Morningside College is boosting action after Saturday’s win against Northwestern.
In a news release this afternoon, Morningside says the home opener was the first time the school encountered resistance to COVID-19 guidelines. There was clear disregard for policies in place and a number of people who attended expressed their disappointment.
Due to issues surrounding the game there will be more gate attendants and off-duty officers patrolling crowds at athletic events. Anyone attending who doesn’t follow face covering requirements will be warned once before being removed by security.
Admission will no longer be charged for football. But, ticketing will be limited. You can see more information on the Siouxland Public Media Facebook page.
News release from Morningside College:
The following announcement regarding spectator changes at Morningside athletic events was made today:
Morningside is committed to ensuring the health and safety of our faculty, staff, and students above all else. Throughout our reopening process, we have worked hard to develop guidelines and processes designed to keep the campus as safe as possible.
Overall, our community has adhered to the changes put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Events ranging from commencement to move-in have gone remarkably well and guidelines have been followed.
The home opener football game this past weekend was the first time we have encountered resistance to the guidelines. There was clear disregard for the policies in place, and a number of individuals who were in attendance have expressed their disappointment. We share that sentiment.
Due to the issues we experienced and to do our part to ensure the safety of the campus community and beyond, we are immediately modifying our spectator guidelines.
New Spectator Guidelines, Effective Immediately
- Morningside will increase gate attendants and off-duty officers patrolling crowds at athletic events.
- ANY individual attending ANY athletic event who does not follow face covering requirements and/or who is found with outside beverages will be warned once before being removed by security.
- Gate entrances for football games at Elwood Olsen Stadium will be reduced to the north (concession stand) and east entrances.
- Football games in Elwood Olsen Stadium will be limited to ticketed friends and family of athletes (football, cheer, and dance) and band musicians, students or employees with a Morningside ID, and President’s Society and W.S. Lewis Society members. As a result of this change, admission will no longer be charged for football. Details about how visiting fans and friends and families of Morningside athletes and musicians can secure tickets will be forthcoming. Should issues persist, games going forward will be limited to only friends, family, and essential personnel.
Morningside extends its appreciation to our students, fans, and all those who complied with guidelines. Please accept our apology if you experienced a less than optimal game day experience this past Saturday.
We want to stress that adhering to the guidelines in place on campus is the best way to ensure we will be able to continue with in-person learning, athletics, and activities. Please follow face covering guidelines and take care to wear face coverings correctly. Be mindful of physical distancing. Practice good hygiene. Stay home when you are not feeling well or are sick. Thank you for doing your part to protect the Morningside and Siouxland community.