Kent State University Announces Guidance for November Home Football Games
10/28/2020 9:08:00 AM | Football, General
KENT, OHIO After a review of state and local COVID-19 conditions and after consulting with public health experts and with President Todd Diacon, we have decided that only participants and game day personnel will be permitted to attend Kent State's two November home football games.
The Golden Flashes' Nov. 4 game against Eastern Michigan University and Nov. 17 game against the University of Akron will only be open to the respective teams, staff as well as event personnel and members of the Kent State marching band, cheerleading squad and dance team. There will be no general admission for fans, friends or family to attend the first two home games at Dix Stadium.
This policy does not extend to working media as they are considered event personnel. The media will be required to follow these media protocols as well as the Flashes Safe Seven.
This decision is being made in response to Portage County's COVID-19 Risk Level 3 (Red) status.  The Kent Campus resides in Portage County, and, as such, must adhere to the state's guidelines for counties. Level 3 indicates a very high exposure and spread of the virus. The decision also extends to the Dix Stadium parking lots as no tailgating will be allowed this season.
"I fully support the measures that the university is putting in place at our games to help prevent the spread of COVID-19," said Kent State Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen. "The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and community remains at the forefront of this decision. We look forward to the day we can celebrate with our loyal Golden Flashes fans, but for now, the best way to support the football program is to watch us play on television and listen to us on the Kent State Radio Network."
A decision on the Dec. 12 game against Ohio will be made later in November. Portage County's COVID-19 Risk Level and the university's switch from in-person to remote classes will factor into that decision.
The Nov. 4 game will kick off at 6 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN+ and heard on the Kent State Radio Network. The Akron game's kick time and television coverage will be announced on Nov. 5.
For the latest information about COVID-19 cases reported across the Kent State system, visit the university's coronavirus dashboard.
Media Contact:
Dan Griffin, Director of Athletics Communication (330)-814-5921 | dgriff34@kent.edu
