IU facilities to return to full capacity this fall

The neat thing about the Indiana football viewing experience during the 2020 season was that we all got to watch the Hoosiers’ ascendance the same way. That is, on the couch, beverage in hand, and with a plate full of steamin’ hot wings slathered in Old Bay seasoning sitting right in front of us. OK, the last part was probably just me. Either way.

Now, though, we can look forward to hanging out together again in Bloomington when the 2021 season kicks off in a few months.

That’s because IU announced Friday that Memorial Stadium — along with the rest of its on-campus facilities — will be open to full capacity when the games begin in September. Indiana has been selling season tickets for some time now, but this is the first time we’ve seen the green light on general admission sales for the 52,929-seat stadium.

“This is one of the most exciting days for our department and for me personally as we announce our plans to welcome our fans back this fall,” IU athletic director Scott Dolson said in a statement. “I cannot thank our fans enough for their patience and understanding while we have followed the advice of the medical professionals to protect the safety and health of everyone during the pandemic. In making today’s announcement, we continue to follow the advice of the IU Athletics Medical Advisory Group, and we are counting down the days until we see our stands full of Hoosier fans again. I want to thank President McRobbie for accepting and supporting this recommendation, as well as President-Elect Whitten for her collaboration and backing of our plan to return to full capacity this fall.”

According to the department’s release, specific protocols for IU’s on-campus athletic events will be finalized at a later date.

So I guess that settles it: Seeya in the Green Lot.

IU’s home opener is a 7:30 p.m. kick set for Saturday, Sept. 11 against Idaho.