CARBONDALE, Ill. — Saluki Athletics announced on Tuesday that the football game versus SEMO, originally scheduled for Oct. 23, will move to Friday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. at Saluki Stadium.
Seating capacity for the game will be limited to 20 percent, based upon a plan approved by the campus Emergency Operations Center and with guidance from the state of Illinois and Jackson County Health Department.
Due to the attendance restrictions, SIU Director of Athletics Liz Jarnigan said ticketing will be modified to include season-ticket holders, SIU students and player families only.
“We’re excited to bring football back to our campus and community, and I’m confident in our ability to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for the fans who can attend the game,” Jarnigan said. “In these trying times, sports provide a welcome break from the hardships we’ve all endured throughout the pandemic.”
Safety measures will include socially-distanced, assigned seating. Tailgating will not be permitted, and fans will be required to wear a mask or facial covering upon entering the stadium. It can be removed while eating or drinking. Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the stadium.
“I would like to thank Public Safety Director Ben Newman and his team for their close coordination with Athletics staff to devise our safety plan,” Jarnigan said. “I urge our fans who attend the game to closely follow our Covid-19 protocols. Your cooperation will help ensure a safe environment and increase our ability to host games in the future.”
Gates will open one hour before kickoff, and Saluki Athletics is instituting a Clear-Bag Policy for all of its home games.
A limited number of season tickets are still available to purchase for $75. All season-ticket accounts (purchased or renewed) as of Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. will receive tickets to the game. Tickets will be mailed to account holders the week of Oct. 19.
“It’s important for season-ticket holders to understand that we will be re-seating the stadium to socially-distance fans,” said Assistant AD for Ticketing Bryce Williams. “Our goal is to seat fans as close to their original location as possible. If we have to move someone from a chair-back section, we’ll provide a temporary chair-back in the new location.”
Fans can still purchase new season tickets and will receive tickets for the SEMO game, plus seats for the four spring home games. Seat assignments will be determined after current season-ticket holders have been relocated, Williams said.
Students have until Friday, Oct. 23 at 5 p.m. to request tickets on-line. Students who request tickets to the game must pick up their tickets at the Banterra Center ticket window on Oct. 26-27 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. by showing their student ID.
For more ticket information, call the ticket office at 618-453-1803.
NOTE: In conjunction with the Jackson County Health Department, SIU will re-assess fan attendance should Jackson County be placed on the Illinois Department of Public Health Covid-19 warning list for greater than two consecutive weeks (i.e. “substantial transmission” based upon the IDPH county and school metric).
TICKETS
* 20% stadium capacity to include season-ticket holders, students and player families.
* All season-ticket holders (purchased or renewed) as of Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. will receive tickets to the game. Tickets will be mailed to account holders the week of Oct. 19.
* Season-ticket holders will be re-seated, according to the number of tickets in each account, to accommodate social distancing.
* New season tickets are still available for $75 and guarantee a seat for all five SIU home games this season. Purchase online or call the ticket office at 618-453-1803.
* SIU student-ticket request period ends at 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. Students must pick up their tickets at the Banterra Center ticket window on Oct. 26-27 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. with student ID.
PARKING
* Lot S parking passes will be mailed with SEMO game tickets.
* Lots U and C will be open parking.
* Lots open at 4:30 p.m.
ENTRY
* No tailgating
* Gates open at 5 p.m. Kickoff at 6 p.m.
* Clear Bag Policy
* Masks or facial coverings are required, except while eating/drinking.
* All stadium amenities (concessions, restrooms, first aid) will be available.
* Hand-sanitizing stations will be available throughout the stadium.
ACCESS
* The north end zone berm will be closed to fans.
* The Stadium Club will be closed.
* Suite holders will be contacted directly regarding suite policies
