It appears as though the next sports teams to be forced to play in front of few to zero fans will be the Gopher men’s and women’s basketball squads.
In an email to fans, the Gophers said this week that current health guidelines for COVID-19 will result in a “drastic reduction in the number of spectators permitted to attend Gopher sporting events.”
The email continued: “Current guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health specify that venues must reduce occupant capacity to no more than 250 (indoor venues) patrons. With this reduction, we anticipate few or no spectators at home basketball games.
“Our staff is committed to working closely with government officials to monitor guidelines and adjust policies as needed. In addition, it is possible these ticketing procedures will be revisited later as the season progresses, should guidelines change.”
Instead of a packed Williams Arena, the Gophers are encouraging people to spend $50 for cardboard cutouts that can be placed at Williams Arena, Ridder Arena and/or 3M Arena at Mariucci.
The deadline to get yourself on a cardboard cutout at 3M Arena at Mariucci and Ridder Arena is Friday, Nov. 13, while fans have until Nov. 20 to get a cutout at Williams Arena. More info here.
Both the Gopher men and women open the the season later this month.
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