Many new protocols will be in place to ensure the health, safety and enjoyment of University of Louisville fans when the Cardinals kick off their first home game of the season on Sept. 12 against Western Kentucky at 8 p.m.

Online Resources

Below is a list of online resources to aid fans with their stadium experience.

Arrival and Entry

Fans with reserved parking passes in the UofL lots surrounding the stadium can enter the lots beginning three hours prior to kickoff this season, which will be at 5 p.m. for Saturday’s opening game.  Parking in the Purple lot will be speed-parked with a space between each car to encourage physical distancing, instead of the assigned parking from previous seasons.  No tailgating is permitted prior to or after football games this season. No grills, tents, generators, or trailers will be allowed in the parking lots.

Stadium gates will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff for each game, including 6:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. opening game against Western Kentucky.  For player safety, there will be no team Card March this season.  A mask must be worn at all times in the stadium and fans must practice physical distancing of at least six feet.  Additional staffing at entrances for temperature and bag checks, as well as for scanning tickets, will improve the fan entrance experience this season.

Mobile Ticketing will be used in Cardinal Stadium to limit contact among fans and stadium staff. For a smoother process upon arrival, please download tickets to your mobile device prior to arrival at the stadium.  A mobile ticket office will be open on the northeast corner near Gate 1A with physical distancing enforced.  No single game purchases will be available for walk-up sales on game day.

Information on mobile ticketing and parking is available at this link:  https://spark.adobe.com/page/0mYWLBnGnQCwQ/

Temperature checks will be conducted under tents with appropriate space allowed to promote physical distancing. Anyone that has a reading of 100.4° or higher will be directed to a cool down tent. After a 10-minute cool down period a second temperature check will be conducted. If the temperature displayed is 100.4° or higher the person will be refused entry.

A Clear Bag Policy remains in place for Cardinal Stadium.  Fans may bring one clear bag, either a one-gallon clear Ziploc-style storage bag, or a 12 x 6 x 12 inches clear tote bag. Fans will be asked to return non-approved bags or other items to their vehicle prior to stadium entry. Patrons are encouraged to have all items loose inside the clear bag for more efficient safe inspections.  Clutch purses, billfolds or wallets cannot be placed in the clear bag. 

Diaper bags (with child) are permitted and subject to a thorough security inspection. A clear bag is strongly recommended for bringing diapers and non-medically necessary items for babies and young children. An exception will be made to allow medical items that cannot be transported in a clear bag into the venue. Medically necessary items or equipment may be brought to the game, but the bags or equipment must be inspected and tagged by security supervisors at the entry gates.

COVID-19 Protocols

All concessions and merchandise stands within the stadium will be cashless for the 2020 season. All major credit cards will be accepted. Mobile pay options (Apple pay, Google Pay, etc.) will not be accepted.

Masks are required to be worn at all times unless actively consuming food or beverages. Children aged five years and under are not required to wear a mask.  Physical distancing will be enforced throughout the stadium.  The UPS Flight Deck, Adidas club and Norton’s Healthcare Terrace will be closed.  The Norton’s Terrace may be accessed only for concessions & restrooms

Stadium Improvements

Stadium improvements were planned to ease entry prior to the pandemic, but as a result will now offer increased physical distancing at gates.  The former ticket office and store at Gate 2 has been removed to accommodate 16 openings and 32 entrances to the stadium at that one location.  Pruvit, a worldwide leader in ketone technology, and Brian Underwood provided a substantial gift to assist with stadium improvements.  (A rendering of the Gate 2 project is attached to this email)

Once in the stadium, an enhanced distributed antenna system and an additional carrier to the network will improve cellular service for fans.  Work continues on refurbishing the lower bowl seating with an industrial UV protective coating to renew the bright red color to the seats, with the east side seats and about half of the south end zone completed. 

Uber / Lyft Drop-off & Pick-up Protocols

Fans will be able to use both Uber and Lyft to come to and from games.  A dedicated drop-off and pick-up location has been created on 3rd street at Jim Patterson Stadium.  Access to this lot will be via 3rd street only from either Central Ave or University Blvd. to the Brook St. overpass.

Salute to CardNation

Presented by Kroger, “Salute to CardNation” will recognize Cardinal fans who may not be able to be present in Cardinal Stadium.  Each game will focus on a different group of fans who participate in spirit and are cheering remotely for the Cardinals. The fans will be featured on the in-stadium video boards and on the Cards’ social media platforms.  Fans are encouraged to submit photos via email by Wednesday of game week at Salute@gocards.com, providing identifying information in the subject line.  More information is available here:  https://spark.adobe.com/page/8hCSg0lmDxpoK/

Sept. 12 vs. Western Kentucky – Salute to the Class of 2020, recognizing seniors from UofL or high schools who missed out on their graduation experience.

Sept. 19 vs. Miami – Salute to Essential Workers, providing thanks for those who keep us going including healthcare and medical personnel, public service, food and agriculture, retail and grocery, mail and delivery, and teachers.

Oct. 24 vs. Florida State – Salute to Alumni, during Homecoming Weekend, Alumni should send photos in their Cards gear.

Oct. 31 vs. Virginia Tech – Salute to Future Cardinals, send us your kids photos, especially in their Halloween costumes.

Nov. 20 vs. Syracuse – Salute to Service, honoring active military personnel and veterans.

Dec. 5 vs. Wake Forest – Salute to UofL Seniors. Send video messages thanking the Cardinals’ football seniors and wishing them luck.

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@UofLSheriff50. Louisville native, University of Louisville Business School Grad c/o 2004. Co-Founder of TheCrunchZone.com

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