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On Thursday, Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the state would stop limiting outdoor capacities as of June 1, as there had been a cap on gatherings since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there was immediate, subsequent speculation that Michigan Stadium would be able to return to holding 110,000, it was mere speculation until the University of Michigan athletics department stated that such could happen.
Though university president Dr. Mark Schlissel expressed optimism at a remote regents meeting, it didn’t appear that there would be an imminent confirmation of the stadium being allowed to move to full capacity, even though in-state rival MSU announced it would be packing Spartan Stadium this fall.
However, on Thursday, the athletics department did sent out a release indicating that it will plan towards having a full stadium, though it will continue to monitor the data.
Full release:
The following is an update from the State of Michigan regarding COVID and its impact on Michigan Athletics event capacities for the 2021-22 season.
Earlier today, Governor Whitmer made the following announcements:
• Beginning Tuesday, June 1, all outdoor capacity limits will be removed, including at sporting events. Indoor settings will increase capacity from 30 percent to 50 percent.
• Beginning July 1, all broad COVID restrictions will be lifted.
For the time being, U-M will continue to follow our current face covering policy that requires masks indoors, on university transportation and outdoors if in groups of 100 or more.
Based upon this latest order and what we now know, this guidance from the State of Michigan clears the path for Michigan Athletics events to return to full capacity beginning with the fall competition. Should federal, state, local or campus public health guidelines change, we will update you as soon as that information becomes available.
Prior to the fall season, we will communicate a set of general safety guidelines and steps that our department has taken to ensure the health and safety of student-athletes, staff and guests. For more information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit UofMHealth.org.
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