SMU, TCU host fans for their football home openers Saturday
DALLAS - SMU and TCU had their home opening football games Saturday, and both universities hosted fans inside their stadiums for the games.
TCU took on Iowa State in Fort Worth, while the Mustangs took on Stephen F. Austin at Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
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This was also TCU’s first game after multiple players and coaches tested positive for COVID-19.
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Both had social distancing and other restrictions in place for fans in attendance.
Fans in both stadiums were required to wear face coverings, and many said that as long as others wear masks and social distance, everyone can enjoy a full football season.
“It means a lot,” SMU alum Michael Frazier said. “It’s good for people’s morale and feel normal again while being safe.”
With the coronavirus still spreading, SMU had its third game of the season and its first at home in Dallas.
The rivalry game between SMU and TCU scheduled for earlier this month was canceled because too many TCU players and coaches tested positive for COVID-19.
“I was worried we would not have a season, but they have been taking all the safety precautions they can,” TCU student Johnny Esquivel said.
“I am so excited, just so thankful we are allowed to go and have this,” TCU student Annie Garcia added.
Both schools had reduced seating for Saturday’s games. Fans also had to wear masks, concessions were cashless, and social distancing was encouraged.
“It’s nice to have a little bit of normalcy even though it’s very different without a tailgate around, you notice a big difference walking around,” TCU fan Cindy Ketz said.
The precautions were a welcomed sight for Jennifer Dillard, whose daughter is a freshman at SMU from Arkansas.
“If everyone self regulates, taking your temperature, taking your own precautions, if everyone is doing that and the schools follow the rules and take extra precautions because they care, I think it’s going to be fine,” she said.
Players and staff from both SMU and TCU are tested for the coronavirus multiple times a week.