Story County Board of Health recommends against fans at Iowa State athletic events

Oct 13, 2018; Ames, IA, USA; Students and fans rush the field after the Iowa State Cyclones defeat the West Virginia Mountaineers at Jack Trice Stadium. Iowa State beat West Virginia 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

The Story County Board of Health has reaffirmed a suggestion to play Iowa State athletics without fans this fall. Piggybacking off of statements made to the Des Moines Register on Monday morning, the group released an official recommendation following its regularly scheduled meeting Monday evening.

“We implore Iowa State University to cancel spectators at sporting events this fall,” the board said in a statement. “Please only broadcast them. We cannot think of any way these events can be made even remotely safe with the masses of people from all over the state who routinely attend these events. Please do it for the health of our community.”

Iowa State has previously detailed a plan that will put 30,000 fans in the stands at Jack Trice Stadium on Saturdays this fall, which would equate to roughly 50 percent of the stadium’s capacity. The Iowa State Athletic Department has not publicly discussed any sort of plan to play games without fans.

The Board of Health’s release also included details on how athletic events, in general, should be conducted.

“While we understand that wearing a mask during the strenuous activity of sports is impossible, all coaching and support staff should wear a mask at all times other people are present,” the release said. “Social distancing should be practiced when possible. Screening of athletes and staff daily with a temperature is indicated. Group meetings and/or meals should be put on hold at this time and remote meetings should be used. Exercise sessions, such as weightlifting and/or swimming, should be staggered to allow social distancing.”

“Sporting events should practice social distancing for spectators as well as athletes when they are not playing. Masks for spectators and athletes when not playing should be required. Restrooms should be monitored to limit crowding. Concession stands should be closed.”

You can view the entire release, which includes recommendations for when Iowa State reopens in the fall, can be found here.