Fan policy for GCU basketball games announced

Grand Canyon University will start the upcoming basketball season with attendance limited to a lowered capacity of on-campus students because of precautions relating to COVID-19.

GCU continues to work with the Arizona Department of Health Services to finalize a policy that maximizes the safety of student-athletes, essential staff and spectators. The policy will extend through at least the end of 2020 and will be constantly monitored to determine if and when more fans can return to GCU Arena when deemed safe.

"Through a very diligent process, which included feedback from multiple entities and medical experts, we developed a plan to keep both participants and spectators safe while allowing a limited number of students into the venue," GCU Interim Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs said. "We continue to work closely with our team doctor and health officials and, once health and safety conditions allow, we look forward to having a full-capacity arena again with our season-ticket holders and the most exciting student section in the country."

Similar to other U.S. sporting events, GCU Arena seating has been reconfigured into clustered, socially distanced groups of two to five seats to accommodate groups of roommates and close friends. Students will receive seating assignments in advance through the established ticketing process and will be required to remain in assigned seats.

GCU is adhering to all NCAA, WAC and local safety protocols. In line with NCAA guidelines, all general seating areas will be at least 12 feet from team benches, scorers' tables and the playing surface. All fans and staff must wear a face covering at all times while inside GCU Arena.

"I feel confident we can allow a limited number of students at this time with the safety protocols we have implemented," said Dr. Kareem Shaarawy, who serves as GCU's athletic department physician and co-chairs the WAC Medical Advisory Committee. "Over the last several months, we have worked collaboratively to provide a safe environment for the students to enjoy Lopes Basketball."

GCU will continue to have one of the most accessible game broadcasts in college basketball so fans can be a part of the action from home. Men's and women's games will air on GCULopes.com, YouTube and Facebook Watch. All men's games — home and away — will return on radio to 1580 The Fanatic (99.3 FM, 95.9 FM). All men's home games and select women's games are scheduled to be televised on FOX 10 Xtra for the second straight year, with details on the partnership to be released at a later date.

GCU's renowned game environment will continue while following health precautions. Havocs traditions will continue when possible, while spirit programs, including cheer, dance and band, will continue inside GCU Arena while physically distanced and away from the court.

GCU will closely monitor health conditions in an attempt to return more fans inside GCU Arena as soon as it is deemed safe. All season-ticket accounts have been frozen and remain in the possession of last year's holders. If attendance opportunities are expanded throughout the season, ticket packages will be offered on a prorated basis.

For more information regarding guidelines and precautions being taken inside GCU Arena this season, click here.

Grand Canyon University Athletics

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