Published 8/18/2020
8-16-20
Cardinal Fans,
We are so excited that the Arkansas Activities Association and the Arkansas Department of Health has allowed us to proceed with our Fall contact sports (football and volleyball) schedule! Just as you probably are, we can’t wait to see our athletic teams, spirit groups, and bands on the field/court again! They have worked so hard this summer to get to this point. But, just as in-class instruction looks different this year, so will the way we watch games inside our facilities as spectators. We have to comply with all directives set forth by the Arkansas Department of Health to be able to host events in Cardinal Stadium and Cardinal Arena. These directives are important for the safety of our students, staff, and community. We understand that many of these directives are an inconvenience to you as spectators. They are not set forth by the school. But, they are non-negotiable as directed by the Governor, Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas Activities Association.
Here are the guidelines set forth by the ADH and AAA for attendance to athletic events:
Do not enter the venue if:
You have fever, cough, shortness or breath, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell.
You have had known exposure to someone with COVID-19 in the past 14 days.
You should consider refraining from entering if:
You are 65 years of age or older
You have underlying health conditions including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, severe obesity, asthma, or weakened immunity
Face coverings that completely cover the nose and mouth by people 10 years and older must be worn at all times.
Children between the ages of 2 and 9 are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings.
Face coverings may be removed in order to consume food or beverage but should be put back in place immediately afterwards.
Areas where lines may form (entrances, concessions, restrooms) will be marked with blue “X”s to provide visual cues to promote physical distance of 6 feet.
Standing room only areas will be marked with blue “X”s to provide visual cues to promote physical distance of 6 feet.
All children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult or sitting with their family grouping.
Bleacher seating requirements:
You must sit in family groupings when applicable
Every other row will be marked off with yellow tape. These rows are to remain empty through the entirety of the contest.
Other rows will be marked with blue “X”s to provide visual cues to promote a physical distance of 6 feet between family groups.
All patrons attending as a single must maintain a 6 foot physical distance from other spectators.
No student section will be allowed
Chairback seating will follow the same guidelines as bleacher seating. They will be first come first serve.
A section for the home band and spirit squads will be marked off within the bleachers and is off-limits to all spectators. (visitor bands and spirit squads are not allowed to travel per AAA COVID-19 guidelines)
Spectators are not to enter the field/court of play at any time unless asked to do so by a school official.
Gates will open exactly 1 hour before the first contest begins. We will be screening all workers, officials, staff, and players per ADH and AAA guidelines to help mitigate risk of infection.
Again, we thank you for your cooperation in partnering with us to keep our students, staff, and community as safe as possible during these difficult times. We have a resilient school and community. Together, we will continue to provide opportunities for our students to grow and develop. #CardinalNation #cardstudentsareworthit
Best Regards,
Beau Thompson
Athletic Director