Mercer Announces COVID-19 Protocols for Hawkins Arena
11/20/2020 2:27:00 PM | Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball
The season starts Wednesday, Nov. 25 with two games
MACON, Ga. – In advance of the 2020-21 basketball season, Mercer's Director of Athletics Jim Cole and the athletic administration have announced COVID-19 protocols for fans coming to Hawkins Arena.
"These are unprecedented times, and the safety of student-athletes, spectators and event staff are our top priority," stated Cole. "The guidelines we have in place will help us ensure that we have a safe environment and that everyone has an enjoyable experience."
On Wednesday, the men will take on North Georgia at 1 p.m. with the women set to battle the Georgia Lady Bulldogs at 6 p.m.
ENTERING/EXITING HAWKINS ARENA
All fans must enter through the doors in Heritage Hall on the upper level of the University Center. All other entrances are off limits to spectators. Fans will not be permitted to exit Hawkins Arena by coming on the playing surface. Please exit out the doors in Heritage Hall. For the season opener and subsequent days featuring doubleheaders, all fans must exit the arena between contests.
TICKET POLICY
A limited number of presale tickets are currently available. To inquire, please call Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5217. Socially distanced seating will be enforced. Please do not attempt to utilize any seats that have been blocked off for social distancing purposes. Fans are encouraged to remain in their seats during the game.
Fans are encouraged to follow all the action via live stats, ESPN+, or the Mercer Sports Network (100.9 The Creek FM and SportsMic Radio) with Rick Cameron on the call.
SYMPTOM SCREENING
Before attending any games at Hawkins Arena, Mercer Athletics asks that fans perform a self-assessment of their COVID-19 symptoms. Fans are asked to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms or feeling ill. Individuals who are at a higher risk for the coronavirus are encouraged to not attend. Symptoms to monitor include the following:
In order to attend a basketball game at Hawkins, spectators will be required to wear face coverings that fully cover their mouth and nose. Fans must provide their own face coverings and be wearing them before gaining admittance to the facility.
The CDC currently recommends that face coverings not be used by children under the age of two.
SEATING
Socially distanced seating will be enforced. Please do not attempt to utilize any seats that have been blocked off for social distancing purposes. Fans are encouraged to remain in their seats during the game. Fans must follow the directions of game personnel and security at all times.
CONCESSIONS
Pre-packaged concessions items will be available for purchase at Hawkins Arena.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms will be available, and social distancing for lines will be enforced.
POST-GAME
Following of the conclusion of the contest(s), fans should exit the arena immediately. In year's past, fans have gathered to wait for the players, but this year, that will not be allowed. Please wait in Heritage Hall or an alternate location. On days containing two games, all fans must exit Hawkins Arena between contests.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of Mercer Basketball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerMBB (Twitter), /MercerBasketball (Facebook) and @Mercer_MBB (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.
"These are unprecedented times, and the safety of student-athletes, spectators and event staff are our top priority," stated Cole. "The guidelines we have in place will help us ensure that we have a safe environment and that everyone has an enjoyable experience."
On Wednesday, the men will take on North Georgia at 1 p.m. with the women set to battle the Georgia Lady Bulldogs at 6 p.m.
ENTERING/EXITING HAWKINS ARENA
All fans must enter through the doors in Heritage Hall on the upper level of the University Center. All other entrances are off limits to spectators. Fans will not be permitted to exit Hawkins Arena by coming on the playing surface. Please exit out the doors in Heritage Hall. For the season opener and subsequent days featuring doubleheaders, all fans must exit the arena between contests.
TICKET POLICY
A limited number of presale tickets are currently available. To inquire, please call Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 301-5217. Socially distanced seating will be enforced. Please do not attempt to utilize any seats that have been blocked off for social distancing purposes. Fans are encouraged to remain in their seats during the game.
Fans are encouraged to follow all the action via live stats, ESPN+, or the Mercer Sports Network (100.9 The Creek FM and SportsMic Radio) with Rick Cameron on the call.
SYMPTOM SCREENING
Before attending any games at Hawkins Arena, Mercer Athletics asks that fans perform a self-assessment of their COVID-19 symptoms. Fans are asked to stay home if they are experiencing symptoms or feeling ill. Individuals who are at a higher risk for the coronavirus are encouraged to not attend. Symptoms to monitor include the following:
- A fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Muscle aches, body aches, headache
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
- A loss of taste and/or smell that the fan was not previously experiencing
- Congestion
- Vomiting
In order to attend a basketball game at Hawkins, spectators will be required to wear face coverings that fully cover their mouth and nose. Fans must provide their own face coverings and be wearing them before gaining admittance to the facility.
The CDC currently recommends that face coverings not be used by children under the age of two.
SEATING
Socially distanced seating will be enforced. Please do not attempt to utilize any seats that have been blocked off for social distancing purposes. Fans are encouraged to remain in their seats during the game. Fans must follow the directions of game personnel and security at all times.
CONCESSIONS
Pre-packaged concessions items will be available for purchase at Hawkins Arena.
RESTROOMS
Restrooms will be available, and social distancing for lines will be enforced.
POST-GAME
Following of the conclusion of the contest(s), fans should exit the arena immediately. In year's past, fans have gathered to wait for the players, but this year, that will not be allowed. Please wait in Heritage Hall or an alternate location. On days containing two games, all fans must exit Hawkins Arena between contests.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE BEARS
For complete coverage of Mercer Basketball, please follow the Bears on social media at @MercerMBB (Twitter), /MercerBasketball (Facebook) and @Mercer_MBB (Instagram) or visit the official home of Mercer Athletics at MercerBears.com.
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