After the CDC relaxed its Covid-19 public health guidance, the NCAA followed suit, allowing schools to host softball and baseball regionals at full capacity if local restrictions allowed them to do so.
There were 12 full-capacity softball regionals this year, while four schools operated with limited capacity. (Two of those schools allowed half-capacity crowds, while two only hosted team guests.)
Full Capacity
The University of Oklahoma, home to four national championships and the top seed in this year’s tournament, opened the postseason in front of a full house.
Third-seeded University of Alabama released additional tickets following the news.
The University of Florida, the fourth seed, welcomed a full crowd.
Oklahoma State University earned the number five seed and hosted fans at 100% capacity.
After earning its first ever SEC regular season championship, the sixth-seeded University of Arkansas got to play in front of a full home crowd in the postseason.
Louisiana State University (LSU) took home the the no. 7 seed and hosted fans at 100% capacity.
The University of Missouri allowed fans to watch their eighth-seeded Tigers in a full capacity stadium.
The University of Tennessee, the ninth seed, made its 18th overall NCAA Tournament appearance in front of a full home crowd.
No. 10 Florida State University opened its gates to a full-capacity crowd.
Eleventh-seeded University of Arizona welcomed fans at 100% capacity as the illustrious program began its chase for its ninth national championship.
The University of Texas increased its capacity the day before its regional began, allowing the 12th-seeded Longhorns to play in front of a full crowd.
Duke University, the thirteenth overall seed, will host a regional on the road at the University of Georgia. (Due to uncertainty surrounding Covid, the NCAA pre-selected host sites before the season ended.) While second-seeded Georgia fell from the top seed line, the Bulldogs will still enjoy a home-field advantage.
Limited Capacity
Arizona State University earned the fifteenth seed and began the chase for its fifth national championship in front of a half-full home crowd. Previously, their capacity was 50%.
No. 14 University of Kentucky sold tickets for its regional but did not raise its capacity above previous limits.
Two-seed UCLA and no. 16 University of Washington, however, did not open their regionals to the public, given their states’ strict Covid protocols.
Later Rounds
There were seven full capacity softball super regionals, and UCLA hosted its super regional at a limited capacity. The eight super regional winners advanced to the Women’s College World Series, and it is being held this week with a full crowd. Additionally, the stadium has been expanded, with an upper deck now able to host even more fans.
The Women’s College World Series begins June 3 at 12:00 pm EST on ESPN when Oklahoma plays James Madison.
As sports venues return to full capacity, industry leaders trust IIFX and their Return to Work, Play, and Spectate guide for reopening. Get the guide here.