The University of Cincinnati has received permission to admit up to 1,135 fans to upcoming basketball and volleyball games at Fifth Third Arena, the school announced Tuesday morning.
That means about 10% of the arena’s 12,012 seats will be available to fans for the remainder of both sports’ seasons. Tickets will be $40 apiece for the Bearcats’ three remaining home basketball games and free for volleyball, according to a news release announcing the change.
“All additional seating will be in the upper bowl with fans seated socially distant in the Incline, Upper Sideline and Varsity View sections,” according to a university spokesperson. “Masks are required at all times unless fans are eating or drinking.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday he might allow professional sports teams to open their arenas at up to 30% capacity during the spring and summer, provided those teams could demonstrate satisfactory levels of COVID-19 safety and mask enforcement.
The governor did not discuss how increased capacity limits could affect college sports.
