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COVID-19: An Additional Opponent
An unprecedented global pandemic changed life in innumerable ways. As entire industries, many businesses and entertainment venues shut down or cut back, sports faced the same reality. The NBA acted first, suspending its season in March 2020, then returning to play in a "bubble" in June of that year.
At the collegiate level, bubble play was a less realistic model. Instead, conferences and teams limited fan attendance, while implementing testing and social distancing precautions.
For K-State Football's 2020 season, the university received approval for approximately 25% stadium capacity. Fans were required to wear a face mask, tailgating was prohibited and re-entry was not allowed for any fan who left the stadium. The intention was to reduce large gatherings in parking lots and around gates. Hand sanitizing stations were also provided throughout Bill Snyder Family Stadium and social distancing was encouraged.
Prior to the season, Athletic Director Gene Taylor said, "While there is no reasonable way to guarantee that no fan could contract the virus, we will take every measure that we can to help."
All this meant a season was possible, though limited, while health and university officials kept close watch on COVID-19 trends. Many of that information is also available to the public, provided by the Riley County Health Department.
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