U-M Athletics confirms plans to host fall sports with 100% capacity

The University of Michigan athletic department plans to host fans at full capacity for fall events in 2021.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced earlier in the day that all COVID-related restrictions for outdoor capacity will be lifted on June 1 in the state of Michigan. All broader restrictions, including indoor capacity and mask mandates, will expire on July 1.

This opened the door for Michigan to resume holding football games in front of 110,000-plus fans this fall, as well as welcoming crowds back for all other athletic competitions on campus.

The full statement from U-M Athletics can be read below:

May 20, 2021: The following is an update from the State of Michigan regarding COVID and its impact on Michigan Athletics event capacities for the 2021-22 season.

Earlier today, Governor Whitmer made the following announcements:

• Beginning Tuesday, June 1, all outdoor capacity limits will be removed, including at sporting events. Indoor settings will increase capacity from 30 percent to 50 percent.

• Beginning July 1, all broad COVID restrictions will be lifted.

For the time being, U-M will continue to follow our current face covering policy that requires masks indoors, on university transportation and outdoors if in groups of 100 or more.

Based upon this latest order and what we now know, this guidance from the State of Michigan clears the path for Michigan Athletics events to return to full capacity beginning with the fall competition. Should federal, state, local or campus public health guidelines change, we will update you as soon as that information becomes available.

Prior to the fall season, we will communicate a set of general safety guidelines and steps that our department has taken to ensure the health and safety of student-athletes, staff and guests. For more information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit UofMHealth.org.

It did not seem as if there was much doubt this would be the case, but now the show goes on. It might be more surprising the announcement took a little over six hours to make.

Michigan fans will be back together cheering in unison starting this fall. It feels as good to type as it likely does to read.