MADISON — Wisconsin Badger football kicks off on Friday, and COVID-19 protocols are in place to keep fans, players, and staff safe.
After the season was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Big10 football is finally making a comeback and for Wisconsinites, the excitement starts Friday when the Badgers take on Illinois.
During a UW Now Livestream event, UW athletic director Chris McIntosh said he is confident in the team's ability to play thanks to advances and protocols that have been implemented.
He said these protocols, "allow us [UW-Madison athletes and staff] to feel confident about our ability for our student-athletes to come into our facilities on a day-to-day basis and be able to practice, and that the chances of transmission of COVID are almost eliminated due to our daily testing, rapid turnaround capabilities.”
However, the Madison Mayor joined in on a Big10 letter asking the conference to release the full Big10 game schedule, not host games in the evening, and work with city officials to determine if host cities are safe.
Dr. Jeff Pothof with UW-Health, said the university and students need to go about the season differently and take precautions in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
"Having tailgating parties, large gatherings is almost a guarantee to have super spreader events," said Pothof. "I think there's a way to enjoy the game, but do it within your family unit."
No fans will be allowed at the game, but you can watch it live on Badger Sports Network.
