Seward County announces gradual plan to welcome sports spectators

Article by: Rachel Coleman; SCCC Marketing Director

LIBERAL, Kan.  — After nearly a year of pandemic restrictions, Seward County Community College Saints fans will have an opportunity to see live athletic competition, as the men's and women's basketball teams host the Butler Grizzlies in conference play on Feb. 13. 

The limited-attendance game is the first step in the college's plan to ease into welcoming spectators to campus to view basketball, volleyball, tennis, softball, and baseball. Logistics prevent the Feb. 3 volleyball game in the Greenhouse from being open to spectators.

"For safety reasons, we will cap attendance at 5 percent of our capacity in the Greenhouse for the first basketball games, and increase numbers gradually," said SCCC President Brad Bennett. The college's executive team and COVID-19 response group will evaluate the situation week by week. 

The plan builds on the Jayhawk Conference announcement Feb. 1 that the 21 member institutions across the state will permit spectators at athletic events, up to 25 percent of each venue's capacity. 

In the SCCC Greenhouse, taking into account team rosters, coaching, and facility staff, Saints fans may eventually number 200-250. To begin, however, SCCC will limit the first event to five percent, with priority given to students. The college's streaming service at sewardsaints.com will continue to make events available to the most people possible. 

Members of the public who are interested in attending can express their interest by signing up for the waitlist form: SAINTS TICKET WAITLIST.  The Athletic Department will be announcing the procedure to obtain tickets to the games next week. Students will be able to sign up for tickets next week as well.  All fans in attendance must follow the college requirements for attendance:

• • • • Mask wearing will be required at all times, with no exceptions.
      • No food or drinks will be allowed.
      • Temperature checks will be required for entry.
      • Guests will be asked to complete a short health survey.

Saints Athletic Director Dan Artamenko and assistant director of sports information Kendall Hernandez will provide a tutorial video outlining protocols, including traffic flow, entrances, and other details. More information will be announced on Feb. 8.

While it's far from "back to normal" for athletes and the fans who love them, the plan is a bright spot after months of limitation and loss. 

"We're just excited to give our student-athletes this opportunity to plan and to share the season with our community," said Artamenko.