For now, USF-Texas season opener still on, albeit with smaller crowd in Austin

For now, Texas is still counting on opening its season Sept. 5 at home against USF.

It’s just not counting on a capacity crowd.

In an email to season-ticket holders Monday, UT athletic director Chris Del Conte indicated the school is continuing to prepare to host the Bulls, albeit with Darrell K. Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium limited to 50-percent capacity. Longhorns season-ticket holders opting to renew for the 2020 season ― if it transpires ― will be re-seated as close to their normal seats as possible, Del Conte said.

DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium has a seating capacity of 100,119.

The reduced capacity could affect the Bulls’ ticket allotment. The game contract calls for USF to receive 500 complimentary tickets and the right to purchase 2,500 more. USF indicated Monday it has requested all 2,500 for purchase and has not been informed by Texas of any change in that allotment.

Del Conte’s email comes as uncertainty over non-conference games in ’20 continues to percolate. The Big Ten and Pac-12 already have announced they’ll play conference-only schedules this fall.