Fan Attendance
Northern State University is allowing fans at a 25% capacity at all events in Wachs Arena. Fans must adhere to the NSU Athletics COVID-19 Protocols outlined HERE. Individuals for the regional tournament will be broken up into multiple tiers. Those without an event pass designating T1 or T2 must remain out of the restricted areas and outside of the roped off competition area. CLICK HERE to view the regional layout and seating diagram.
Per the South Dakota Board of Regents face covering policy, face coverings are required to be worn in all public indoor spaces on campus at all times and per the NSIC Winter Sports Competition Plan, masking is required for all spectators in attendance, regardless of state and local guidance. The only exception is student-athletes actively engaging in competition and when spectators are eating or drinking for a limited period of time.
Northern State University & NSU Athletics are following CDC guidelines to help prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19. NSU asks all individuals to follow these prevention tips:
- Practice safe social distancing, keeping at least 6 feet between individuals at all times.
- Wash hands thoroughly and sanitize equipment after use.
- Wear a mask and/or gloves when possible.
- Stay home if you are sick, especially if you are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath.
- FACE COVERINGS
- Per South Dakota Board of Regents Policy, face coverings are required in the Barnett Center/Wachs Arena at all times, except for when you are eating or drinking. You will not be permitted to enter the gate unless you have a face covering on.
- Fans who are not in compliance with the South Dakota Board of Regents Policy stated above will be asked to leave the arena
- GENERAL OVERVIEW
- Attendance at Wachs Arena for Wolves basketball and wrestling will be limited to 25 % capacity.
- For basketball, Wolves Club members, student-athlete families, and NSU students will be given priority for admittance. There is no guarantee that we will sell any tickets at the door.
- If general admission walk-up tickets will be available for sale, NSU will release the quantity available on Monday of each week on this web site and through social media.
- The North entrance to the Barnett Center will be open throughout the season, while the South and West entrances will be CLOSED due to Dacotah Bank Stadium construction and social distancing guidelines for teams and fans.
- SAFETY MEASURES AROUND THE ARENA
- Multiple hand sanitizer stations will be located around the main concourse and in the Arena. Please use these frequently.
- Team benches will be spaced out and limited and the seating sections adjusted accordingly to ensure plenty of room for the team bench to be socially distant from the fans.
- Team benches will be sanitized with the electrostatic disinfectant sprayer at halftime of each contest.
- Toe kick openers have been installed on all bathroom doors to limit touch points on entrances.
- The Arena seats will be sprayed via electrostatic disinfectant sprayer after the completion of each competition by NSU Staff, and common areas will be cleaned throughout the event by NSU staff.
- Per South Dakota Board of Regents Policy, face coverings are required in the Barnett Center/Wachs Arena at all times, except for when you are eating or drinking. You will not be permitted to enter the gate unless you have a face covering on.
- CONCESSIONS
- The Northern State concessions stand will be open for all home contests.
- Multiple plastic guards have been installed at the main concession stand window.
- Aramark will implement additional numerous safety protocols for concessions preparations - For a full list of protocols and guidelines taken by Aramark CLICK HERE.
- Concessions Events will resume operations by utilizing pre-wrapped food items, Sealed Lid, Fountain Beverages, Bottled Beverages and Disposable Service Warre.
- Signage will communicate changes for condiments; eliminate self-serve condiment stations.
- Cashiers will communicate/provide pre-packaged condiments to customers such as ketchup, mustard, relish. Walking Taco condiments (Shredded Lettuce, Salsa, Sour Cream) will be included in the Tortilla Bag vs. Self-Serve; New procedure will be communicated by cashiers/signage to customer
- Aramark will limit the quantities of disposable and portion control items using 1.25 to 1.5 items per person, depending on size of gathering. Items to be disposed at the end of each event
- Social distancing encouragement will be introduced to control traffic flow; "x" spots on the floor in all lines & uniformed lines to keep 6 ft. distance at all times.
- Use prepackaged disposable flatware to include napkins, knives, forks, spoons, straws
- Aramark teams will provide sanitizer or wipes as part of the service. Aramark will implement additional numerous safety protocols for concessions preparations - For a full list of protocols and guidelines taken by Aramark CLICK HERE.
Media
Media members looking to cover the NCAA Super Region 5 Tournament must submit the Media Credential Request form linked HERE. All credential requests must be made Wednesday February 24, 2021. A media work room will be set-up in the Barnett Center Room 50, which is located just to the east of the main entrance. Individuals in the media work room are reminded to practice social distancing. All interviews with student-athletes, coaches, and staff must be done virtually via phone, email, or Zoom. Media members must never have direct contact with the individuals listed above. In addition, media when taking photos, media is required to stay 12-feet away from the competition surface and behind the caution tape barrier.
