Texas Border Business
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics unveiled on Monday protocols that will allow a limited number of fans in the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex for games during the 2021 men’s and women’s soccer spring seasons.
A limited number of seats are available as UTRGV Athletics is capping capacity at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex at 150 fans. Tickets are not required as admission is complimentary and granted on a first-come, first-served basis. UTRGV students are asked to sit in the designated student section.
The UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex has capacity for 1,250 spectators. Limiting capacity to 150 allows for proper social distancing among fans, staff and student-athletes.
Wednesday’s exhibition matches for both the men and women’s teams will be closed to the public.
Additional safety measures at the UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex include:
- Social distancing markers at the entry gate that are strictly enforced to allow for social distancing.
- Face masks are required to be worn properly by all fans, media and staff present inside the UTRGV Soccer Complex. The CDC defines wearing a mask correctly as covering the nose and mouth and securing it around the chin, trying to fit in snugly against the side of the face. The CDC does not recommend using masks with an exhalation valve or vent. Neck gaiters, bandanas and similar items are not acceptable alternatives to face masks. Children ages 2 and under are not required to wear masks.
- All fans, media, staff and student-athletes will be subject to a temperature test prior to entry. Anyone displaying a temperature over 100.0°F will be taken to a cooling off area prior to a secondary temperature screening. Employees or guests confirmed to have a temperature over 100.0°F or exhibiting any signs of COVID-19 will not be allowed entry to the property.
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures will be implemented prior to and during all home matches.
- Hand sanitization stations have been installed in all public areas.
Concession Stand
- Face coverings will be required to be worn by all customers and staff at all times.
- Concessions staff will wear gloves.
- Food items will consist of bottled drinks and packaged snacks.
- Plexiglass shields have been installed at all concession points of sale to protect customers and staff.
- Floor decals have been installed to properly queue lines and maintain social distancing. Fans waiting in line will be asked to maintain at least six feet distance from other customers.
- A regular cleaning schedule with an emphasis on disinfecting commonly touched surfaces with antibacterial spray will be employed.
- Fans can remove their face masks only while actively eating and drinking in their seats.
Restrooms
- The men’s restroom will allow three guests at a time. The women’s restroom will allow four guests at the time.
- Select stalls and urinals will be blocked off to allow for social distancing.
- A regular cleaning schedule with an emphasis for disinfecting commonly touched surfaces with antibacterial spray is being employed.
Fans unable to attend the matches in person can watch every regular season home match for free online through the WAC Digital Network at WACDigitalNetwork.com. Links to watch road matches are available on the schedule pages at GoUTRGV.com.
“Our number one priority is the health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, fans, opponents and officials,” UTRGV Vice President and Director of Athletics Chasse Conque said. “We have been working hand-in-hand with the University’s coronavirus task force to create these protocols. We feel confident that this plan will allow us to keep everyone safe.”
For the latest updates about match day, visit GoUTRGV.com/game-day.
For the latest updates from UTRGV, visit UTRGV.edu/coronavirus.
