Syracuse University seeks “further clarification” on the state saying no fans in stadiums for college sports

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University (SU) will “seek further clarification” on having fans attend football games this fall, should the Atlantic Coast Conference decide to play fall sports.

SU Director of Athletics John Wildhack on Tuesday issued a statement after state officials had indicated fans would not be allowed to attend college sports games this fall as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

“We will seek further clarification regarding the opportunity to have fans at our games and move forward appropriately under the guidance of the state,” Wildhack said in a statement.

The comment about fan attendance was part of a late Tuesday morning conference call Gov. Andrew Cuomo held with reporters.

NewsChannel 9 reporter Jeff Kulikowsky had asked Cuomo about fan attendance. In responding to the question, Cuomo then sought guidance from another state official who was on the call with him. The other official said a sporting event would be considered a large social gathering with people together in a stadium and “that is not authorized as of yet.”

Cuomo then followed up, saying, “The game can go on. The game can be televised, but no fans.”