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Order issued in Ohio prohibits fans from attending contact sporting events
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Ohio State was hoping to have a stadium at 20 percent capacity for the upcoming college football season, but unless something changes within the state, that won’t be happening.
According to Marcus Hartman of Dayton Sports, an order signed into effect on Aug. 1 regarding contact and non-contact sports by the state will prohibit spectators at contact sports games. That doesn’t just apply for the high school level, but for all levels of competitions.
Ohio State’s football team, the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are included in that order, meaning no fan attendance at those competitions as of right now.
Ohio Dept. of Health press secretary confirmed Aug. 1 order prohibits spectators at contact sports game. That includes Ohio State, Bengals, Browns. Remains in effect until state of emergency declared by Gov. no longer exists or ODH rescinds/modifies order
— Marcus Hartman (@marcushartman) August 3, 2020
The order will remain in effect until Gov. Mike DeWine lifts the State of Emergency order for Ohio, or the Ohio Department of Health modifies or amends the order.
Like most athletic departments, Ohio State has been toying with attendance limits at Ohio Stadium for the upcoming college football season. Most recently, the program was hopeful to be able to allow 20 percent attendance at its 105,000-seat stadium this fall.
A lot can change between now and the first game, but Ohio State may not have to worry about attendance if this order stays in place.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB