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2020 Soccer Gameday Guidelines

South Carolina Athletics is actively working with University leadership, the Southeastern Conference, and public health officials on a safe return to competition this fall. Precautions taken by South Carolina Athletics are consistent with the Governor’s guidance for the State of South Carolina.

Fans are asked to do their part by conscientiously practicing physical/social distancing, frequently washing hands, using hand sanitizer, and wearing face coverings to ensure the safest possible environment throughout the 2020 season. All fans should keep a safe distance of 6 feet between their party and other fans while inside and in the surrounding area of Stone Stadium.

Fans who are not feeling well or have been in close contact with someone they suspect may be infected should stay home.

Below are current measures that are planned to be in place at Stone Stadium for the 2020 season, grouped by topic in alphabetical order. These measures are subject to change based on recommendations by University leadership, the Southeastern Conference, and public health officials.

GAMECOCK FANS CODE OF CONDUCT:

Gamecock fans are encouraged to wear garnet and black to the games and enthusiastically support the team. Our goal is to create a championship experience with integrity, while exhibiting good sportsmanship and maintaining a safe and respectful atmosphere for our teams and fans to enjoy. The Gamecock image is not only shaped by our student-athletes, coaches, students, and faculty, but by our great fans.

In the spirit of sportsmanship, Gamecock fans shall:

  • Conduct themselves in a manner that represents their University, the Southeastern Conference, and the NCAA with honor, dignity, and respect
  • Not use vulgar, abusive, racist, sexist, demeaning, or intimidating language at any time
  • Support the players, coaches, and officials in a positive manner
  • Treat the visiting team, coaches, and fans with courtesy and respect at all times
  • Demonstrate the qualities of civility and sportsmanship at all times
  • Not engage in cheers that are vulgar, crass, or demeaning
  • Refrain from throwing objects onto the field for any reason
  • Not become inebriated or belligerent
  • Refrain from entering the playing field at any time, including after the game
  • Be a positive role model for those around them by treating others with courtesy and respect

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Purses larger than a clutch bag (4.5″ x 6.5″), briefcases, backpacks, and cinch bags of any kind, fanny packs, luggage of any kind, computer bags/cases, binocular bags/cases or any bag larger than permissible size (12″ x 6″ x 12″) [Please see Clear Bag Policy]
  • Coolers, thermoses, cups, glass bottles, cans, flasks, (Exception: 1 sealed clear plastic disposable bottle OR 1 empty and clear plastic disposable bottle of water per person (i.e. Dasani water bottle))
  • Food of any kind
  • Video cameras, tripods, recording devices, detachable camera lenses over 6″, selfie sticks
  • Weapons/concealed weapons
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Containers of any kind
  • Aerosol and spray cans
  • Umbrellas
  • Mace/pepper spray
  • Animals (except service animals)
  • Laser lights, strobe lights and pointers
  • Irritants such as artificial noisemakers
  • Fireworks/explosives
  • Inflatables (beach balls, etc.)
  • Flags and flagpoles, unauthorized banners or posters
  • Strollers
  • Diaper Bags
  • Illegal drugs
  • Seat cushions that include pockets, zippers, compartments or covers
  • Personal seatbacks with armrests
  • Non-approved face coverings
  • Drones

BEVERAGE POLICY (ALCOHOL)

The possession or consumption of alcohol of any kind in Stone Stadium is expressly prohibited by University policy. Patrons in violation will be ejected and may be subject to arrest. In an effort to encourage an enjoyable experience for all fans, persons who are intoxicated will be denied entry into the stadium, regardless of ticket possession.

CONCESSIONS

Concessions stands at Stone Stadium will not be open for the 2020 season. Fans will be permitted to bring in one sealed bottle of water.

FACE COVERING REQUIREMENTS

Face coverings (over the nose and mouth) will be required as a condition of all guest entry and throughout the stadium. Face shields alone are not considered acceptable facial coverings for entry to Stone Stadium.

GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE

  • Team walk to field
    • The team will not walk through the tunnel of fans in front of the Soccer Operations Building to the field for the 2020 season.
  • Post Game
    • Fans will not be allowed to congregate on the corner of the field at the conclusion of the game for autographs, pictures or for any other reason.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather approaching Stone Stadium, public address announcements will be made to update fans on the situation. Should a lightning strike occur within 8 miles of the stadium, play will be stopped immediately. Play will resume thirty minutes after the last strike occurs within the 8-mile threat radius. Fans are encouraged to exit the venue and seek shelter in their vehicles during weather delays. All ticket stubs should be kept for re-entry into the stadium after the weather threat has cleared. Updates may also be communicated via each teams’ Twitter handle (@GamecockMSoccer or @GamecockWSoccer), Gamecocksonline.com, Twitter.com/gamecocksonline, and Facebook.com/gamecocksonline

LIABILITY

Neither the University of South Carolina nor the Gamecock Club will be liable for loss or damage to vehicles parked or contents on South Carolina properties, as well as surrounding property owned, leased, or controlled by the University.

PARKING

Game day parking is available for fans in the Heyward Street Garage located at 1300 Heyward Street. Parking is free of charge in this location and is available on all levels on a first-come, first-served basis. Handicap parking is also located at designated spaces within the Heyward Street Garage. An elevator is located within the garage for fans who will need to access the elevator to get to the ground level.

Tailgating, including grills, coolers and large buffet-style spreads, are discouraged. Face coverings will be encouraged to/from parking areas.

PLANS FOR DISINFECTION, SYMPTOMATIC GUESTS, COMMUNCATION/PUBLIC RELATIONS AND AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT

The University of South Carolina will:

  • have a documented plan that outlines the procedures/protocol for appropriate disinfection of the stadium
  • have a documented plan that outlines the procedures/protocol for working with guests who exhibit COVID-19 symptoms
  • launch a communication/public relations campaign for communicating all COVID-19 procedures/protocol to prospective guests
  • ensure they comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the development and implementation of all procedures/protocols

POLITICAL MATERIALS & SOLICITATION

Soliciting or vending of goods or services is strictly prohibited throughout Stone Stadium, as well as the surrounding areas that are owned or leased by the University. Distribution of political stickers, brochures, promotional items, or other solicitations is strictly forbidden on properties owned or leased by the University.

RESTROOMS

  • Restroom layouts have been modified to provide proper social distancing
  • Restrooms will be limited based on size
  • Cleaning personnel will be assigned to each restroom for increased cleaning
  • Hand dryers will not be operable

SEATING CONFIGURATIONS

  • Though seats will be general admission for fans on the player-pass list, you must sit in pods with the group that they are attending with. Player-pass tickets will be allowed to sit in designated seats in section 4, 5 and 6.
  • Fans who have purchased tickets will be assigned seats to sit in, in sections 3 & 7.
  • Students will be required to sit in single seats that will be properly socially distanced in sections 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 & 9.
  • Available seating pods will be spaced according to CDC guidelines and will be designated by a seat sticker

STADIUM ENTRANCES

  • Gates will open one (1) hour prior to the game
  • Fans on player pass lists must enter through they Heyward Street side of the stadium.
  • Fans (non-students) with tickets must enter through the Heyward Street side of the stadium.
  • Students must enter through the Whaley Street side of the stadium.
  • Walk-up ticket sales are not avaialbe for the 2020 season.
  • Please review our Clear Bag Policy
  • The footprint at all gates and entry and exit points will permit physical distancing between guests
  • Signage will be installed at pedestrian paths to the stadium, gates and/or other entry points that outlines mandates
  • Mandates include that all guests are required to wear face coverings, maintain physical distancing and states that guests cannot enter the stadium if they display any COVID-19 symptoms as outlined by the CDC
  • All tickets will be delivered via mobile device and will be digitally scanned Be advised that all persons, upon entering property/stadium, consent to a search of their person and property at the time of entry and during their stay on the premises. Stone Stadium has a no re-entry policy.

STADIUM TICKETS

Tickets cannot be resold on any university controlled grounds, including, but not limited to Stone Stadium. Lost or stolen tickets are not the responsibility of game management, and additional tickets can be purchased through the ticket office, if available. There is a NO refund or exchange policy in effect on all tickets. Game management reserves the right to refuse admission.

  • To offer greater convenience and safety, mobile-only ticketing will provide contactless entry to Stone Stadium for all 2020 Gamecock Soccer games
  • To expedite entry and ensure the best possible gameday experience, fans should download their tickets prior to arrival.
  • Please review our Digital Ticketing Guide for a step-by-step guide to access mobile tickets
  • Download the Gameday App to manage mobile tickets
  • Student ticketing details will be sent directly to all eligible students from the Department of Student Life
  • Player-pass will call pick-up will begin one hour prior to kick-off at the Heyward Street side of Stone Stadium.
  • Please note that as we progress throughout the season, tickets for any rescheduled game will be honored at the future date determined. Be aware this may include a different opponent, date, and/or day of the week, depending on circumstance and the SEC’s determining factors.

TOBACCO POLICY

The University of South Carolina is a tobacco-free campus, which includes the ban of electronic cigarettes. The policy is in effect at all University of South Carolina facilities, as well as surrounding property owned, leased, or controlled by the University. These restrictions apply to all areas of Stone Stadium. We request and appreciate your adherence and compliance with this University policy; violators are subject to ejection.

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