Florida Gators reduce home capacity to 17,000 due to pandemic

The Florida Gators announced on Thursday that the capacity for Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will be reduced from 88,548 to 17,000 to meet physical distancing requirements during a season held amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

All fans will be required to wear coverings, such as masks, over their mouths and nose except for when they are actively eating or drinking. The school reserves the right to revoke tickets for anybody who doesn't comply. 

Tailgating is prohibited, and traditions such as the Gator Walk, Gator Fan Fest, and spirit teams on the sidelines are eliminated for the campaign. Florida's first home game is scheduled for Oct. 3 versus South Carolina.

Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin said in the university's statement: 

"As we have throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we worked hand in hand with UF Health, the SEC and its Medical Guidance Task Force, and campus officials to create the safest environment possible for the student-athletes, staff, and fans."

The statement added that the situation remains fluid and that Florida could ultimately reverse course. Iowa State has announced its home opener will occur behind closed doors and without spectators after the school originally intended to allow some fans.