Safer Game Watching

Hey team! Raise your giant foam finger if you love watching big sporting events with other fans.

It’s normal to feel a connection through collective cheering (or dislike of that team down the road). We love the energy that comes from spaces where lots of folks are hyped about what’s happening.

And we’re still in the midst of a pandemic. Choose a safer way to enjoy big games.

As we all likely know, the safest way to watch big games is to gather virtually or just with the people in your household.

Make your virtual celebration fun

Wear your favorite team colors. Paint your face. Get out your team pom poms.
Go big when setting up your viewing space:
- Overzealously decorate in your team’s colors.
- Ask to use your roommates’ monitors so you can collectively see online chatter, multiple camera angles, and your video-chatting friends all at the same time.
- Make themed snacks.
Start a group text with your friends who are also fans.
Challenge your friends to create the most fun team-oriented TikTok.
Engage on Twitter, Reddit, or another online community space while you watch.

Otis will be Rameses XXII as Rameses XXI goes into retirement at the Hogan's Magnolia View Farm in Chapel Hill, NC. November 3, 2020. The Hogan family has been caretakers of the rams that have served as UNCs mascot since 1924. (Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Risk Reduction for Small Gatherings

We all know gathering with people outside your household adds risk. Avoid gatherings if you can. If you do get together with people who don’t live with you – here are ways to make it safer:

Talk about it. Have a conversation ahead of time to set expectations for the gathering.
Gather outdoors. It’s safer than gathering indoors. Use a projector to broadcast the game. If indoors, open windows and doors if possible.
Distance yourselves. Sit at least 6 feet away from people who don’t live with you. Avoid direct contact like hugs and high fives with those not from their household.
Wear masks with more than two layers over their nose and mouth that fits snugly against the sides of the face. Bring a spare mask (or a few) in case yours gets wet from moist breath or snow/rain, or if someone else forgets theirs.
Avoid shouting, cheering loudly or singing. We get mad at Coach K too! Hold in those hollers and instead clap, stomp your feet or use handheld noisemakers.
Remember that people without symptoms as well as those with a recent negative test can still spread COVID.
Wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds – especially after blowing nose, coughing, sneezing, and visiting with others, as well as before eating.
Avoid touching your face including mask, eyes, nose and mouth.
BYO food, drinks, and plates/cups/utensils (and mask!).
It’s ok to stay home. Do what’s best for you, and definitely stay home if you’re sick or have been near someone who thinks they may have been exposed.