DAHLONEGA — For the first time since March 10, a University of North Georgia athletics event will take place on the Dahlonega campus when the No. 16 women's basketball team takes on USC Aiken Saturday.
Meanwhile, Wednesday's game vs. Carson-Newman has been postponed.
The game versus the Eagles has been postponed to January 2, 2021 to allow for established safety protocols to be appropriately enforced to and ensure fan and student-athlete safety.
To promote and prioritize the health and safety of student-athletes and game day personnel, attendance at non-conference basketball games in December will be limited to 10% capacity (approximately 300 fans) in the UNG Convocation Center. UNG will evaluate and reassess spectator access for Peach Belt Conference games in January. All policies are subject to change in accordance with national, state and local guidelines.
UNG's athletics department has developed health and safety guidelines in accordance with the NCAA Sport Science Institution's Core Principles of Resocialization of Collegiate Sport guiding document. UNG adjusted the seating configuration to adhere to social distancing in the UNG Convocation Center for the 2020-21 season, and Nighthawks Athletic Club members, UNG students and student-athlete guests will have top priority in the process. All spectators will be seated in the upper-level seats; no lower-level or courtside seating will be available this season. Rows and seats are marked with yellow stickers to maintain six feet of separation between attendees who are not members of the same party. Masks/face coverings are required for entry into the facility and must be worn at all times while inside the arena and during any game. Any individual who does not comply with this policy will be asked to leave the facility. The concessions stand will feature a reduced menu of pre-packaged items. Aramark Catering will accept both cash and credit cards.
North Georgia's women are 2-0 on the year after non-conference wins last week over Augusta and Flagler. When the Nighthawks take the floor Wednesday at home, they will be sporting the fourth longest home winning streak in the country, spanning 28 games and a 33-1 record all-time in the Convocation Center. The lone loss in the building came courtesy of Carson-Newman back in 2018.
The Pacers will open their season on Saturday against the Nighthawks after being picked eighth in the league's preseason poll.
