UNC announced on Friday that it will begin the fall sports season without fans at least through September.

In a note to Tar Heel fans, athletic director Bubba Cunningham said the decision was made with the health of student-athletes, coaches and community members in mind. The restriction will include football, cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball.

“This attendance restriction will last through September, and we will continue to work with medical experts and the University to evaluate safety conditions with the hope that we can increase capacity in October,” Cunningham wrote. “Tailgating also will not be allowed on campus.”

Cunningham said he recognizes that fans and season ticket holders will be disappointed, but the decision to restrict fans from home venues was the only avenue to move forward during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our student-athletes want to play, and we must do so as safely as possible,” he wrote. “We made this decision in consultation with medical experts, our University, and state and local officials.”

Earlier this week, UNC football coach Mack Brown told reporters that they were preparing for the start of the season with limited to no fans in the stands. However, Brown also said that he was more optimistic than ever that the season would actually start.

“They’re talking about game times with TV,” Brown said. “The officials said yesterday they already have their assignments for their first four ball games. Seeing the NC State game being moved, it’s a positive that people are still trying to make this craziness work out so we can play.”

Five UNC football players have opted out of the 2020 season so far, including offensive lineman Billy Ross this week. Brown credited those that want to play with sticking by health and safety guidelines.

“Our guys are really trying hard,” Brown said. “They read what’s written every day. They see what’s on the news every day. And they know that they control whether we play or not. 

UNC opens its 2020 season against Syracuse on September 12. Game times have not yet been announced.

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