The most bizarre season in college football history is set to (maybe) start in a matter of weeks. With that in mind, here’s a look at which ACC football teams will allow some form of spectator/fan attendance for their six home games in 2020.
Boston College
No fans — for the month of September
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- Last week, Boston College announced that home football games in the month of September will take place sans fans
- This doesn’t make much of a difference for now; with the MAC canceling its 2020 season, the non-conference game against Ohio, which was scheduled for Sept. 12, is off the table
- As of right now, BC has yet to fill the scheduling hole, though that could change
- Boston College’s first home game is currently set for Oct. 3 against UNC
Clemson
Some fans — initially went for 23 percent capacity, ended at 19,000 fans
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- According to a report from Clemson Insider, Clemson is looking into a plan that would allow about 16,000 fans in for games at Memorial Stadium
- That’s about 23 percent capacity, but the plan would need approval from Gov. McMaster
- Update, 8/27:
- Clemson announced a reduced seating capacity of 19,000 for home games this season
- The pregame Tiger Walk and postgame Gathering at the Paw won’t take place this season.
- Fans have been asked not to tailgate
- According to athletic director Dan Radakovich, the reduced capacity will cost Clemson a projected $40 million drop in revenue
Duke
No fans
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- On Monday (Aug. 24), Duke University announced that there will be no spectators for fall sports in 2020; this includes football
Florida State
Some fans — 20-25 percent capacity, plus tailgating
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- On the same day the ACC unveiled its 2020 football schedule, FSU announced that it would allow 20-25 percent capacity for home games this fall
- Florida State’s home venue seats about 80,000 people, so this translates to about 16,000-20,000 people — max attendance
- Last week, FSU also announced that it would allow tailgating for home football games this fall
Georgia Tech
Some fans — 20 percent capacity
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- A few days ago, Georgia Tech announced that it will allow in about 20 percent capacity for home games at Bobby Dodd Stadium this fall — around 11,000 fans, max
Louisville
Plan to have some fans: 30 percent capacity
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- Louisville recently submitted a plan to Gov. Andy Beshear to have some form of fan attendance this fall
- Recently, the governor’s office approved a plan to allow around 23,000 fans for the Kentucky Derby (Sept. 5)
- Louisville plans to have 30 percent capacity for home games this fall — around 18,000 fans
Stay tuned. #LsUp #GoCards pic.twitter.com/C369oHgXCp
— Vince Tyra (@vincetyra) August 14, 2020
Miami
Some fans — 20 percent capacity
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- According to a report from Andy Slater, Hard Rock Stadium — home of the Miami Hurricanes — will allow fan attendance at 20 percent capacity this fall: ~13,000 people
SLATER SCOOP: Fans will be allowed at Hard Rock Stadium this season for Dolphins and Hurricanes games, multiple sources tell me.
Capacity will be 13,000 people, which is 20%.
There’s a 46-page plan for social distancing.
— Andy Slater (@AndySlater) August 24, 2020
NC State
Plan to have some fans — no fans for at least the month of September (8/31 update)
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- According to multiple media reports, NC State has teamed up with SAS, a local analytics firm, to develop several attendance options — ticketing/capacity
- Update, 8/25:
- NC State announced that it has canceled season tickets for the 2020 season
- Update, 8/31:
- NC State announces no fans for any fall sports during the month of September, at the least
- Wolfpack have just one home game during September: 9/19 vs. Wake Forest
- NC State announces no fans for any fall sports during the month of September, at the least
North Carolina
Plan to have some fans — no fans for month of September (8/28 update)
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- Back in late July, UNC football canceled its season ticket packages for the 2020 season
- However, the university reportedly has several different capacity plans in the works
- Although given the location of Kenan Stadium (smack dab in the middle of campus), perhaps that’ll change
- Update, 8/28:
- UNC announced that no fall sports will have fans in attendance for the month of September
- UNC football is set to have two home games that month: Syracuse (9/12), Charlotte (9/19)
Notre Dame
20 percent capacity or less (8/31 update)
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- Back in May, school president Father John Jenkins said it was unlikely to have a full stadium for the 2020 fall season
- Obviously a lot has changed since then — most of which for the worse
- Last week, Notre Dame had to suspend classes as COVID-19 cases surged on campus
- Over the weekend, Notre Dame reported 19 more positive cases of COVID-19
- Update, 8/31:
- Notre Dame will go with 20 percent capacity or less; tickets will be limited to students, faculty and staff
Notre Dame announces stadium capacity of 20% or less, with tickets limited to Notre Dame students, faculty and staff.
No outside fans will be allowed.
Masks required. No tailgating.
Player parents will be allowed.
— Pete Sampson (@PeteSampson_) August 31, 2020
Pittsburgh
Unclear
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- As of right now, it remains undetermined whether or not Heinz Field will have some form of fan attendance for Pitt and Steelers games this fall
Syracuse
No fans
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- Back in late July, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo made an announcement banning fans from sporting events in the state
- Syracuse also banned tailgating
Virginia
Some fans — 1,000 per game, limited to family members of players, staff (Updated, 9/4)
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- According to Virginia guidelines on large gatherings, both Virginia and Virginia Tech anticipate around a limit of 1,000 fans per game.
- Update, 9/4:
- Virginia announced that attendance will be limited to family members of athletes and the coaching staff this season
Virginia Tech
Some fans — 1,000 per game
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- According to Virginia guidelines on large gatherings, both Virginia and Virginia Tech anticipate around a limit of 1,000 fans per game.
Wake Forest
Some fans — none in September, though
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- About three weeks ago, Wake Forest canceled season ticket packages for 2020; however, the university still plans/hopes to sell single-game tickets
- Per Conor O’Neill of the Winston-Salem Journal, Wake Forest has announced requirements for face coverage and social distancing, but nothing in terms of capacity, yet
- Update, 9/1:
- No fans for fall sports during the month of September