the city Wednesday goes into effect Friday at 6 p.m.
“The health and safety of student-athletes, coaches, spectators and event staff is our top priority,” Gene Smith, Director of Athletics, said in a statement. “We had hoped to continue to allow family members of our student-athletes and coaching staffs to be able to attend games, but circumstances around this pandemic are prompting us to adjust, just as it has throughout the past eight months. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and we will continue to do what is in the best interests of everyone involved.”
According to the release, Ohio State will continue to work closely with local and state health authorities on protocols and adjustments as the state and nation continue to step through the pandemic. The decision not to allow families at football games will be reevaluated prior to Ohio State’s final home football game of the season, Dec. 12 against the University of Michigan.
However, the decision not to allow fans of family members will stay in place for all of the Ohio State men’s and women’s basketball and hockey home games that are either scheduled, or in the process of being scheduled, through the remainder of 2020.