- Valley View News
CSUN Basketball Welcomes Back Fans to the Stands
NORTHRIDGE, CA – On January 31, California State University Northridge updated its spectator policy for indoor sporting events. The updated policy allows the general public back into the Matadome beginning February 3.
All spectators over age 18 entering the Matadome must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the event.
The school says spectators may provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test via physical or digital documentation. The new spectator guidelines are in line with the State of California’s current safety measures.
The new updated spectator policy began with the men’s basketball team’s game against UC San Diego.
Paul Majiri Odudu often attends the men’s basketball games. Majiri Odudu says he’s excited the general public is allowed to return to help cheer on the Matadors.
“I’m sure the players love it too, having the fans back, it’s a better experience,” Majiri Odudu said. “It feels more like a game and it’s just overall more fun, you know.”
Unfortunately for the Matadors, they fell short in their first game with fans back in attendance as they lost 83-77 to the Tritons.
However, CSUN Guard Elijah Hardy says it was exciting to get more energy [from fans] in the gym.
“We feed off that energy,” Hardy said. “We would love for all the Matador students to come out and watch us play and just cheer us on.”
Interim Head Coach Trent Johnson also says it was great to have fans back.
“It’s nice to see the people come out and want to support [the team],” Johnson said. “We’re very appreciative for all the people who come out and support.”
The updated policy went into effect just in time to allow UC San Diego’s Toni Rocak’s parents watch him play in person.
Ante and Sanda Rocak were visiting from Switzerland. They say they’re very happy that CSUN updated its spectator policy to allow everyone back into the Matadome.
“We come from Europe [and] we’re here only for a short while.” Rocak said. “We’re here to watch our son play… so we’re really really happy to be able to see him in-person.”
CSUN Event Staff Member Micah Moore is one of the many who are in charge of setting up for indoor games. Moore says the school improved its safety protocols to allow spectators to safely enjoy indoor sporting events.
“The CSUN event staff are doing everything they can to keep it [games] safe,” Moore said. “It’s a tough time but hopefully things can slowly get back to normal as long as safety and protocols are upheld.”
All spectator policy guidelines are subject to change. To keep up to date with CSUN Athletics, visit their website for more information.
Video credit: PAHomepage.com
Video credit: Brandon Zamora
By: Brandon Zamora
Contributions: CSUN Athletics
Photo Credit: Brandon Zamora
Video Credit: PAHomePage.com, Brandon Zamora
EDUCATE YOURSELF
CSUN Updates Spectator Policy for Indoor Sports
Chapman University 2022 Spectator Policy
Restricting Spectator is Fine. Just Don’t Make Students Pay to Watch Those Games