COVID Surge Limits Spectators At Stanford Indoor Sporting Events

PALO ALTO, CA — Fans will no longer be allowed at Stanford sporting events that take place indoors as the campus and surrounding Bay Area deals with a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases.

The first two weeks of the winter quarter, which began this week, are taking place virtually. Over 130 Stanford students and 100 staff members have tested positive for the virus in the last week.

Only family members of the athletes will be allowed at indoor sporting events. Fans will be allowed at outdoor sporting events but masks and social distancing will be required.

“Cardinal student-athletes are fortunate to experience tremendous support at our home events,” said Stanford Director of Athletics Bernard Muir in a news release. “However, after thorough consultation with medical advisors and University leadership, it became very clear that implementing these measures is the right thing to do to protect our community at this time. We hope to be welcoming back full capacities in all of our athletics venues very soon.”

Full capacity for all sporting events will resume “as soon as appropriate,” according to the news release.

Anyone who purchased a ticket will receive information from the athletics department.