Butler announces 25% fan capacity at basketball games, won’t offer season tickets
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Butler University announced Sunday that 25% fan capacity will be allowed at Hinkle Fieldhouse for basketball games.
The school’s plan was approved by the Marion County Health Department and will begin on Nov. 25 for their men’s basketball home opener, school officials said in a release to News 8.
According to Butler, safety protocols include requiring face coverings, temperature checks and changes to concession stands.
Butler said the reduced capacity will accommodate physical distancing procedures recommended by the Marion County Health Department, Butler University, the BIG EAST Conference, the NCAA and other partner organizations.
Zhanri Desphy told News 8 she’s a dancer for Butler University’s athletics and is saddened about the decision.
“It’s a shock and we were really caught off guard with this because it came so suddenly that we weren’t allowed to be at games anymore,” Desphy said. “It’s kind of responsible of Butler, but I’m really disappointed that we can’t dance and it’s something that the whole team has been looking forward to for the entire semester.”
There will be no season tickets offered this season, but tickets will be available in blocks consisting of two to four games, first to people who were season ticket holds last season and had put down a deposit for this season, then to the general public.
Freshman Alexis Griffin told News 8 she was looking forward to checking out a game for the first time. “I’m really disappointed. I came here for Butler basketball and now that we can’t watch them it’s kind of depressing, but it is what it is,” Griffin said.
Many students understand the decision is for everyone’s safety, despite it putting a damper to the school year.
“25% definitely not 100% but I think even just to have fans we’ll be a boost compared to nothing and hopefully if we see cases go down they can start getting more as the season goes on,” mentioned Bob Shultz.
“Health safety is more important than just watching basketball,” added Griffin.
The tradition of fans getting to shoot baskets on the court after the game won’t be allowed this season either.
The school plans to make changes throughout the season as information and directives develop, according to the school.