Tennessee plans to limit Neyland Stadium capacity to 25% in 2020, Vols athletics director Phillip Fulmer said Tuesday during a briefing with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
Fulmer also stated that the Vol Walk and band walk are unlikely to take place prior to the game.
“We’re anticipating somewhere around the 25% mark,” Fulmer said. “We hope to be able to achieve that.”
A crowd at 25% capacity in Neyland would consist of 25,614 fans. Fulmer indicated that Tennessee’s athletic department is preparing for a $30 to $40 million reduction in revenue as a result of stadium capacity restrictions.
Tennessee athletics generated $143.8 million in revenue and $143 million in expenses for the 2019 fiscal year according to figures that are available to the public. The football program generated $96.1 million in revenue.
The SEC announced guidelines Tuesday morning for its 14 member schools to establish expectations to manage the health and safety of fans in preparation for the 2020 football season. Institutions are in charge of determining the number of guests permitted to attend games in accordance with state and local guidelines. In the absence of state or local guidelines, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations on physical distancing should be applied.
Face coverings will be required to be worn at all games, the SEC also announced. Stadium workers and athletics staff should wear face coverings at all times. The SEC also stated that the set-up and operational procedures in all areas accessed by guests should adhere to physical distancing.
Alabama and Texas A&M also announced reduced capacity on Tuesday, following Missouri’s announcement on Monday. The Crimson Tide’s Bryant-Denny Stadium capacity will be reduced to 20%, while the attendance for A&M at Kyle Field will be reduced to 30%, respectively. Mizzou announced a reduced capacity to 25%.
Tennessee’s 2020 season is scheduled to begin Sept. 26 with a trip to South Carolina to face Will Muschamp’s Gamecocks.
