It was announced Monday, March 8th that more spectators can be in attendance at IHSA outdoor sporting events statewide for the remainder of the school year – to 20% capacity. The previous guidelines allowed only 50 spectators at an event regardless of its location. The change does not affect indoor: only 50 spectators are still allowed. Galesburg Athletic Director Eric Matthews says he estimates that could do 475-500 spectators at Van Dyke Field – not including standing areas around the field. “That pretty much takes care of the 20%,” Matthews said. “We have a large number out for football; we have a decent amount out for cheerleading and Gadets; and our band is up around 100 (members) and the Color Guard. So we kind of hit that number pretty quick. And I think that’s OK because, at the end of the day, it’s trying to make sure that whoever is in the stadium as a participant, they have someone there that is able to see them.” Matthews says now they are trying to put together a plan to keep spectators socially-distanced. Western Big Six administrators are virtually meeting later this week to brainstorm ideas together. Matthews adds that in an effort to keep things consistent, each outdoor event participant will get two tickets apiece for parents or family members. GHS Boys Varsity Soccer has its first match Thursday, March 11th at Washington; Girls Varsity Volleyball takes on Sterling next Tuesday, March 16th at home, and GHS Football gets underway next Friday, March 19th in Geneseo. All GHS games are streamed online, and GHS football can be heard on 93.7FM and 1400AM WGIL.
