SMU student section kicked out of stadium for violating coronavirus protocols
DALLAS – The entire end zone student section at Southern Methodist University was cleared out during Saturday’s college football game because a large majority of fans were violating coronavirus protocols, university officials said.
SMU spokesperson Dianne Anderson said 1,000 students had been admitted to Gerald J. Ford Stadium for Saturday’s game against No. 25 Memphis. Police removed the fans late in the half when they violated social distancing and mask protocols, KTVT reported.
Many of the students quickly exited the stadium, but a large group stood at the top of the hill near the student section, The Dallas Morning News reported. The entire crowd was gone by the beginning of the second half, the newspaper reported.
SMU’s stadium policy requires face coverings when it’s not possible to maintain 6 feet of separation between each person, ESPN reported.
“During the game, some students began to gather and disregard these safety measures,” said Brad Sutton, SMU senior associate athletic director/external affairs, stated to ESPN in an email. “They were asked to spread out and mask when in close contact.
“After numerous attempts by staff and security to get the students to comply with these safety requirements, it became necessary to clear the area. While some students did move to other areas in the stadium where they could watch in small groups at safe distances, many did leave.”
In a statement, SMU Athletics said several reminders were given to students in the days leading up to the game. There was also increased staffing in the student section to monitor policy compliance.
“During the game, some students began to gather and disregard these safety measures,” the statement said. “They were asked to spread out and mask when in close contact. After numerous attempts by staff and security to get the students to comply with these safety requirements, it became necessary to clear the area. While some students did move to other areas in the stadium where they could watch in small groups at safe distances, many did leave.”
“Students who knowingly violate the SMU pledge to protect by not social distancing and masking under university guidelines can be held responsible under the student code of conduct,” Anderson texted to The Associated Press.
SMU officials took the step of stricter protocols after SMU’s opening game last week against Stephen F. Austin. During that game, many in the crowd at Ford Stadium, which was limited to 25% capacity, were not wearing masks or adhering to social distancing policies.
On Saturday, the Mustangs beat Memphis, 30-27.
