The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting a UGA football ritual. While some fans will be able to attend UGA football games during this shortened season, traditional tailgating will not be allowed.
A release from UGA Athletics states fans will be allowed to gather near their vehicle with family members, or with those they travel with and plan to sit next to in the stadium. Social distancing and masks are still expected. Parking lots will open three hours before kick-off for each home game and all vehicle occupants are required to have tickets for the game.
The UGA stance is consistent with the approach taken by other SEC schools, including Alabama, Florida, LSU, Auburn and Ole Miss.
Full Release:
Statement from UGA Athletic Association on 2020 Tailgating
Tailgating has been a part of the gameday tradition for home football games at the University of Georgia for decades. However, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, tailgating will not be permitted on campus this season.
UGA Athletics reached this decision in accordance with public health guidelines and counsel provided by our own UGA health officials. It is consistent with the approach taken by other SEC schools, including Alabama, Florida, LSU, Auburn and Ole Miss.
UGA Athletics realizes that fans will be traveling long distances to cheer on the Bulldogs. Therefore, fans will be allowed to gather near their vehicle with family members or those with whom they traveled and plan to sit with in the stadium. Please remember to maintain 6-feet social distancing and to wear masks when around others who are not part of your group. Parking lots on campus will open three hours before kick-off for each home game, and attendants will require all occupants in the vehicle to have tickets for the game.
While we strongly encourage individuals and organizations off campus to follow UGA’s lead in taking appropriate measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, enforcement of social gatherings off-campus remains under the jurisdiction of Athens-Clarke County.
UGA Athletics thanks fans in advance for adhering to these necessary, but regrettable, changes. We look forward to resuming our tradition of tailgating when it is safe to do so.
