One of the premier conferences in college football doesn’t want to let the coronavirus get in the way of the sport.
An official with the Big 12 said on Wednesday that the conference, which includes schools such as the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas, is moving ahead with a plan to play this fall even as other high-profile conferences have chosen to forego the 2020 season.
“Our student-athletes want to compete, and it is the board’s collective opinion that sports can be conducted safely and in concert with the best interests of their well-being,” Big 12 Board of Directors Chairman Victor Boschini said in a statement provided to ESPN. “We remain vigilant in monitoring the trends and effects of COVID 19 as we learn more about the virus. If at any point our scientists and doctors conclude that our institutions cannot provide a safe and appropriate environment for our participants, we will change course.”
Citing fears over the coronavirus, the conference announced that extra off-weeks will be placed throughout the season to smooth over any health risks that may arise.
“Each team will have a minimum of two bye dates and potentially a third bye late in the season,” the statement said. “The Dr. Pepper Big 12 Championship Game is tentatively scheduled for December 12.”
The conference also said it will leave stadium seating guidelines up to state and local officials.
“Stadium capacities will be determined by each member institution in accordance with local and/or state health ordinances, and working with government officials,” the statement added.
