By Jenna Costello ’22, Staff Writer

After recent updates in the New York State spectator guidelines, St. John Fisher Athletic Department announced that spectators will now be permitted to attend college athletic events starting on April 2. 

“It’s so awesome to be able to hear our family and friends cheer us on at our softball games, it makes such a difference in the energy we bring,” said senior Allie Osterhoudt. “Having our parents at the games during our senior year makes it extra special because of this crazy and unexpected year we’ve had.”

Given the exciting news, the college has implemented several steps spectators must complete prior to attending due to the limited capacity and the safety of the campus.

In order to ensure their family can cheer them on, student athletes must select two immediate family members to attend their competitions through Front Rush — a communication site for the athletic world. Student athletes must create a guest list that must be approved before they are able to request tickets. Once the guest list is approved, athletes will be able reserve tickets for up to two members from their guest list, under “Ticketing.”

On the day of the competition, each family member must submit a health screening questionnaire and arrive no more than 30 minutes before the event starts. Fisher will be enforcing these policies by requiring to see photo identification, registration and a completed health screening questionnaire from spectators before entering.

Fisher students, faculty and staff will also have an opportunity to spectate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students must register for admission on FisherSync and everyone must be able to show their completed Daily Pass prior to entering the athletic venue.

Those who have successfully completed all the required steps will receive a lanyard that must be visible at all times. In addition, spectators are still expected to social distance and wear masks.

Not only are the student-athletes excited about the revisions to the spectator policy, staff and faculty are as well. “I’m so happy for student-athletes who get to see their family members and Fisher students cheer them on,” said Assistant Athletic Director, Jen Granger. “I think spectators in the stands will be very positive for our athletes.”

For those who can’t make it, Fisher plans to continue live streaming home athletic events, which can be found on the St. John Fisher athletic website.