Florida State football: Parking, stadium policies, gameday changes for opener vs. Georgia Tech

Florida State Seminoles football announced its stadium policies for the season opener against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on Saturday, giving a glimpse into how college football will look in the 2020 season.

Of the more notable changes that doesn’t necessarily surround social distancing is that beer will still be sold at concession stands, but the “beer gardens” will not be operating. For the first time, however, fans will be allowed to bring their drinks to the stands.

There will be no water fountains available inside the stadium, though there will be several stations where you’ll be able to refill a water bottle. There are no additional changes to what fans can bring inside the stadium.

Here are some parking tips, via Tallahassee and FSUPD:

Pre-Game Traffic Instructions

Fans are encouraged to use the following roadways to gain access to parking on and around FSU’s campus.

From the north, use Stadium Drive to Spirit Way or Pensacola Street, Macomb Street to Pensacola Street or Bronough Street to Pensacola Street.

From the east, use Pensacola, Jefferson or Gaines streets.

From the west, use Pensacola or Tennessee streets to Stadium Drive.

From the south, use Lake Bradford Road. 

Expect traffic to be especially heavy on Tennessee Street, West Pensacola Street, South Monroe Street, Gaines Street, Jefferson Street, Lake Bradford Road and Orange Avenue before and after the game.

Different from previous years, TPD will only control intersections immediately surrounding the stadium. Neither TPD nor FSUPD will control intersections east of Woodward Avenue, north of Call Street, west of Stadium Drive, and south of Gaines Street. Other intersections closer to Doak Campbell Stadium will be controlled by TPD as much as three–and–a–half (3 1/2) hours before the start of the game.

Parking

Parking at this year’s games will be different than past years. Please remember to pay attention to this year’s parking map . Parking lots will open 2 ½ hours prior to the 3:30 p.m. kickoff, and all vehicles must exit within 2 ½ hours after the end of the game.

Disabled parking spaces will be available either adjacent to the stadium or in the Pensacola Street parking garage (Lot 9).

Post-Game

After the game, all streets surrounding the stadium will operate as normal with the exception of Stadium Drive between Lake Bradford Road and Pensacola Street. This area will remain closed to allow Stadium Operations personnel to depart. After the game, eastbound light cycles will be increased to allow eastbound traffic to flow for a longer period. Different from previous years, Jefferson Street will be utilized to move traffic eastbound from the stadium.

Spirit Express Bus Service

The Spirit Express bus service from the Tucker Civic Center WILL NOT be available for the game.

View the full release from the school below:

What is the expected capacity of Doak Campbell Stadium this fall?

We are planning for 25% capacity, which will include a mix of donors, students and various other commitments.

Will seats be socially distanced?

Yes. We sold seats in pods of 2, 4, 6 or 8 seats. Each of these pods is socially distanced to maximize personal space.

Will masks be required in Doak Campbell Stadium?

Yes. Masks will be required while attending games this fall

Will concession stands be open this season?

Yes. We have worked with our concessions partner to implement a plan that maximizes safety for our fans. In addition, transactions will be cashless at our events this year.

Will fans still have access to the beer gardens this season?

Fans will have the ability to purchase beer from concession stands, but the beer gardens will be closed in an effort to maximize social distancing. Beginning this season, fans will be allowed to take all beverages to their seats in the stadium.

What time will gates open this fall?

Gates will open two hours prior to the announced kick-off time for each home game just as they have in the recent past.

Will gate entry be different this year?

Yes. We have printed specific gate assignments on tickets that correlates to the gate closest to your seats. We are asking fans to enter ONLY through the gate printed on your tickets.

What time will parking lots open this season?

Parking lots will open three hours prior to announced kickoff time for each home game.

When will I receive my parking passes?

Parking passes will be sent electronically this year. Fans will be asked to print out your parking pass at home and bring with you to the game. Please have it visible for officers as you approach all checkpoints leading into the stadium complex. Passes will be scanned and can only be used one time.

Can I sell my tickets on StubHub?

Yes. However, please be mindful of social distancing when it comes to seating within your pod of seats.

Will motorhome parking be available this season?

Yes. Seminole Booster members at specified levels who drive self-contained motorhomes will be eligible. Parking assignments will be sent via email and the registration process begins Monday at 9:00 a.m. and ends Tuesday at noon prior to each home game.

Are suites open this season and what do I need to know?

Yes. Suites will be limited to 20 guests only. Social distancing will be required and masks must be worn in all common areas including check-in, elevators, restrooms and hallways. Tickets will be sent electronically this season.

Will the Marching Chiefs be present at games?

Yes. The Chiefs will also be required to socially distance, which will reduce the size of the band. They will perform their pregame and halftime shows from the stands.

Will Osceola and Renegade be allowed at the stadium?

Yes. The spear plant will take place to signify the beginning of the game and then Osceola and Renegade will unfortunately have to exit the field per Covid-19 safety protocol.

Will the Legacy Walk take place prior to gates opening?

Unfortunately, there will not be a Legacy Walk for the Georgia Tech game. Our hope is to re-evaluate as the season progresses.

Will there be a Friday Night Block Party this fall at CollegeTown?

Unfortunately no. Our hope is to bring this back for the spring game next year.

Will Florida State pump in crowd noise over the public address system?

No. We have faith our fans can take care of that for us.

Will you have the 50/50 lottery that you had in the past?

Yes, no changes this season

Are the restrictions on what fans can bring with them in the stadium the same?

No changes from last season

Are water fountains available inside the stadium?

Water fountains will not be in service due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, we will have several bottle filling stations for you to fill your empty water bottles.

**All policies listed above will continue to be evaluated throughout the fall season