Texas Announces 50% Capacity at Football Games

University of Texas Athletic director Chris Del Conte announced in an email to season-ticket holders that the university is still preparing for the home opener against South Florida on September 5. He wrote that the school is working closely with Texas Governor, Greg Abbott to follow the states medical recommendations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Texas anticipates being able to accommodate 50% capacity in Royal-Memorial Stadium this season. Despite the reduction in capacity, the athletic department formulating a plan for all season-ticket holders to have an opportunity to attend games in Austin this season.

Royal-Memorial Stadium typically holds 100,000 people, however it will be a little less considering the stadium is under construction.

Bryant-Denny Stadium will hold right 100,000 after construction is completed in August. If the Crimson Tide are allowed to hold 50% capacity there will be 50,000 happy Alabama fans.

Both Texas and Alabama have similar COVID-19 infection rates, Alabama 1.4% and Texas 1.2%. While a lot is still to be determined, the Alabama athletic administration would likely be thrilled with 50% capacity this season.

The SEC is expected to make an announcement next week the fate of the SEC schedule. With the announcement that BYU will likely be the replacement opponent for the Crimson Tide week one, many are speculating where the game will be held.

Alabama likely will host the Cougars on campus in the opening weekend of college football due to the leverage they hold over BYU. BYU lost five games on its 2020 schedule due to the Big 10 and Pac-12's decision to eliminate non-conference games. Should BYU fill one of the empty slots on its schedule with Alabama it will likely be on the Crimson Tide's terms.

Perhaps we will get 50,000 people in Bryant-Denny just as Texas is planning for on September 5.