Big Ten Allows Fans For Rest Of 2020-21 Athletic Season

The Big Ten announced Wednesday that it will allow fans to return to venues beginning immediately for the rest of the 2020-21 athletic season.

“The decision to follow local health guidelines and restrictions was made jointly by the Big Ten Conference Directors of Athletics and the Council of Presidents and Chancellors in consultation with university medical experts and the conference office,” the conference said in a press release.

The University of Nebraska put out a press release of its own Wednesday morning commending the move and said it will allow fans in the Devaney Center for its upcoming volleyball series against Penn State April 1-2.

It’s currently unclear whether Penn State will allow fans in Rec Hall for the final home series of the season against No. 1 Wisconsin this weekend, as the university’s athletic department has yet to release a similar statement as of the publication of this article. It would be a quick turnaround to figure out the logistics, but players’ families have already been in attendance since the beginning of the season.

If fans are permitted, it’s unknown how many tickets would be sold. Nebraska said it will give first priority to season ticket holders and all tickets will be mobile. Face coverings will also be required inside all athletic venues.

“The goal is to transition from a conference-wide approach to local decision-making in consultation with public health departments and university medical experts,” the Big Ten said. “Procedures for all remaining 2020-21 Big Ten championships, tournaments, and regular season competitions will be designed to meet local and CDC guidelines to help limit the spread of COVID-19 as the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, fans and campus communities remain our highest priority.”