Grays Harbor College released a statement that the school has re-opened its athletic facilities to spectators effective Friday.
The announcement arrives just ahead of the Chokers men’s basketball team’s scheduled home game against South Puget Sound at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Though the college will be allowing spectators entrance to the game, attendees will still have to follow entry protocols, including wearing face masks and present “proof of vaccination with personal I.D.”
“The college’s COVID protocols, including mask wearing and showing proof of vaccination at the college’s athletic and performing arts venues have been based on CDC, local health department and industry standards and guidance,” GHC athletic director Will Rider said in an emailed response to The Daily World. “Once additional guidance from the state is made available for institutions of higher education, the college will review the changes and consider how they will inform existing protocols.”
The full statement is as follows:
Grays Harbor College announced the re-opening of public access for home athletic events, effective Feb. 18, 2022. This decision comes just in time for the men’s basketball home game against South Puget Sound Community College on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 4 pm.
After a long period of COVID restrictions, the college moved to allow spectator attendance to return to the GHC campus. Entry protocols will still include the need to present proof of vaccination with personal I.D., as well as the requirement to wear masks while in attendance.
Director of Athletics, Will Rider, stated, “We are excited for the re-opening of our facilities and our student-athletes, who have been eager to play in front of a capacity crowd for two years now. They are anxious to showcase their skills in front of a home crowd who have been waiting patiently for this event to happen.”
“We are excited to welcome the community back to GHC’s campus and events,” agreed Cal Erwin-Svoboda, Vice President of Student Services at GHC.
In addition to the remaining men’s basketball games, the college will host a home wrestling tournament at Sam Benn Gym on Feb. 26. Live theater will return to the Bishop Center Stage with the spring show, “Something Rotten” on March 4-6. Advanced tickets for the stage performance can be purchased at ghc.edu/bishop.
