With the return of Sonoma State University’s sporting events in the upcoming Fall season, hundreds of enthusiastic spectators are readying themselves to enjoy games again within the Seawolves’ den, as spectators are now allowed to attend campus sporting events for the first time in over a year.

Sonoma State suspended all of it’s collegiate sporting events over a year ago, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The last sporting event held on Sonoma’s campus happened the 3rd of March during the 2020 season, and no team has gotten to play since then. Practices were canceled indefinitely, gear was hung up, and gates were locked for what seemed like forever.

As the fall approaches, so does the return of sporting events held within Sonoma State’s campus, and fans are more eager than ever to be present in the Seawolves’ upcoming fall season fixtures. Thanks to vaccines, health guidelines, and all the hardworking staff in the athletics department, the Seawolves are back and better than ever.

When asked whether spectators will be able to attend SSU sporting events, Deputy Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jared Chasey said, “Yes, at this time, spectators are welcome to attend our home athletics events.”

If spectators are hoping to attend these sporting events, they are required to follow county and state health and safety guidelines before, during, and after the event. 

Chasey explained that the guidelines and protocols taken by the school are, “Framed after the NCAA and CCAA, along with the state and local health authorities.”

One of the main rules, Chasey explains, is that spectators are required to wear face coverings within indoor and outdoor sporting events regardless of vaccination status. In addition, spectators are to be following the CDC’s recommendation of personal hygiene etiquette as well as maintaining social distance.

As of now, proof of vaccination isn’t required when going into Sonoma State’s sporting events. Guidelines and protocols surrounding proof of vaccination are subject to change in the near future.

If spectators are not yet comfortable with attending games in person due to the pandemic, Chasey mentions that the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is planning on bringing the games to the fans in the comfort of their home by streaming several of the Seawolves’ home athletics events through the CCAA Network website.

Chasey comments: “Our hope is [spectators] will tune in virtually by subscribing to the CCAA Network to watch the Seawolves compete this season.”

This allows fans multiple ways to get into the game spirit, by either attending the actual sporting event or watching it through online streaming.

Attending a sporting event in person is different from watching the event through streaming as the viewers are more involved with the event, being up close to the action, leading to spectators being more drawn to the environment around them. Spectators being allowed in person at games this school year is a big step towards normal, but health guidelines and protocols still need to be in place for the safety of everyone involved.

Now, with sports such as Womens and Mens Soccer, Women’s Volleyball, and Women’s Cross Country starting back up for the Seawolves’ first season back on the playing field, it’s only a matter of time until fans get to see what exciting games are ahead and to shell out their support for their student athletes. 

To stay up to date with spectating guidelines and game schedules, head to sonomaseawolves.com.