President Julio Frenk two important announcements for Miami football games

University of Miami President Julio Frenk issued a letter via the Hurricanes website on Friday that there will be no alcohol served at Miami football games in 2020 and that students will not be allowed to attend the first two home games.

After announcing earlier this week that 13,000 fans will be allowed to attend games at Hard Rock Stadium this season, University of Miami President Julio Frenk wrote an open letter to Miami football fans on Friday stating that no alcohol will be served at games this fall and students will not be permitted at the first games.

The decision by Frenk, the University administration and the athletic department was done with concern that the COVID-19 rate has increased among the Miami student body in the two weeks since students returned to campus. Athletic director Blake James issued his own response on twitter.

Several Miami students responded to James’ statement by asking if their activity fee would be refunded. No response was posted as of late on Friday afternoon. There is a lot of frustration from the fanbase for the Miami football program and understandably so. As Frenk stated everything continues to evolve due to COVID.

The entire letter from Frenk to Miami football fans is posted in the link above. The letter acknowledged the importance of the football program to the University of Miami and how diligent fans attending games need to be to allow more fans to potentially attend games later in the season.

"“Today we announce two important decisions, ahead of ticket sales beginning on Monday. The first decision is that there will be no alcohol at Hard Rock Stadium during Miami Hurricanes games.As organizations across South Florida and around the world fight COVID-19, the importance of relying on the experts has become clear. Our community has come too far to ignore the evidence. Alcohol impairs the ability to make rational decisions and has been shown to dampen immunity.We all look forward to the day when we can engage socially at games as we always have, but that day has not yet arrived.The second decision is one we will continue to evaluate as the season progresses. However, given that we are barely two weeks into the semester and the number of COVID-19 cases among students has registered recent increases, students will not be permitted to attend the first two home games at Hard Rock Stadium.As disappointing as this is to all of us, especially the students, this is the prudent course of action at this time, as we continue to prioritize health and safety on campus above all else. Stay tuned for announcements regarding gameday activities for students this September.”"

James’ letter to fans was similar to the one written by Frenk in that it was largely generic about what to expect and that they will continue to support the President’s decisions and that all determinations about how games will proceed are done with safety in mind. Some have doubted that in reference to the games being played.

The other part of James’ statement that stands out is offering a first-class experience at the games. While it is likely sincere it sounds more like a standard statement that any athletic department will say. Expectations should be that any accommodations will be spartan compared to the normal experience.

No tailgating will be allowed and fans will be expected to enter the stadium upon arrival for Miami Dolphins and Hurricanes games according to Hard Rock Stadium CEO Tom Garfinkle as told to the Hochman and Crowder Show on WQAM on Monday. There is a lot to get through before the season opener September 10 versus UAB.