Washington State University wants Cougar football fans to stay home and root responsibly to help contain COVID-19 during the shortened 2020 season.
“We understand how much our fans look forward to returning to Pullman for home games, but due to the ongoing public health crisis, we are asking them to cheer from the safety of their homes with members of their own household,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz, who along with First Lady Noel Schulz will be cheering from home as well. “The best way to help keep our Cougs playing this season is for our fans to stay home.”
No spectators will be allowed at any Pac-12 football games this season and tailgating is being prohibited on the WSU Pullman campus. All games will be televised either by the ESPN or FOX broadcast family of networks and can be heard on the Washington State Learfield IMG College Sports Network.
Staying home doesn’t mean Coug Nation will be silent. A variety of options for fan engagement on game days are being planned so Cougs and Coug supporters can safely cheer on the team together. WSU’s first game is Nov. 7. Watch for broadcast times, channels and more details coming soon.
In Pullman, steps are being taken to enforce the conference restrictions and discourage gatherings during home games.
Campus parking lots will be closed to tailgating on game day weekends. No camping or portable structures such as canopies will be allowed on campus, including in parking lots. Recreational vehicles will be turned away from campus.
The Compton Union Building, traditionally a popular gathering spot during home football games, will be closed. Screening and other measures will be used to obstruct viewing from outside the stadium to discourage congregating. No public watch parties will be hosted on campus.
The University also is partnering with Pullman and the greater Palouse community to help enforce all health and safety measures.
Additionally, the Pullman Police Department will have extra staff on duty during football weekends to address health proclamation violations such as off-campus parties.
All are intended to discourage large gatherings and mitigate potential community spread of COVID‑19. Failure to prevent large gatherings and rising case counts could prematurely end the sports season.
Media contact:
Phil Weiler, vice president of marketing and communications, 509-595-1708, phil.weiler@wsu.edu
