The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
A Letter to Blazer Nation From Director of Athletics Mark Ingram
8/17/2020 12:49:00 PM | General, Blazer Boosters
Blazer Nation,
We are heartbroken about the passing of UAB Football freshman Allen Merrick. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for the Merrick family, as well as everyone in our Athletics Department, as we all deal with the tragic loss of one of our student-athletes.
The following information seems so insignificant compared to the magnitude of this loss, but we need to keep you updated on our recent developments in this ever-changing world.
Fall sports programs are underway with their preseason training, and men's soccer and cross country are the latest teams to embark upon their preparations for the upcoming seasons. I am continuously impressed by the commitment displayed to daily protocols from our student-athletes and staff as part of our return-to-campus plan. With the guidance of our sports medicine staff, we are adapting to our new normal on a daily basis and are excited about the opportunities this fall to win championships during the upcoming men's and women's soccer, volleyball, cross country and football seasons.
Earlier this month, the Conference USA Board of Directors announced that the 2020 football schedule calls for each team to play eight conference games on the originally scheduled dates while leaving the non-conference games to the discretion of the individual institution. At UAB, we have the ability to play up to four non-conference games and our intention is to fill as much of our original twelve game schedule as possible. You may have seen that New Mexico State University has informed us that they are postponing fall sports. We are actively looking to replace our 2020 opener at Legion Field. The non-conference football game at Miami, which was originally scheduled for September 17, has been changed to Thursday, September 10. As remaining games are finalized, we will be sharing those details with you.
UAB Football is planning on accommodating fans during the 2020 season at Legion Field. We completed the reallocation of our 2020 football season ticket holders this past week based upon current Blazer Boosters Priority Points and price points to adhere to social distancing measures. The 2020 adjusted ticket sales model includes four seats in between each customer's account, along with an open row between each row that has seats allocated. We will also block off the first two seats of every row to provide proper social distancing for fans using the stairs. Fans will be notified of their seat locations and be sent their season tickets electronically starting this week. Our Club Level, including the Champion Club and Blazer Club, will be open at 50% occupancy with adequate overflow space designated for these premium areas. Should occupancy reach 50% in the indoor club areas, fans will still experience premium club amenities in the overflow areas. Blazer Boosters will be sending out more detailed communication in the coming days to all club seat holders. Private suites will also be limited to 50% capacity. Suite holders will be contacted in the next week by a member of the Blazer Boosters staff to review suite operations and options for the 2020 season.
Football season tickets in premium reserved sections and within the club level are sold out, and the best way to guarantee your seat in 2020 is by purchasing season tickets which start as low as $75. Single game tickets for each of our ticketed fall sports along with football away game tickets are also available for purchase starting today. As a reminder, this year's football season ticket holders and Blazer Boosters members will also have top priority leading into the 2021 season at Protective Stadium.
Unfortunately, there will be no tailgating this upcoming year, and we will need to take the year off from the festivities that take place pre-game within Blazer Village. While we understand these are traditional elements enjoyed as part of our pre-game experience, we remain committed to competing safely this fall and making the necessary adjustments to accommodate you at Legion Field during these unique times. In each discussion leading into the season, we are committed to the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and fans. This is our top priority and our efforts remain steadfast to play and have you safely in attendance when our competitions get underway in the next few weeks. We hope that you understand and are willing to join us in making an adjustment for this season.
We will be testing our student-athletes regularly and remain focused on their physical and mental well-being as we prepare for the competition seasons. Conference USA approved return-to-play safety guidelines and require testing standards for our member institutions along with requiring our opponents to operate by these same standards. Additional game operations adjustments were also approved including access to the playing fields which will be limited this upcoming year. I have said this many times, but we are extremely fortunate to have access to the best healthcare professionals in the world here at UAB and truly believe we are as prepared as any institution in college athletics to navigate these unprecedented times. Just last week, we tested all 176 student-athletes, coaches and staff members within the football program, and had zero positive tests. This goes to show that while things are fluid and ever-changing, we are taking the necessary steps to combat this virus while we continue to prepare for fall sports.
When it comes to our student-athletes, UAB also won the 2019-20 Conference USA SAAC Cup, which is annually presented to one member institution whose existing student-athletes make contributions in community service projects, as well as achievement in personal development programming and academic success. One of our department's core values is to make a difference, and this recognition recognizes our collective efforts. In 2019-20, Blazers collectively logged over 3,800 hours of giving back to the Birmingham community; it's the first time in school history that we have won this award!
I want to assure you again that we are working to implement the safest game day experience for our student-athletes and fans. An information hub with the latest updates will continue to be updated as situations evolve and information becomes available as preparations are made for the seasons ahead. Stay tuned to our website and other channels as we continue to modify social distancing for fans, deliver your mobile tickets, adhere to local and state mask requirements and prepare additional sanitary measures at BBVA Field, Bartow Arena and Legion Field.
The Blazer family has proven to be the difference maker for us these past five years, and your continued backing in these uncertain times of COVID-19 is critical to our financial well-being. The upcoming budget for 2020-21 is going to be challenging to navigate, and none of us know what will unfold in the coming months. Whether you are purchasing season tickets or contributing through Blazer Boosters, I am asking you to continue to IGNITE the success of UAB Athletics by doing what you can to support the progress we have made together at UAB and in Birmingham. Thank you for everything you do for UAB Athletics, and let's continue to Win As One!
Mark T. Ingram
Director of Athletics
University of Alabama at Birmingham
We are heartbroken about the passing of UAB Football freshman Allen Merrick. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for the Merrick family, as well as everyone in our Athletics Department, as we all deal with the tragic loss of one of our student-athletes.
The following information seems so insignificant compared to the magnitude of this loss, but we need to keep you updated on our recent developments in this ever-changing world.
Fall sports programs are underway with their preseason training, and men's soccer and cross country are the latest teams to embark upon their preparations for the upcoming seasons. I am continuously impressed by the commitment displayed to daily protocols from our student-athletes and staff as part of our return-to-campus plan. With the guidance of our sports medicine staff, we are adapting to our new normal on a daily basis and are excited about the opportunities this fall to win championships during the upcoming men's and women's soccer, volleyball, cross country and football seasons.
Earlier this month, the Conference USA Board of Directors announced that the 2020 football schedule calls for each team to play eight conference games on the originally scheduled dates while leaving the non-conference games to the discretion of the individual institution. At UAB, we have the ability to play up to four non-conference games and our intention is to fill as much of our original twelve game schedule as possible. You may have seen that New Mexico State University has informed us that they are postponing fall sports. We are actively looking to replace our 2020 opener at Legion Field. The non-conference football game at Miami, which was originally scheduled for September 17, has been changed to Thursday, September 10. As remaining games are finalized, we will be sharing those details with you.
UAB Football is planning on accommodating fans during the 2020 season at Legion Field. We completed the reallocation of our 2020 football season ticket holders this past week based upon current Blazer Boosters Priority Points and price points to adhere to social distancing measures. The 2020 adjusted ticket sales model includes four seats in between each customer's account, along with an open row between each row that has seats allocated. We will also block off the first two seats of every row to provide proper social distancing for fans using the stairs. Fans will be notified of their seat locations and be sent their season tickets electronically starting this week. Our Club Level, including the Champion Club and Blazer Club, will be open at 50% occupancy with adequate overflow space designated for these premium areas. Should occupancy reach 50% in the indoor club areas, fans will still experience premium club amenities in the overflow areas. Blazer Boosters will be sending out more detailed communication in the coming days to all club seat holders. Private suites will also be limited to 50% capacity. Suite holders will be contacted in the next week by a member of the Blazer Boosters staff to review suite operations and options for the 2020 season.
Football season tickets in premium reserved sections and within the club level are sold out, and the best way to guarantee your seat in 2020 is by purchasing season tickets which start as low as $75. Single game tickets for each of our ticketed fall sports along with football away game tickets are also available for purchase starting today. As a reminder, this year's football season ticket holders and Blazer Boosters members will also have top priority leading into the 2021 season at Protective Stadium.
Unfortunately, there will be no tailgating this upcoming year, and we will need to take the year off from the festivities that take place pre-game within Blazer Village. While we understand these are traditional elements enjoyed as part of our pre-game experience, we remain committed to competing safely this fall and making the necessary adjustments to accommodate you at Legion Field during these unique times. In each discussion leading into the season, we are committed to the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and fans. This is our top priority and our efforts remain steadfast to play and have you safely in attendance when our competitions get underway in the next few weeks. We hope that you understand and are willing to join us in making an adjustment for this season.
We will be testing our student-athletes regularly and remain focused on their physical and mental well-being as we prepare for the competition seasons. Conference USA approved return-to-play safety guidelines and require testing standards for our member institutions along with requiring our opponents to operate by these same standards. Additional game operations adjustments were also approved including access to the playing fields which will be limited this upcoming year. I have said this many times, but we are extremely fortunate to have access to the best healthcare professionals in the world here at UAB and truly believe we are as prepared as any institution in college athletics to navigate these unprecedented times. Just last week, we tested all 176 student-athletes, coaches and staff members within the football program, and had zero positive tests. This goes to show that while things are fluid and ever-changing, we are taking the necessary steps to combat this virus while we continue to prepare for fall sports.
When it comes to our student-athletes, UAB also won the 2019-20 Conference USA SAAC Cup, which is annually presented to one member institution whose existing student-athletes make contributions in community service projects, as well as achievement in personal development programming and academic success. One of our department's core values is to make a difference, and this recognition recognizes our collective efforts. In 2019-20, Blazers collectively logged over 3,800 hours of giving back to the Birmingham community; it's the first time in school history that we have won this award!
I want to assure you again that we are working to implement the safest game day experience for our student-athletes and fans. An information hub with the latest updates will continue to be updated as situations evolve and information becomes available as preparations are made for the seasons ahead. Stay tuned to our website and other channels as we continue to modify social distancing for fans, deliver your mobile tickets, adhere to local and state mask requirements and prepare additional sanitary measures at BBVA Field, Bartow Arena and Legion Field.
The Blazer family has proven to be the difference maker for us these past five years, and your continued backing in these uncertain times of COVID-19 is critical to our financial well-being. The upcoming budget for 2020-21 is going to be challenging to navigate, and none of us know what will unfold in the coming months. Whether you are purchasing season tickets or contributing through Blazer Boosters, I am asking you to continue to IGNITE the success of UAB Athletics by doing what you can to support the progress we have made together at UAB and in Birmingham. Thank you for everything you do for UAB Athletics, and let's continue to Win As One!
Mark T. Ingram
Director of Athletics
University of Alabama at Birmingham
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