Just Another Edition Of: "I Told U So!"

Miami Athletics, in conjunction with Hard Rock Stadium, the Miami Dolphins and local and state government officials, today announced its stadium capacity and safety protocol plan for the 2020 Hurricanes football home opener.

A maximum of 13,000 fans will be allowed to attend the home opener on Thursday, September 10, at Hard Rock Stadium against UAB. Kickoff time will be announced at a later date.

UM season ticket holders will have first priority to participate in an individual game on-sale. Additional details will be communicated via e-mail. If season ticket holders are not interested or able to attend games in-person, a portion or all of the funds in their account can be rolled over in support of the Canes United Covid-19 Relief Initiative. Their accounts can also be credited for the 2021 football season with the funds paid-to-date. A refund is also available if requested.

All seat locations, parking and tenure will be rolled over to the next season automatically. No action is needed for this to occur. UM Athletics has transitioned to a mobile ticketing system so all tickets and parking passes will be delivered electronically and must be scanned in on a mobile device at Hard Rock Stadium. Separate communication will be sent to UM students regarding attendance.

Policies for the 2020 season will include:

• GBAC Star certification
• Socially distanced seating clusters
• All fans and stadium employees will be required to wear a mask when not actively eating or drinking
• Upgrading Air Conditioning filters from Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) 10 to MERV 14 (Hospital Grade)
• Mobile touchless entry with more points of entries and exits to help avoid bottlenecks at ingress/egress
• Staggered gate entry with entry times listed on game tickets
• Cashless experience for food service, parking and retail
• New walk through metal detectors with touchless security screening to allow fans to keep all items in their pockets for faster entry
• 1 metal detector for every 104 fans vs 1 metal detector for every 394 fans in 2019
• Changing from manual to contactless toilets and faucets
• No smoking inside the stadium or helixes
• No tailgating for 2020 season with parking lots open two hours before kickoff instead of four hours

Upon entry, fans will go through a touchless security scan. Food, beverage, parking and retail will become a cashless experience supported by in-app mobile and credit card payment options. Express pickup for food and beverage will also be available. Furthermore, all manual faucets, toilet handles, toilets, soap dispensers and paper towel dispensers have been changed to automatic sensors to provide a touchless restroom experience.

These programs are in addition to Hard Rock Stadium becoming the first stadium in the world to receive GBAC STAR™ accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association. Hard Rock Stadium completed 20 program elements focused on cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention practices to control risks associated with infectious agents.

THIS IS WHAT I SUGGESTED WAY BACK IN APRIL:

Even as some States begin to relax COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, many federal, state and local officials are beginning to develop plans on if, when and how their cities, states and the Country as a whole can eventually resume normal operations. These plans also include when large crowd events such as religious services, concerts and sports events can resume.

The fact that the ratings for something as mundane as the 2020 NFL Draft from the Commissioner's basement was among the highest rated TV "sports events" ever held demonstrates how important the need to get back on the field, the court, the rink or the track is in terms of healing the Nation's psyche and restoring any sense of normalcy.

While I am not a medical professional or elected official, I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express and I also graduated from the University of Miami (with honors) so I decided I would give it my best shot at solving this situation.

We will divide this effort into four sections: The stadium requirements (seating and sanitizing), the players, coaches and other team personnel requirements (testing and treatment), the fan requirements (testing and PPE) and the season schedule (several options).

STADIUM REQUIREMENTS: 

All stadium personnel tested and cleared before returning to work and once a month during the season.

Sanitize entire stadium including food service areas, bathrooms and seating areas before each game.

Hand Sanitizer stations at entry gates and throughout stadiums at all food service and bathroom areas.

Stagger seating on each row (odd/even #seats) and/or skip rows in between.

First game 20,000 fans allowed with every fourth seat occupied (other seats marked with X).

Second Game 30,000 fans allowed every third seat occupied (see above).

Third Game 40,000 fans allowed every other seat occupied (see above).

Games 4-7 a total of 60,000 fans maximum capacity at all stadiums regardless of seating capacity.

If at any time an outbreak occurs then the season would be halted or canceled.

FAN REQUIREMENTS:

Pre-attendance negative test certification within 30 days of date of first game through private medical doctors, public testing facilities already in place and/or drive thru testing sites located at stadium parking lots (multiple sites/entrances) starting 30 days prior to the season beginning.

Mandatory quick forehead temperature scan at entry.

Fans required to sanitize at entry and throughout stadiums at food service and restroom areas.

Face covering or mask and gloves required for first three games and then recommended after that.

Free college emblem masks and team colored gloves at entry at scrimmage and first three games.

Only season ticket holders may attend. Maximum of 60,000 season tickets may be sold. Season tickets would be priced differently for attending 7, 6, 5 or 4 games in 2020.

This incorporates the fact that during the first three games only 20k, 30k, and 40k fans would attend. For those fans who are younger, in good health and are more willing to take more risk they would be able to attend all seven home games, while for those older or more cautious fans they could choose to attend as few as four games giving both groups opportunities and options.

This also makes testing much easier prior to the season starting and greatly minimizes the risk to a very small sub-group of the population (60,000 max). This also makes it easy to track and trace contacts of this group both while at the stadium and afterwards while in the community.

PLAYERS AND COACHES:

Test all players and coaches prior to practice resuming and scrimmages being held. 

Test all players and coaches prior to each regular season game. 

Any coach or player testing positive to be ruled ineligible to play/coach, isolated and treated with available drug interventions.

All travel is on team only chartered flights and/or buses.

GAME SCHEDULE:

Three week Fall practice schedule in normal time frame (August). Players/coaches tested weekly.

Fall Scrimmages: First scrimmage is closed to the public, no TV. Second Scrimmage is televised but no fans. Third scrimmage is public with 10,000 fans maximum (negative test certification required, social distancing and PPE required) and televised. 

Regular Season Option A: Gradual return with six conference only games with two weeks in between games (12 week season).

Televised team scrimmages in between games that count against other teams.

Two weeks between games allows for additional testing, diagnosis and treatment when indicated.

Two teams selected by conference to play in conference championship game at neutral site.

No National Championship first year, only conference records and championships recorded.

Regular Season Option B: Total return with 12 regularly scheduled games, conference and non-conference.

No changes to regularly scheduled games with seven home games and five away games.

No change to conference or National championship games.

Regular Season Option C:  Eliminate conferences for one year and only intra-state games allowed (8 game practice season).

Eliminates long flights or travel to highly affected areas.

Miami would play all Florida schools: FSU, UF, UCF, USF, FAU, FIU, FAMU, BCC, etc. Teams may play more than once if needed.

Comments

[roachcane77]

A regular Nostradamus...

[orange 'n green in the vein]

They would like you to believe last year's home attendance averaged 52,829 with zero marquee home games last year. 24.6% of that number of average home fans this year will be to capacity, so they might actually finally produce a few legitimate sellouts. All they had to do is cook the books until they're ashes, why didn't they just use pandemic seating the last 15 seasons already?

[58 Straight]

A regular Nostradamus...

Posted by: roachcane77 | August 27, 2020 at 09:58 PM

A regular commen sense individual.

Not that hard to do.

[58 Straight]

All they had to do is cook the books until they're ashes, why didn't they just use pandemic seating the last 15 seasons already?

Posted by: orange 'n green in the vein | August 27, 2020 at 11:40 PM

I was at games when they announced 68,000 fans and there were maybe 42,000. It is what it is?

[Harry Miller]

Not long ago most were ready to give up on our beloved Miami Hurricanes football team. Then along came a new coach, who hired new coaches,and recruited new players. Now we have the eight best class in football and not done yet.

I know we still have to win to keep them. We have came a long way, so lets stay positive, knock off
all the negative crap. In these hard times we need some good thoughts and comments. As we know it could end at any moment. So let's enjoy it while we can.It's been a looong time coming.
We now have the best hope we have had in at least 15 years.

Stay safe my Canespace family.

[thirstybuzzardcane]

Get to pick my tickets at 4:00 on Wednesday. Going for the FSU, GT, and UNC games.

[roachcane77]

We now have the best hope we have had in at least 15 years.
Stay safe my Canespace family.
Posted by: Harry Miller | August 28, 2020 at 02:46 AM

I agree 💯Harry! We can DO THIS!

Let's Go CANES!🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[58 Straight]

I agree 💯Harry! We can DO THIS!

Let's Go CANES!🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

Posted by: roachcane77 | August 28, 2020 at 01:00 PM

I agree 100%!

[KYcane]

Posted by: Harry Miller | August 28, 2020 at 02:46 AM

Great post Harry

[TonyCabe]

Great post, Harry.

An unethical and absurd coach might point to the smallish attendance this fall at some of these schools and say, “You want to go there? They cannot even fill up their stadium.”

[MLAlumni1970]

Just here to say hi and stay safe, in Florida and, I guess, just about everywhere. Maybe not the North Pole, the South Pole, or Gainesville, or Tallahassee! We will all get through this stronger as Americans. Scary times for all of us. Michigan is on a modified lockdown, and I just stay home or get take-out. Scary times. Miss my CANES. Hi to 86 etc. etc.

[Hou Loltz]

Some of you now agree with Lou Holtz of all people. This should be the ultimate sign you’re on the wrong side.

[CGNC]

Glad there will be games played! I am like 86 - no more money spent on tickets until I see change, real change, and improvement.

Anyone heard from Fran in Debary?

[Harry Miller]

I think this year could be our best chance in along time. Let's hope they can get the offense together sooner than later, If so, we could be on our way to a great season. Wouldn't that be something.

I can hardly wait to get the waiting over. I just want to know now. I just can't take it much longer
fifteen years is long enough.

[AG]

“Judge: Former football coach Al Golden's $3M lawsuit against Miami without merit
A federal judge ruled that former football coach Al Golden's $3 million breach-of-contract lawsuit against Miami was without merit”

No big deal, it’s all part of the process.

[Old Skool]

A federal judge ruled that former football coach Al Golden's $3 million breach-of-contract lawsuit against Miami was without merit”

Posted by: AG | September 01, 2020 at 09:48 AM

It's a pity the judge couldn't rule the same way on Golden's coaching abilities.

[roachcane77]

The Atlantic Coast Conference announced on Tuesday that Miami's Sept. 10th season opener against UAB will kickoff at 8:00 p.m. ET inside Hard Rock Stadium.
The game will be televised by the ACC Network.

Guess I have to renew my subscription to ACC Network... (Comcast/Xfinity is a joke for not picking them up.)

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Team was ranked #8 in the preseason two seasons ago, spare me the 'best chance in 15 years' bullsh!t. Preseason poll also says Miami is a second tier at best team in their own conference so someone is huffing their own gas obviously in 2020 on the blob . . .

[HerbieIbis]

To where they finish will depend on both lines, mark The Herb's words.

[AeroCane]

UGA QB Newman (transfer from WF) opts out

Herb - I agree regarding the lines - our DB’s are not that great so we need the pressure. For our OL, I think it’s going to be highly improved and king and our RB’s will really help BUT until I see it, I think our weakness will be LT

[TonyCane]

It’s potentially the best quarterback in 18 years. On paper (sigh) this is the most talented Miami squad in eleven years. There are almost double the number of blue chippers on 2020 Miami versus the team that went 10-3 just three years ago.

Let’s see if it comes together.

On a secondary note, we’re on the verge (or May have already surpassed) FSU in the blue chip quotient of roster composition. Six years ago I remember writing an article about how far FSU was ahead, and how Miami could one day catch up. We have, and the 2021 class will cement it (FSU has just three 4 star players committed).

[HerbieIbis]

Tony u are right. The upper dawgs usually have at least 14 to 16 4 star players if bringing on 25 players. We are getting closer. The positions that are concerning are CB and LB. We get good players but not great. If we can get at least one 4 star at LB and 2 at CB, then we should roll.

[58 Straight]

The positions that are concerning are CB and LB. We get good players but not great. If we can get at least one 4 star at LB and 2 at CB, then we should roll.

Posted by: HerbieIbis | September 03, 2020 at 12:52 AM

Agree 100%.

[orange 'n green in the vein]

"It’s potentially the best quarterback in 18 years. On paper (sigh) this is the most talented Miami squad in eleven years. There are almost double the number of blue chippers on 2020 Miami versus the team that went 10-3 just three years ago...

Posted by: TonyCane | September 02, 2020 at 11:35 PM"

You're literally getting tired of your own attempts at justifying your comparisons so obviously it may be time to accept this fact: "blue chip recruits" are literally only predictions of potential performance. Once a recruiting class has used up their eligibility (caps for emphasis of the point incoming, not trying to yell at you with a keyboard, really I'm not) PREDICTIONS ARE USELESS and it's time to actually look at drafted players to the next level to discover what you had instead of what you could have had. That means any players signed in a class from five years ago are useless looking at their predictions out of high school, count drafted players and give more credit for higher picks and less credit for lower picks or undrafted free agents if you want a useful comparison instead of star gazing at subscription business models known for retroactively altering their numbers to justify their price tags to those who pay them for entertainment. Then you'll actually have some use at comparing talent levels on teams from that far back. Predictions of talent for players that still have eligibility are somewhat useful but as we're all aware, they don't score a single touchdown or prevent points on the board against on their own.

[AeroCane]

Inside the U has posted pictures of some of the defensive guys with no shirts showing their gains with Feeley
Hopefully their physiques equal how they play cause they look big and strong
The least impressive guy in the picture imo is nesta.

[Old Skool]

Up to 35 percent of Big Ten athletes who had Covid-19 now show signs of inflammation of the heart muscle, a top Penn State doctor says.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/03/health/penn-state-big-10-myocarditis-covid-spt-trnd/index.html

[The Herb]

On paper always looks good at first.

[AeroCane]

Herb
Not this good!

[Old Skool]

Everyone looks good ’till they get smacked in the mouth.” Brian Bosworth

Okay it's a variation on the Mike Tyson quote, but adding Brian makes it more relevant.

Here's a quick story. Before an NFL matchup with the Raiders, Bosworth publicly claimed that he was going to "contain" Raiders running back Bo Jackson. During a red zone play, Jackson received a hand-off and powered through Bosworth's attempted tackle to score a touchdown. According to Jackson, when he and Bosworth got to their feet after the play was over, he told Bosworth "next time, make sure you have bus fare," infuriating Bosworth. The Raiders went on to win that game, 37–14, thanks in part to Jackson's 3 touchdowns and 221 rushing yards.

[AeroCane]

Hated the Boz
Loved Bo!

[orange 'n green in the vein]

UAB is literally running nearly the same playbook as Lashley did last year at SMU in the first quarter of the opener. Even the play call tendencies are almost identical in field position and down and distance.

Central Arkansas is a trash team though so Miami is going to be a giant step up in weight class.

[58 Straight]

The Raiders went on to win that game, 37–14, thanks in part to Jackson's 3 touchdowns and 221 rushing yards.

Posted by: Old Skool | September 03, 2020 at 06:48 PM

Bus fare? That's a good one!

Bo Jackson was a great athlete as was Herschel Walker. What are they both up to these days?

[AeroCane]

Less than a week away! Manny needs to show us he knows how to be a head coach! Winning winning and winning with a fun offense and aggressive defense will keep the 4 and 5 stars home! (Assuming we’re get a real CB coach and LB coach - the 2 weaknesses other than possibly manny!) JMO

[AeroCane]

The Miami Hurricanes have the best 2020 recruiting class in the country according to Baseball America.

The class is led by three top-100 prospects in right-handed pitcher Victor Mederos (No. 59), right-handed pitcher Alejandro Rosario (60), and shortstop Yohandy Morales (77) with two others, catcher Carlos Perez (137) and right-handed pitcher Jake Smith (146) in the top 200.

[AeroCane]

I like this quote and I think manny is growing into the job (or I hope)

"I think I'm just encouraged of the overall attitude of our team," Diaz said. "Even out there (Tuesday) we finished practice with some sprints just to make sure everybody is holding everybody else accountable. I think they feel that. I think they feel that difference. I think we're a more connected team than we were a year ago and we've been trying as a staff to expose where the connections don't exist to shine light on it. I think the guys have done a good job of battling through those things. There's still a lot of work to do. We're still a week away, but they do seem to be willing."

[AeroCane]

Had our last scrimmage tonight (situational) and the 2 deep should be coming out soon.

[TonyCane]

I get your point OGV - talent is one component. Coaching and personal initiative are the other legs of the tripod that makes up a sports team.

The talent ratings are theoretical, based on HS performances, with the exception of Roche and King whom 247 rerated as 4 star players when they transferred to Miami versus the 2 and 3 star ratings that they had out of HS. Does having a team of 75 four and five star players like Alabama guarantee a national championship, let alone a winning season? No. Many players will underperform, and others will not play to their expectations because they were never put into the position to do so. A perfect example of that was Chickillo, who as a five star recruit selflessly allowed himself to be ballooned into a defensive lineman at the request of Al Golden and likely cost himself a Day 1-2 draft spot.

I remember the early 2010s, when Miami’s talent level crumbled and a huge, seemingly insurmountable gap opened between it and FSU/UF. It’s fun on one level to see that gap narrowed, or eliminated as with FSU. It’s really cool to see someone like Taylor sign with us. But as cool as it seems that Miami’s theoretical talent is heading in the right direction, it won’t matter if the coaching staff fails. As poorly as last season played out, as a hopeful fan I think of two things. One, we’re one good kicker away from a 10 win regular season. And two, Diaz does not appear to be stubborn. Rather, he’ll do anything to win. I am hopeful that Lashlee and Justice were the changes that we needed. We’ll see, but I am optimistic.

[86Cane]

The Miami Hurricanes have the best 2020 recruiting class in the country according to Baseball America.

I LIKE THIS A LOT!

[86Cane]

I get your point OGV - talent is one component. Coaching and personal initiative are the other legs of the tripod that makes up a sports team.

THERE ARE PROBABLY FOUR OR FIVE MORE FACTORS THAT ALSO DETERMINE SUCCESS:

Recruiting: Not just the highest rated players but the right ones at the right positions that fit your system on offense and defense.

Chemistry: How the team gels together, do they like each other, are their natural leaders that players respect, is there an enforcer of team rules.

Injuries: At key positions, or too many at one position that has depth or even one injury at a position that lacks depth.

Scheduling: Beyond the team's control but certainly plays a significant factor in when teams are scheduled in the season, when the team gets a bye at the right time, coming back strong after a week off.

And most of all LUCK, just ask Bobby Bowden!

Others here may think of and add more to this list.

[AeroCane]

Absolutely 86!
We will know real quick if manny is the right man for the job - we must be 3-1 at the worst for me to accept him as the right guy! However, Blake, the admin and even some fans, will take 2-2
Not me!
JMO

[Harry Miller]

I agree AeroCane and play Clemson close, not get beat 58-10. We need to make a fight out it, Put a scare in in them. Make them not want to play us at the end of the year because they know we will be better then. No more dic*ing around, play tough, smart, fast and Hard hitting football again.

That is what I want to see, nothing else. I am sick and tired of being sick of sorry ass football.

[AeroCane]

So Jeff Thomas, the number 8 receiver and 4 star, who under whelmed at Miami, left a year early, went undrafted to the Pats, was cut. This guy had the potential to be a millionaire if he had any focus at all!

[KYcane]

We need to make a fight out it, Put a scare in in them. Make them not want to play us at the end of the year because they know we will be better then. No more dic*ing around, play tough, smart, fast and Hard hitting football again.

That is what I want to see, nothing else. I am sick and tired of being sick of sorry ass football.

Posted by: Harry Miller | September 06, 2020 at 12:24 AM

Harry channeling some VACane

[TonyCane]

I don’t want it to be close. I want Miami to shock the world and beat Clemson outright. I want them to be hyped up, full of excitement for the ACC title game. And then I want Miami to do it to them again, but even more convincingly.

[AeroCane]

I don’t want it to be close. I want Miami to shock the world and beat Clemson outright. I want them to be hyped up, full of excitement for the ACC title game. And then I want Miami to do it to them again, but even more convincingly.

Lol
We can all agree on this but then reality hits and we realize we lost to fiu last year and we haven’t beaten UAB YET! Let’s see if manny has the kids ready. I do feel that King, Jordan, Williams (RT), Roche and mcCloud bring solid leadership which will really help!

[AeroCane]

It’s game week!
Have a good day!

[58 Straight]

We can all agree on this but then reality hits and we realize we lost to fiu last year and we haven’t beaten UAB YET!

Posted by: AeroCane | September 06, 2020 at 03:51 PM

I don't recall losing to FIU last year?

Did that really happen?

[orange 'n green in the vein]

Is this even still a thing here? Well now it still is, I guess:

Offense - D'Eriq King
Deffense - Zach McCloud
Freshman - Xavier Restrepo
Coach - Rhett Lashlee

Haven't won one of these since Hankerson/Bailey more than a decade ago though so enjoy the kiss of death guys.

[AeroCane]

Inside the U gas posted the depth chart if interested.

[AeroCane]

Offense - D'Eriq King
Deffense - Bolden
Freshman - Knighton
Coach - Rhett Lashlee