Announcing on Thursday that there would be no tailgating this season on campus for Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Southern Miss football games, Mississippi Gov. tweeted. Tate Reeves tweeted a singer in the direction of the Big Ten and Pac-12.
I know this will not be popular, but there will be no game-day social gatherings across stadiums: rallies, parties, tailgates. It’s not fun, but it’s something athletes can play. I would even rather be in the SEC with no tailgates, than the PAC-12 or Big 10 without football.
– Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) August 20, 2020
The Big Ten and Pac-12 announced last week that they are postponing their football seasons to 2020 and will not play in the fall due to concerns about the coronavirus. The ACC, Big 12 and SEC, the other three Power 5 conferences, are going ahead with plans to play this fall.
One of the most famous tailgating scenes in full college football can be found on the Grove on the Ole Miss campus’ with fans partying all day and all night amidst a sea of red, white and blue tents .
Reeves said in announcing his executive order that there would be no social gatherings on game day around stadiums in the state of Mississippi, including pep rallies, parties and tailgates. Reeves also announced that seating capacity would be limited to a maximum of 25% in the stadium.
Masks will also be required as fans walk, enter or exit the stadium.
“Basically always, unless you’re sitting in your seat away from everyone else,” Reeves tweeted.
Reeves added: “Some states have chosen not to create tension. I believe we should try. We just can not leave athletes and culture.”
Southern Miss, who is attending Conference USA, is scheduled to open the season on Sept. 3 against South Alabama. Ole Miss and Mississippi State will both open the season on September 26 along with all SEC teams. The Rebels look at home against Florida, while the Bulldogs travel to LSU.
.
