While there’s a lot of news about high school football being pushed back or moving to 2021, Arkansas is moving forward with 2020 as planned.
On Friday, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson gave his approval to the Arkansas Activities Association to hold benefit games or scrimmages according to its 2020-21 calendar. Week 0 of the high school football season is set for August 27-29.
“Let’s not only start the season this year, but let’s work to finish the season,” said Hutchinson. “That’s what’s important.”
Fans will be allowed at games with social distancing rules. Here is what the state’s health department wants school districts to due to make sure fans are safe:
• Social distancing is followed, with 6 feet of physical distance from other spectators at all times. Single-household families may sit together, but a 6-foot distance must be kept from all other groups or individuals.
• Face coverings or masks are required for all spectators, except for children younger than 10 years old.
• Entrances, exits, concession stands and restrooms must be marked with cones, X’s or other visual cues to promote at least a 6-foot distance.
• Concessions must comply with the health department’s current directive regarding resuming restaurant dine-in operations.
• Signs must be posted at all entrances advising the public not to enter if they have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, or loss of taste or smell. Also, if someone has had exposure to the virus in the past 14 days, do not enter the venue.
Arkansas is one of sixteen states starting football as planned. Utah became the first state to open last week, with Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Tennessee opening this weekend.
The August 27-29 weekend will see Iowa, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Oklahoma and Wyoming start on-time.
