TSU Announces 2020-21 Basketball COVID-19 Policies

At all athletic events, the safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, fans and faculty/staff is our top priority.   At the recommendations of the CDC, State of Texas, City of Houston, the University, the Southwestern Athletic Conference and the NCAA we have developed these standards and regulations for the 2020-2021 athletic season. For the 2020-2021 season, attendance at the Health and Physical Education Arena will be limited to 12% capacity (subject to change).  This will include season ticket holders, a limited number of students, home and visiting team families (per player’s and coach’s guest list), TSU band, cheer team and mascots (upper level sections V – R).

BEFORE ARRIVING at the FACILITY – COVID-19 Self Screening Checklist
All attendees to athletic events on our campus will be asked to review the following screening checklist before attending campus:  

• Do you have new muscle aches not related to another medical condition or another specific activity (e.g. due to physical exercise)?
• Do you feel like you may have a temperature of greater than 100.0°F?
• Do you have a sore throat, runny nose and/or congestion not related to another medical condition (e.g. allergies)?
• Do you have a new or worsening cough that is not related to another medical condition?
• Do you have shortness of breath that is not attributable to another medical condition?
• Do you have recent (within the last five days) loss of smell and taste?
• Do you have new onset of vomiting or diarrhea not related to another medical condition?
• Have you had recent close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, immediately self-isolate and contact your medical provider.  Please do not attend any campus facility, program, activity or event.
WHEN ARRIVING at the FACILITY

• The doors will open 60 minutes prior to tip-off.
• Season ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early.
• The HPE Arena will open at a reduced capacity.  Practice physical distancing at all times.
• Masks/face covering are required for entry to all athletic facilities.  Masks/face covering must cover mouth and nose.  Individuals must wear masks/face covering during all times while inside the athletics facilities.  ANYONE WHO DOES NOT COMPLY WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE FACILITY IMMEDIATELY.
• There will be separate entry and exit points for the facility.
• All game day personnel and spectators in attendance must follow the proper Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and TSU guidelines relating to physical distancing. Appropriate signage and other markings will be placed at entrances and other areas within athletic facilities for reference purposes.
• When playing doubleheader games, no women’s or men’s teams will be allowed to wait in the area or watch the game.  Upon entering the Arena, all teams must wait in the locker room or on the team bus.  After the game, visiting teams must exit the facility after changing

PHYSICAL DISTANCING/FACE COVERINGS

• Game day personnel and spectators will be required to wear face coverings consistent with CDC recommendations during EVERY athletic event.  Face shields may be worn, but do not replace masks/face coverings. This means that a face shield alone is not acceptable.
• Physical distancing will be maintained throughout each facility, which includes limited court/field access in compliance with the Southwestern Athletic Conference and NCAA guidelines.
• Seating at all athletic venues will be arranged to ensure compliance of all CDC health and safety guidelines. This includes rows and seats clearly marked in efforts of creating six feet of separation between spectators not of the same party.
• Individuals who are non-compliant with the CDC, SWAC, NCAA and TSU COVID-19 policies and procedures will be escorted out of the facility by campus police and security immediately and denied future access to athletic events during the pandemic.

HAND WASHING/SANITIZING
There will be a number of cleaning and disinfecting stations in place throughout the facilities.

• Barriers will be placed between staff and spectators when physical distancing is not possible
• Employees will wipe down workstations regularly
• Doors will be propped open when possible
• Signage around the area will remind fans of regulations
• Hand sanitizer stations will be readily available throughout the facilities
   

ATTENDANCE POLICY
For the 2020-2021 season, attendance at the Health and Physical Education Arena will be limited to 12% capacity (subject to change).  This will include season ticket holders, a limited number of students, home and visiting team families (per player’s and coach’s guest list), TSU band, cheer team and mascots (upper level sections V – R).
 
 TICKETS
There will be no individual ticket sales for 2020-2021 basketball games at the HPE Arena.  Only individuals who purchase season tickets will be allowed entry on game day.  Players and coaching staff guests will be admitted via complimentary ticket list. 
 
FAN ENTRANCE
The main entrance for the Health and Physical Education Arena is located on the second level at the corner of Wheeler Avenue and Ennis Street.  Only handicap, basketball game day staff, basketball coaches and the players will be allowed to enter from the ground level.

• Handicap – Individuals in wheel chairs or with mobility issues will enter the HPE Arena at the portico (sally port) entrance.  They will utilize the elevator in order to access the second level.

 SECURITY
The TSU Department of Public Safety is responsible for all security measures at the Health and Physical Education Arena for home basketball games.  The Director of Public Safety coordinates with the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Highway Patrol and other agencies to provide game day security for the HPE Arena and all participants for each basketball game.