The University Athletic Association announced changes to its physical distancing guidelines from 6 feet to 3 feet for outdoor sporting events.
The policy update, which will also increase capacity for Gators baseball, softball, tennis and track and field, goes into effect Thursday and came after guidance from UF Health, according to a press release Monday.
Capacity at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium will increase from 500 to 850 fans, and capacity at the Florida Ballpark will expand from about 1,700 to 3,000 fans.
Attendance at Florida softball’s recent games against Kentucky, North Dakota and Team USA nearly reached the 500 fan threshold. Baseball game attendance similarly hovers around its 1,700 fan limit. Florida softball hosts LSU Friday, while Gators baseball will travel to Columbia, South Carolina and face the South Carolina Gamecocks.
A limited number of reserved seats will be made available for ticket holders, the UAA said.
Softball fans who purchased season ticket packages under the previous guidelines may purchase additional reserved seats starting Wednesday. General reserved seating sales remain on the day of a home game and general admission sales begin Friday, March 26 for all future games.
“Baseball ticket holders that purchased mini plans for the 2021 season, will have the option to purchase additional reserved seats for the next 10 games on a single-game basis, beginning Thursday, March 25,” the release read.
Baseball’s general reserved seating and admission sales begin Tuesday, March 30.
Spectators are still required to wear masks, except when actively eating or drinking, according to the release.
Tennis, lacrosse and track events, which do not require attendees to purchase tickets, will also see an increase in fan capacity. Specifics will be announced at a later date, according to the release.
Contact Rachel Slay at rslay@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter @racheljslay
