I hope you are as excited as I am about the Cyclone football season opener against Louisiana this Saturday. Indeed, football signals the start of fall, great food, crisp weather, and celebrating Cyclone wins with friends and family. However, we know that this fall football season will look different than prior years due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, Iowa State University recently announced that tailgating will not be allowed during the football season and no fans are permitted to enter the stadium during the first game.
If you choose to celebrate this weekend and weekends to follow, remember to Party Smart and remain committed to the Cyclones Care campaign. I was encouraged by the latest testing numbersfrom the past week — that’s the kind of downward trend we need to see. Don’t let up! Let’s keep driving down those numbers week after week. We can and must mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Use the celebration tips and strategies below to stay healthy, comply with university policy, and promote the safety of others.
If you host a gathering, keep it to ten (10) friends or less and ensure there is enough space to physically distance. Remember, gathering in large groups violates the Iowa State policy against large social gatherings. Further, as stated in Governor Reynold’s proclamation on August 21, if gatherings exceed ten people and distancing is not followed, the event may be shut down and the organizer could be issued a citation. Citations may also be issued if the event violates the City of Ames noise or nuisance ordinance (sec. 17.30).
Consider taking the fun outdoors! Utilize the space to ensure people can physically distance while engaging in these fun small group games. Responsible but fun games and tips can be found on the Party Smart webpage. Remember, taking your event outdoors does provide more space for friends, but also welcomes onlookers and potential unwanted guests.
Have a plan if unexpected guests arrive at your gathering. If you are unsuccessful after asking the unwanted guests to leave, contact the Ames Police Department at 515-239-5133 for assistance.
Wear your face covering at all times.Trust me, you can still shout a solid “Cyclone! Power!” through that cardinal and gold face covering.
Encourage friends to bring their own food and drinks. If you do serve food, avoid anything that is potluck style (e.g., if you make your favorite chip dip, serve it in individual containers).
Please take these considerations to heart. You are personally responsible for your actions and can greatly influence the healthy behaviors of others. Let’s prove that Cyclones can celebrate smart so we can continue to enjoy each and every game during the 2020-2021 season.
Go Cyclones!
Toyia K. Younger, Ph.D
Senior Vice President for Student Affairs
P.S. Watch our social media channels for more ways you can celebrate the Cyclones!
