Jillian Kurtz
Florida Southern home sporting events will be allowed to have some fans in attendance for the first time since the return to play post-shutdown.
“FSC athletics is proud to welcome back families to watch our wonderful student-athletes in person,” Director of Athletics and Dean of Wellness Drew Howard said in a press release.
The “Florida Southern College Family Fan Policy 2020-21” lists the specific requirements and limitations for those who are allowed to attend the events. Only family members of FSC athletes are permitted to attend and those family members must provide a valid ID.
“As for me it was awesome,” baseball senior first baseman Jacob Teter said. “To see not just my family but other people in the stands as well was incredible. We’ve seen almost everyone else at other schools and professionally get to have fans so for us to finally get to see the Moc faithful’s back out there was fantastic. You really do take fans for granted until you can’t play in front of anyone.”
Teter’s mother, Lisa Teter, drove from Melbourne to attend a game in person the day that the announcement was made.
“The fact that I was there within five hours of the announcement speaks volumes,” Lisa Teter said. “It’s not just about baseball, which I love, but a chance to cheer for all the guys we’ve gotten to know for three years. I can’t wait to see the other parents soon.”
In practicing safe protocols for COVID-19, these family members also must be able to show proof of having the full COVID-19 vaccine or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the game they are planning to attend. If a potential attendee tests positive for the virus, they must isolate for two weeks after the date of the positive test result.
“We know how much it means to our student-athletes to have family in the stands cheering them on. We are excited to bring fans back to our events,” Howard said.
Prior to admission into the game, permitted family members will be screened, including a temperature check. Masks will be required for all fans during the game and social distancing will be enforced with designated seating.
“As a broadcaster, much like a player, I feed off the energy the fans provide,” Andrew Pawling, senior play-by-play broadcaster said. “The chills you get when you hear people cheering in a crowd is impossible to replicate. The players definitely had some extra energy as well, and I expect that to continue as we are able to welcome more fans/family back to Henley Field and the other FSC athletics facilities around Lakeland.”
There will be no concessions available on site at the games and visitors will not be permitted to interact with the student-athletes prior to the game. The games will be limited to a 25 percent capacity.
For the most up to date attendance policies, visit fscmocs.com
