No Spectators at UNH Athletics Events to Start 2020-21

The University of New Hampshire announced Wednesday that no spectators would be allowed at athletic events to begin the 2020-21 season.

The announcement said that the decision was made "in order to keep the safety of the participating student-athletes, coaches and essential staff the No. 1 prerogative, while limiting any potential coronavirus exposure to families, fans and the greater community."

UNH said they sought input from the CDC, the state and the university's conference partners before making the decision.

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“It speaks to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved at the University, from President Dean’s leadership to all the students who have navigated their way through the semester,” UNH Director of Athletics Marty Scarano said in a statement. “We are very proud of the way our staff, coaches and student-athletes have responded to this unprecedented challenge. Our Wildcats will now get the opportunity to represent the University doing what they love, but we also remain acutely aware of the danger of COVID-19 and will continue to maintain safety as the utmost priority above all else.”

Although basketball and hockey schedules have been announced, no schedules have been finalized for gymnastics or swimming and diving team, "but those indoor sports will also adhere to the no-spectator policy in place for on-campus events," the statement read.

Those prohibited from attending athletic events on campus include family and friends, students, faculty and staff, athletes and coaches from non-competing programs, season-ticket members, spirit squad and band, and media.

There have been no decisions made regarding spring sports, including football, and the determination of whether spectators will be permitted later on in 2021 has not been finalized, per the announcement.