All fans over the age of 12 attending the McNeese State football game at Southern University on Sept. 18 will have to wear either a mask or face covering at all times unless eating or drinking.
Southern University officials made the announcement Tuesday in a news release as part of their COVID-19 policies.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at A.W. Mumford Stadium. The policy starts with Southern’s home opener this weekend against Miles College.
Southern officials said the decision comes after consultation with — and support from — Gov. John Bel Edwards, school President-Chancellor Dr. Ray L. Belton, board chairman attorney Domoine D. Rutledge, Board of Supervisors and Director of Athletics Roman Banks.
“As the only HBCU system in the state of Louisiana, our foremost responsibility is to ensure the safety of our students, our supporters, and Jaguar Nation,” Belton said in the statement. “We must take all reasonable measures to protect our campus and community, not only on game days, but long after guests have left A.W. Mumford and The Bluff.”
As of Tuesday there was no proof of vaccination for fans at any outdoor Southern athletic event. However, for all inside seating (A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse Suites and Press Box Suites), guests must show proof of at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or vaccination card, a photo or photocopy of a vaccination card, or verified digital proof of vaccination. Guests will also be required to wear a mask or face covering.
All fans attending the McNeese game Saturday night at Tiger Stadium must show proof of vaccination or a negative test 72 hours within kickoff. No masks or face coverings are needed outside the stadium.
Also, the booster bus set for the LSU game that was scheduled to take a group to Baton Rouge on Friday night and return Sunday was forced to cancel.
Hotel rooms that were reserved were taken for evacuees and essential workers in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. LSU officials said no major damage was done to the campus and the game is set to kickoff at 7 p.m. as scheduled.
