ERIE, Pa. - Mercyhurst University has announced that it will allow a limited number of approved spectators to attend both indoor and outdoor athletic events this spring. Details regarding the spectator policy for all sports can be found below.
The Athletic Department Spectator policy was developed to comply with current national, state, NCAA, PSAC and Mercyhurst University guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic to allow for a safe and healthy environment for all. To learn more about the University's guidelines, click here.
Event Spectator Policies
· No visiting team spectators will be permitted at the site of the competition.
· Tailgating is prohibited before or after any athletic event.
· There will be no contact with student-athletes or mingling between student-athletes and team personnel before or after events.
· Masks must be worn at all times -indoors and outdoors – while on campus and at an off campus MU athletic home competition site. Fans must also practice social distancing.
· Gates will open 30 minutes prior to the official game start time. Fans must leave immediately after the completion of the game.
· Before spectators arrive at Mercyhurst campus, they must complete the Mercyhurst Guest Screening. www.mercyhurst.edu/guest
· Upon arrival, spectators will go to the check in table to show successful completion of guest screening on a mobile device.
· Spectators will not be permitted into events without being on game spectator list.
· Spectators sitting in bleachers will sit in designated areas that are marked for proper social distancing.
· Spectators sitting in personal chairs must follow the family groups of 4 or less and social distance from other groups.
· Families will be required to stay in their pods from other groups.
· Concessions will not be available
· Spectators will be required to vacate the facility within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the event.
· Any spectator refusing to comply with these policies will be immediately removed from the facility or denied entry. This policy will be strictly enforced.
Additional Safety Measures
· Signage will be placed throughout facilities encouraging social distancing and mask wearing.
· Hand sanitizing stations and wipes will be placed throughout facilities.
· Any high touch areas will be frequently cleaned before, during and after events.
· Campus staff and administration will be on site to ensure safety measures are followed.
Ticket Allotment Per Mercyhurst Student Athlete
The following breakdown details how many spectators each student-athlete at Mercyhurst will have available for each home event. No visiting team spectators will be permitted at the site of the competition. The following numbers are based on State and Facility Guidelines:
Men's and Women's Lacrosse: 4
Baseball: 2
Softball: 4
Men's and Women's Soccer: 4 (Saxon Stadium), 2 (MU Soccer Field)
Football: 3
Field Hockey: 4
Volleyball: 4
Rowing: 4
Privately owned facilities (Tennis, Water Polo, Golf, Cross Country) will follow the facility capacity and spectator policy. Please check back HERE for future updates.
Facility Entry and Exit
Before spectators arrive at Mercyhurst campus, they must complete the Mercyhurst Guest Screening prior to approaching the ticket entry area. · Guest Screening – www.mercyhurst.edu/guest
· Upon arrival, spectators will go to the check in table to show successful completion of guest screening on a mobile device.
· Spectators will be given directions to designated seating area.
· Masks are required at all times at all Mercyhurst events · Click here for the parking lot map for on-campus facilities
Athletic Center (Volleyball) –Spectators will enter through the main south doors to the facility.
· Rec Center restrooms will be available for spectators
· Spectators are prohibited from lingering in any MAC lobby areas
Saxon Stadium – Spectators will enter and exit through main gate to the stadium and directly go the main stands and take their seats.
· Restrooms in the Ice Center Lobby will be available for spectators
· Spectators are prohibited from entering the rink area or lingering in the lobby.
Baseball/Soccer Field – Park in lot 10 or 11. Spectators will use staircase to access the field. Any persons needing an ADA entrance will use the main ramp entrance to Saxon Stadium.
· Minimal seating will be available in bleachers due to athlete spacing requirements.
· Spectators are strongly encouraged to bring their own chair.
· Restrooms in the Ice Center Lobby will be available for spectators
· Spectators are prohibited from entering the rink area or lingering in the lobby.
Softball Field (at East 41st and Old French Road or MNE Campus)-Park in lot adjacent to the field.
· Minimal seating will be available in bleachers due to athlete spacing requirements.
· Spectators are strongly encouraged to bring their own chair.
· Portable restrooms available.
