Florida State will allow tailgating at football games this season

Florida State will allow tailgating at the Seminoles’ home games this year under specific guidelines because of the coronavirus pandemic, the athletic department announced Thursday.

Parking lots will open three hours before kickoff. Patrons must tailgate at their own spaces, and everyone should maintain the 6-foot social distancing standard between families and between tailgating areas. Face coverings are also encouraged while walking through parking lots and socializing.

“Just as it is with so many things in our society during this pandemic, we ask that our donors take responsibility for adhering to the tailgating guidelines, and make good decisions for the safety of our community so that we can continue to move forward with a safe football season,” FSU athletic director David Coburn said. “If we as a Seminole family cannot create a tailgating environment that protects the health and safety of each other, it may be necessary to revisit this approach.”

FSU expects seating at Doak Campbell Stadium to be limited to 20-25 percent of its capacity (79,560). The ‘Noles are scheduled to open at home against Georgia Tech on Sept. 12 and also have home games scheduled against North Carolina, Pitt, Clemson and Virginia. FSU is also expected to add a non-conference opponent, with an announcement coming as soon as this week.

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