Welcome to the University of South Florida! Whether you're coming to USF for the first time, or you're finishing your final run, I can assure you - this year will be like no other you've experienced. A lot has changed and continues to adjust with moving into USF apartments and returning to campus, so while the information I have is accurate as of writing, I highly recommend keeping an eye on the official university updates.
As for USF football, the season is still happening. Whether you're planning on watching from your USF off campus housing, or from Raymond James Stadium, you can currently schedule your weekends around the games starting September 12. If you have any questions as to the upcoming game times and opponents, you can find the USF football schedule information here. However, before you run out to stock up on green and gold face paint, there are some important things to consider:
- Social distancing measures. These are important steps to take whether you're watching the game from the apartments near USF or IRL, so that we can all limit the spread of coronavirus. USF is currently in Phase II of reopening, which means face coverings are required on all campuses. You can expect that there will be similar measures put into place for all athletic events. Per the USF website, "USF Athletics will develop a communications plan to provide clear instructions to the general public and potential spectators regarding the most current guidelines that must be adhered to at any particular USF athletic contest."
- Watching from home. It still isn't confirmed whether spectators will be allowed to attend the football games in-person, so in the event they aren't, you'll need to catch the game from elsewhere. My recommendation would be to have a "virtual watch party" from the best USF apartments, where you and your friends can watch the game together… but also from your own homes. This is far from the traditional football experience, but there are definitely some perks. After all, you have access to all your favorite snacks without paying an arm and a leg for them, and you never have to wait in a long line for the bathroom.
- Potential changes and cancellations. While USF football is currently scheduled to play as normal, there have already been a few changes with other conferences. As the Tampa Bay Times reported, "the Bulls lost their original home opener, Sept. 12 against Bethune-Cookman, when the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opted not to play a fall sports season due to COVID-19 concerns." There will likely be other changes and cancellations that happen throughout the season, and you'll need to run with them. Do what you can to support the football team as they make decisions they feel are the safest and make the most sense for them - there are no fair-weather Bulls fans here!
Even if USF has its strongest players ever, this is going to be a tough football season for the University of South Florida and its football fans. Stay up-to-date on the latest information, and as always - go Bulls! For more great articles on life at USF, check out the ApartmentsForBulls USF Student Guide. Do you play a sport for USF? If you're a USF athlete, we've rounded up the best housing for USF athletes.