The SEC will require face coverings for all fans and workers attending football games this fall.
According to the health and safety guidelines put forth Tuesday by the conference, schools will be able to determine how many fans can attend games based on state and local guidelines.
Tailgating also will be left to the discretion of schools, as well as team walks like Auburn‘s “Tiger Walk,” where players and coaches walk through a sea of tailgaters from the team facility to the entrance of Jordan-Hare Stadium before every game.
All ticketing will be digitally scanned and traditional water fountains will be prohibited, according to the new guidelines.
“These fan guidelines have been adopted by the 14 member schools of the Southeastern Conference as baseline recommendations for the campus management of fan health and safety,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. “Although local and state guidelines will determine if and how many fans can attend games, these guidelines provide conference-wide expectations for protection of guests who are able to attend our games.”
While the Big Ten and Pac-12 have postponed all fall sports, the SEC, ACC and Big 12 plan to begin their respective football seasons in late September. In the SEC, preseason practice began Monday.