The University of South Carolina Department of Athletics has received approval from the South Carolina Department of Commerce and is pleased to welcome Gamecock fans at Colonial Life Arena to this season’s men’s and women’s basketball games.
According to the Executive Order of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster of July 29, 2020, stadiums and athletics venues were allowed to open and exceed the order’s guidelines if the department “can satisfactorily demonstrate the ability to comply with the procedures and federal and state COVID-19 protocols for the Department of Commerce. “
At the Colonial Life Arena this season, fans will see a new sign detailing changes in concessions, the flow of pedestrians in the lobby, the capacity of bathrooms and other information signs throughout the facility. Capacity will be reduced to approximately 3,500 seats available per game, with ticket pods in groups of two, four and six seats approximately six feet apart between pods. Facial coverage will be required for staff and fans at all times and in all areas of the arena, and customers will also be required to follow SEC and University fan safety guidelines.
USC Athletics Communications and Public Relations press release
Fans will also see a different setting on the court that is part of the health and safety precautions in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Team benches will be moved to the opposite side of the court this season, to allow social distance for team staff, and also at the scorer’s table for positions that are critical to the games, such as the official scorer, the score operator , radio and statistical teams, and several others. Also of note, the first five rows of seats around the new court layout will not be available to spectators this season.
With the Carolina men’s and women’s basketball program almost complete, Gamecock Athletics provisionally scheduled the week of November 9th to begin the seat selection process. Details on seat selection, as well as distribution of student tickets and parking information, will be announced shortly.
All Gamecock Athletics home events are ticket sales only for mobile devices, allowing reduced contact at entry points and greater flexibility to make adjustments in the event of scheduling changes. The move also gives fans more control over how they access, transfer, resell or return tickets. Fans will no longer receive the printed ticket slip or have the option to print at home. For the 2020-21 season, the doors will open for all games an hour before reporting, and all concessions will be cashless, accepting only debit cards, credit cards and mobile payment options (Apple Pay, Google Pay etc.) to guarantee contactless technology Payment method.
Although the Athletics Department welcomes fans to home events, it also understands that many fans may choose to postpone returning to events. As part of “Reinvesting for success“campaign launched on August 10, any ticket holder for the season who wants a refund of their tickets for the 2020-21 season and any ticket-related expenses due to COVID-19 fears can receive one, retaining the right to renew these tickets in 2021 22. Fans are encouraged to contact The Gamecock Club with any questions.
Continue to visit GamecocksOnline.com for updates on Carolina basketball.