DETROIT (1/31/2021) -- The University of Detroit Mercy Department of Athletics has announced an new fan policy for all men's and women's basketball games inside Calihan Hall with new University guidelines starting on Jan. 31. As a reminder, University policy is that everyone must wear masks indoors.

The policy follows recommendations based on the state of Michigan and University policies. 

• Starting January 31, surgical masks or higher-grade face masks must be worn on all Detroit Mercy campuses. This policy applies to all students, employees, and visitors to our campuses. (The best protection is offered by N95, KN95, KF-94, or equivalent masks. A critical benefit of these masks is that they are more structured than other masks; this means they don't slip and are easier to wear properly.
  Disposable surgical masks that fit snugly over your nose, mouth, and chin are also acceptable. The CDC recommends wearing a cloth mask on top of a surgical mask to ensure a better fit. Per CDC guidelines, masks with exhalation vents, scarfs, and face shields are not acceptable.
• All masks must cover your nose, mouth, and chin without gaps. Nose wires, such as in a surgical mask and some cloth masks, help offer an even better fit.
• The lower bowl of Dick Vitale Court will be closed off to fans, outside of handicap seating. Those needing handicap seating will be allowed in the lower bowl with up to three (3) guests in designated areas
• The west hallway (where the home team and visiting team locker rooms are located) will be closed off a majority of the time as the student-athletes go back and forth to their locker rooms and permanently closed at the end of games as to not allow any loitering
• The concession stand will not be open at all and fans are not permitted to bring food or beverages into the building 
• The Titan Club must also exercise social distancing, masking and limit the amount of guests in the room
• Fans must also leave the game immediately following the conclusion and not congest the hallways or try to enter Dick Vitale Court

"This is about the health and safety for everyone, spectators, staff, coaches and student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Robert Vowels. "We are all aware of the spike in COVID-19 cases and that has forced us to cancel and forfeit basketball games in the last two weeks and we hope this updated policy will help us not only to play, but compete and have fans cheer in a safe, healthy manner."

Detroit Mercy will continue to monitor the increases and decreases in cases and will make further adjustments in the future if needed.