One way colleges and universities have mitigated virus-spreading risk during full-capacity sporting events is to suspend concessions sales inside their home venues. This week, Ohio State announced it was back in the food service business, while Boise State extended its concessions suspension for at least two more weeks.
As reported by The Columbus Dispatch, in an update to the university's COVID-19 policies, Ohio State announced that fans can again eat and drink at games starting with Thursday's men's basketball game against Iowa at the Schottenstein Center.
On Jan. 4, Ohio State closed its concessions stands and prohibited eating and drinking at games as the rapidly spreading COVID-19 omicron variant gained national attention and even caused game cancelations and postponements. The full concession menu is expected to be available later this month.
"We appreciate fans’ commitment to mask-wearing and ask that you keep up the good work," senior vice president for student life Melissa Shivers and senior vice president and athletics director Gene Smith said in a joint statement.
Meanwhile, Boise State's athletic department announced Monday that its concessions suspension would be extended.
"The previously announced suspension of concessions at all athletic events has been extended through Feb. 14," according to a notice on the Boise State athletics website. "The initial suspension of concessions was announced Jan. 21, and included the remainder of home events through the month of January."
The extension will impact three women's basketball games, two men's basketball games and a gymnastics meet. While no food or beverage will be permitted at seats, water stations will be available throughout the concourse of ExtraMile Arena.
