SPORTS

PAC-12 allowing family at football games, health departments get final call

Oct 15, 2020, 9:55 AM | Updated: 9:58 am

in-person convocations to be held at rice-eccles stadium this year...

The University of Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium is pictured in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020. Photo: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — It appears that PAC-12 football stadiums won’t be empty this season, after all. The conference announced Wednesday that it’s changing their previous policy, which did not allow any fans to attend games this year due to coronavirus concerns.

PAC-12 allowing family only to games

The latest policy from the conference will allow family members to attend games in-person this fall. In a press release, they add that it will be subject to local public health authority approval.

“The Pac-12 confirms that the Pac-12 CEO Group on September 24 approved student-athlete families to be able to attend football games this season, subject to local public health authority approval and in accordance with NCAA guidelines,” it reads. “Each of our member schools working through what will be allowed in terms of family member attendance on that basis.”

Health departments granted veto power

Here in Utah, despite recently revised health guidance levels, it appears that Rice-Eccles Stadium will be able to accommodate the players’ families in the stands.

Current requirements, according to the state’s coronavirus website, include:

• “Masks are required; performers are excluded.”

• “Completion of Event Management Template is required.”

• “Individual businesses will be expected to modify their operations based on individual outbreaks; LHD discretion on severity of modifications, supported by UDOH.”

Last week, Utes head coach Kyle Wittingham was quoted saying that he would love to see families in the stadium this year. 

“We’d love to have the opportunity to have family in the stadium,” he says.

The announcement comes amid reports that Wittingham is taking one of the largest pay cuts in the country. A USA Today report indicates the Utes head coach is taking a $365,822 pay cut this year, which is the second-highest in the country behind only Florida State head football coach Mike Norvell, who will take a cut of $468,750.

University of Utah athletic director Mark Harlan said in September that there would be department-wide furloughs due to the coronavirus pandemic impacting financials. 

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Sports

national ban on transgender...

Adam Small

Would a national ban on transgender involvement in sports affect Utah’s ban?

Could a national ban on transgender athletes competing in women's sports affect Utah's ban? One expert says it could make minor impacts.

11 months ago

There's been a flurry of conversation in recent weeks about Major League Baseball coming to Utah an...

Mark Jones

WATCH: The feasibility of Major League Baseball coming to SLC

A Utah marketing expert says factors to consider include Salt Lake's growth but also competition from other cities.

12 months ago

There's been a flurry of conversation in recent weeks about Major League Baseball coming to Utah an...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

How does Salt Lake City stack up to Major League Baseball expansion competition?

The league last expanded in 1998, and it's still unclear when it might expand again, but Salt Lake City certainly isn't alone in the pursuit of a major league team.

12 months ago

New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws during the third inning of a spring training bas...

Mark Jones

Matheson reflects on lessons of Major League Baseball opening day

Boyd Matheson, of Inside Sources, talks about the lessons to be found in baseball.

1 year ago

a man plays golf -- a study looked at weekday golfing...

Elizabeth Weiler

Weekday golfing has gone up thanks to remote working, study finds

If employees' productivity does not change, should employers care if they are golfing during the work day? 

1 year ago

Utah Valley University coach Mark Madsen directs his players during a basketball game against BYU a...

Mark Jones

Utah Valley University men’s basketball team has a winning culture

Utah Valley University men's basketball coach Mark Madsen joined Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson on Tuesday to discuss what made the team so successful this season.

1 year ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

PAC-12 allowing family at football games, health departments get final call