Masks will now be optional rather than required in University of Florida athletic facilities effective immediately, according to a new release from the University Athletic Administration Monday.
In the same release, the school announced its intent to return to full attendance in athletic events in all stadiums and arenas beginning June 28.
UF did not mince words in the announcement.
“The Swamp will be back this fall,” the university clearly stated.
The statement from UF falls in accordance with the new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control, which states vaccinated people can resume activities they did prior to the pandemic without masks.
The Gators will continue to follow NCAA guidelines regarding capacity until June 28.
The Florida softball team is hosting a regional event this weekend. Those games will still abide by the 50% fan capacity, according to current NCAA guidelines.
These new guidelines will allow the Gators to pack Ben Hill Griffin Stadium once again when football season begins in September.
The Gators’ season opener against Florida Atlantic will be the team’s first home game without COVID-19 restrictions since Florida battled the Florida State Seminoles in November 2019.
Tickets for the upcoming season are already being sold. Student season tickets became available on May 10.
The hot and sunny Saturdays are on the horizon as the country begins its return towards normalcy.
Contact Joseph Henry at jhenry@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter @Josephhenry2424
Joseph Henry is a fourth-year sports journalism major and is the Alligator's sports editor. He previously worked as senior news director, assistant sports editor, men's basketball beat reporter, volleyball beat reporter and golf beat reporter. He enjoys sitting down to watch a movie as often as possible, collecting vinyl and drinking Dr. Pepper.
