Few Fans Will Be Permitted At Iowa High School Football Finals
Many Iowa high school football fans won't be allowed inside the UNI-Dome this week to watch and cheer for their teams as they compete for state championships in Cedar Falls.
The six games will be played as scheduled, but attendance for each one will be limited to two spectators per participating student-athlete. Iowa High School Athletic Association officials announced the spectator restrictions Tuesday, in accordance with the COVID-19 public health disaster proclamation Gov. Kim Reynolds signed Monday evening. The Governor placed attendance limitations on all high school-sponsored events held indoors or outdoors through Dec. 10.
Under the proclamation, spectators may only be present for the championship game their student-athlete is participating in. Social distancing and face coverings will continue to be required of spectators over the age of two..
According to a press release, IHSAA officials are working with administrators from participating schools to handle ticketing for each game. Admission will be $12.50 each or $25 for two spectators of a rostered and in-uniform varsity football player. The vouchers will be required for entry at the UNI-Dome, and spectators will not be allowed back in once they leave. Parking is free at designated lots around the facility.
IHSAA officials said no additional tickets will be issued for coaches, managers, trainers, statisticians, video operators, game officials or cheerleaders.
Tickets previously purchased online by spectators from participating schools will be refunded by UNItix, IHSAA officials said. The automated refunds will be returned on the credit card or account used.
Twelve teams will be playing for state titles in Cedar Falls this week. Here is the championship game schedule:
Thursday, Nov. 19:
- 10 AM - Remsen St. Mary’s vs. Fremont Mills, Tabor (Eight-Player)
- 2 PM - Grundy Center vs. Iowa City Regina (Class A)
- 7 PM - Harlan vs. North Scott, Eldridge (Class 3A)
Friday, Nov. 20:
- 10 AM - OABCIG vs. Van Meter (Class 1A)
- 2 PM - Central Lyon/George-Little Rock vs. Waukon (Class 2A)
- 7 PM - Southeast Polk vs. Ankeny (Class 4A)
IHSAA officials said all performances, award presentations and halftime ceremonies have been canceled due to the spectator restrictions. That means team pep bands and the Iowa Cheerleading Coaches Association's Honor Squad won't be performing, and there won't be any Football Hall of Fame or Officials Hall of Fame inductions.
With the restricted capacity, only one side of the UNI-Dome will be utilized. IHSAA officials said spectators for the "home" team (listed first on above schedule) will use the Dome's NW corner entrance. Fans supporting the "away" team will use the SW corner entrance.
Once inside the facility, the fan bases will be separated. Seating pods will be in groups of two and spaced for social distancing, IHSAA officials said.