BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – West Virginia Wesleyan College announced Monday the expansion of its ‘fans in the stands’ policy as part of its ‘Arrival on Campus Plan,’ the college’s comprehensive plan that outlines its COVID-19-related policies for the campus.

Beginning March 15, Wesleyan will permit its student athletes who compete in outdoor sports to invite two guests to home competitions. Social distancing measures and the universal mask policy will be in effect and enforced. Read the full ‘Fans in the Stands’ policy here.

“We continue to pursue ways to keep our Wesleyan community safe and this decision is the next logical step for our fans in the stands policy,” said Randy Tenney ‘77, Director of Athletics for WVWC. 

According to Tenney, precautionary measures, including new entry points, new seating arrangements, temperature checks and the campus-wide universal mask policy, will be in place to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Guests will be limited to two per Wesleyan student-athlete and will be organized through each team. Fans from visiting teams will not be permitted, at this time.

On March 5, WVWC announced that current students, faculty and staff with a valid WVWC ID would be permitted to attend Bobcat home competitions for outdoor sports only.

While this change goes into effect for the Wesleyan community, the college’s campus will still remain closed to outside guests, including alumni and friends of the school, for now. 

“While we are excited to welcome fans in the stands, we must remain vigilant against this terrible virus; masks and social distancing are required,” said John Bohman, Director of Safety and Security at Wesleyan. “If a fan refuses to wear his or her mask and social distance, then he or she will be escorted from the college’s premises.”