In preparation for the 2020-21 Gamecock Men’s and Women’s Basketball seasons and in keeping with current state government guidance on sporting event attendance, South Carolina Athletics is implementing a variety of practices that may be adjusted as directed by evolving information to ensure safety at sporting events.

South Carolina Athletics is actively working with University leadership, the Southeastern Conference, and public health officials on a safe return to competition. 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, wearing face coverings, and entering the assigned gate on their mobile ticket to ensure the safest possible environment throughout the 2020-21 season. All fans should keep a safe distance of six feet between their party and other fans while inside and in the surrounding area of Colonial Life Arena.

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 will be in place at Colonial Life Arena for the 2020-21 season, grouped by topic in alphabetical order.

The University of South Carolina Athletics Department will determine the number of guests permitted to attend in accordance with applicable state and local guidelines, policies and regulations. In the absence of state and/or local guidelines, policies and/or regulations, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations on physical distancing should be applied.

• Gates will open one hour prior to tip-off.
• All tickets will be delivered via mobile device and shall be digitally scanned.
• The footprint at all gates and ingress/entry and egress/exit points will permit physical distancing between guests.
• Reduced elevator and escalator capacity will be enforced
• Please review our Clear Bag Policy

• Concession and cleaning staff will be required to wear PPE.
• Education and training related to COVID-19 precautions will be provided for all staff and third-party vendors.
• Event workers will be required to submit COVID-19 safety waiver prior to being authorized to enter facility.

• Face coverings (over the nose and mouth) will be required as a condition of entry and at all time throughout the arena except when actively eating or drinking.
• Arena workers and athletics staff are required to wear face coverings at all times.
• Face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing and fans are asked to keep a safe distance between their party and other fans while inside and outside Colonial Life Arena.

• Available seating pods will be properly socially distanced.
• South Carolina shall ensure the set-up and operational procedures in all areas accessed by guests permit physical distancing including, but not limited to, the following areas:
  • Guest Seating
  • Concourses and Gathering Places
  • Dining Areas (high top tables, extended countertops, etc.)
  • Concessions Sales
  • Merchandise Sales
  • Restrooms
  • Elevators
  • Escalators
• Deep cleaning of the entire venue will take place, including disinfecting of all high frequency touch points and all high traffic areas
• Staff will continue to clean and disinfect throughout the entirety of the game
• Hand sanitizing stations will be readily available throughout Colonial Life Arena
• Social distancing markers will be placed around the arena in areas where lines may form such as restroom facilities, concessions, and merchandise locations.
• Additional wayfinding and safety signage will be added to indicate queuing at exterior gates, seating section entrances, and parking/transportation areas.
• Sufficient signage that promotes and instructs guests to wear face coverings and maintain physical distancing shall be in place in areas accessed by guests.
• The usage of traditional water fountains or other apparatuses providing drinking water shall be prohibited and all must be clearly marked or covered to indicate its use is prohibited. This does not apply to apparatuses that use touchless technology.

• All concessions staff at points-of-sale are required to wear a face shield and face mask.
• Queuing lines at points-of-sale will allow for physical distancing between guests.
• “Grab and go” food/beverage options will be considered at points-of-sale locations.
• Beverages will be provided directly to guests. Machines designed to allow guests to fill or refill beverages must remain inoperable.
• Portable kiosks will be strategically placed to maximize social distancing.
• Condiments shall be offered only as single-serve condiments, and condiment carts will be prohibited.
• All points of sale throughout Colonial Life Arena will be cashless.

• Spirit Squads:
  • While cheerleaders, Carolina Girls and mascots will be in attendance and visible in some capacity, they will not be allowed to be on the court level during the game and their direct interactions with fans will be eliminated, due to social distancing precautions.

• Signage shall be installed at pedestrian paths to the arena, gates and/or other ingress/entry points that outlines mandates for all guests to wear face coverings, maintain physical distancing and mandates guests do not enter the arena if they display any COVID-19 symptoms as outlined by the CDC.
• All tickets will be delivered via mobile device and shall be digitally scanned.
• The footprint at all gates and ingress/entry and egress/exit points shall permit physical distancing between guests.

• The University of South Carolina shall:
  • have a documented plan that outlines the procedures/protocol for appropriate disinfection of the arena.
  • 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.

• Premium areas will open one (1) hour prior to the game.
• Self-serve buffets will not be available.
• Suite and club hopping will be prohibited inside of Colonial Life Arena and suite contact tracing will be implemented.
• Socially distanced high-top tables will be only remaining furniture inside premium spaces.
• Premium area capacity limits will be enforced.
• All fans and staff will be required to wear face masks throughout premium areas when they are not actively eating or drinking.
• Credit/debit cards will be the only accepted form of payment at premium area bars.
• Plexi-glass barriers will be utilized for food lines in premium areas.
• We strongly encourage our fans to visit their club space and return to their seats with food and beverage to allow all fans equal access to club offerings and amenities.

• Restroom layouts have been modified to provide proper social distancing.
• Restrooms will be limited to 50% capacity.
• Sanitation personnel will be assigned to each restroom for increased cleaning.
• Hand dryers will not be operable.

• Available seating pods will be spaced according to CDC guidelines and will be designated by seat sticker

• To offer greater convenience and safety, mobile-only ticketing will provide contactless entry to Colonial Life Arena for all 2020-21 Gamecock Men’s and Women’s Basketball games.
• To expedite entry and ensure the best possible gameday experience, fans should download their tickets prior to arrival and enter through the gate shown on their mobile ticket.
• Please review our Digital Ticketing Guide for a step-by-step guide to access mobile tickets.
• Download the Gameday App to manage mobile tickets.
• Box office will open one hour prior to tip-off.
• Please note that as the season progresses, 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 the circumstance and the SEC’s determining factors.