Miami football expected announcement about fans this week
The Miami football program is expected to announce sometime this week the plan regarding fans attending games in 2020.
A decision is expected this week regarding fans attending Miami football games according to Hurricanes athletic director Blake James. James was quoted by Susan Miller Degnan of the Miami Herald on Thursday discussing whether the plan regarding fans attending games in 2020.
The Miami football program is working with local officials, the Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium executives to determine if and how fans would be able to attend games in 2020. At the beginning of the season at the very least, the expectation is that the Hurricanes will not play games in front of fans.
James told Miller Degnan’s colleague at the Herald, Barry Jackson last month no decision had been made in regards to if or how many fans would be allowed to attend games or what the capacity would be. College football has had varying degrees what should be allowed after multiple conferences canceled football this fall.
Miami begins the season September 10 against UAB at Hard Rock Stadium. The Hurricanes are on the road September 19 at Louisville before returning home to host Florida State September 26. Losing fans for the game against the Seminoles is a big blow for Miami. Fans will not likely in attendance that early in the season.
Blake James said no decision on how many fans will be allowed at six planned UM home games. He's talking to Dolphins, who haven't decided their capacity yet either.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) July 29, 2020
"Miami athletic director Blake James: “I am of the mind-set there is a very good chance we will not have fans…I am hoping we will be able to have fans. That’s something that’s up to Miami-Dade County and the government leadership. Whatever decision they make I’ll support 100 percent.”"
The Miami football program is working together with James, likely University President Julio Frenk and Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez among others to develop any scenario that might include fans. It is going to take a community effort for the long shot that any fans attend games this season. Gimenez tweeted on Friday.
I hope to share better news with you all soon. https://t.co/PbnhH6jRsg
— Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez (@MayorGimenez) August 21, 2020
The combination of comments from James and Gimenez indicates a decision is near. Any decision that might be announced this week faces any evolving developments related to COVID-19 and the college football season. Miami is scheduled to play a revised 11 game schedule in 2020 that even James called ambitious.
Next. Miami AD Blake James expects season to start without fans. dark
Miami has a bye the week after the play Florida State and then travels to Clemson on October 10. The Hurricanes also have a bye week on October 31. As the season gets closer more of how it will evolve will become clearer. Do not expect any of the decisions made regarding the Miami football season or fans to be permanent.