By Mike Hutchens, UC Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Everyone is being asked to shoulder a little extra responsibility during the coronavirus pandemic.
The game night experience with Union City High School football this season will be no different.
UC Schools administrators will mix some “suggestions” offered by the TSSAA with a good dose of “common sense” when hosting its Friday night foes.
Temperatures will be taken as each fan enters War Memorial Stadium and masks will be required to enter. There will be no policing of the mask issue once fans are seated in the stands, though, and fans are simply asked to be respectful of those sitting around them who are not a part of their group.
There will be no marking off seats in the name of social distancing.
Concessions will be available, but there will be areas distinctly marked off for those lines. There also will be a limit on the number of people allowed in restrooms at one time.
“I believe everyone is excited about the prospects of us having a football season and I’m hoping and counting on people doing their part to make sure it is uninterrupted,” said UCHS Principal Jacob Cross, who along with Athletics Director Shane Sisco will be coordinating Friday night protocols. “Everyone is looking for any hint of normalcy to return, and having a good, respectful atmosphere for Tornado football on Friday night at our home stadium would be a good start.
“It would be a huge task and an unpleasant one if we felt like we had to tell every fan what they could and couldn’t do. There will be some initial guidelines, but, basically, we’re just asking everyone to be respectful of each other.”
The UCHS Booster Club has also altered the basics of its annual membership drive and ticket-selling process this year.
Because of the distancing concerns, there will be no reserve seating sold for Tornado home games. That practice will hopefully return next season and fans will have the opportunity to keep their current seats.
All Sports passes will be sold for $75 each, the bearer getting admission to any and all Union City athletic contests for 2020-21. Students may purchase those All Sports passes for $25. They will be available for both adults and students at the high school from school secretary Linda Graham.
Persons are asked to call the high school office (885-2373) to make an appointment — per school regulations — to visit and purchase the season All Sports passes.
There will be no Booster Club Hospitality Room either, in an effort to practice safety.
There will be three levels of Booster Club membership though.
- The Standard membership is $50 and comes with a UCHS Booster Club car sticker.
- The Purple Level membership costs $150 and comes with a UCHS Booster Club car sticker and earns the member a place on the BC supporter sign.
- The Gold Level membership is $300 and comes with four All Sports passes, a car sticker and the member’s name displayed on the supporter sign.
The Tornadoes are scheduled to open their 2020 campaign on Aug. 21 with a home game against Lake County.