HONOLULU — Sports teams at the University of Hawaiʻi will open the fall season with no fans in the stands at home contests.
Honolulu officials notified the university that fans won't be allowed at season-opening events due to the state’s current surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitals being overwhelmed, the university said in a statement Friday.
A decision to host fans will be reevaluated in coming weeks, the statement said.
“We are disappointed because we were looking forward to playing in front of our fans again,” Athletic Director David Matlin said. “However we understand the decision was made in the best interest of public safety and can only hope the restrictions will be lifted when the time is right.”
The decision applies to all fall sports, including football at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex, women’s volleyball at Stan Sheriff Center, and women’s soccer at Waipi‘o Peninsula Soccer Complex.
The university said a ticket refund policy will be announced later.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said, "It is no secret I have been a lifelong supporter of UH athletics, and its football program especially. So it is with great disappointment and regret to decide not to allow spectators in the stands to start the upcoming fall season for all sports."
"However, it is a fluid situation and we will continue to evaluate based on current conditions and impacts in the healthcare community. All is not lost for the fall sports season, but we are urging people to get vaccinated now," Blangiardi added.
