The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl has been an annual game for over 20 years,
hosting a variety of colleges and being the longest-running cold weather bowl game for college football, but its playing streak might be interrupted this season.
While a date for the game has not been announced yet, Events Coordinator Katy Murphee said that they don’t know whether they will actually have one or not.
“We don’t have a definitive answer from ESPN,” Murphee said. “We just don’t know what’s going to happen with Mountain West, if they’re trying to play again. There’s just a lot of things up in the air and things that change.”
If the event is hosted, it’s sure to see some changes compared to how games have gone in the past, whether it is adhering to safety protocols or being outright canceled.
Anna Negron, senior publicist at ESPN, said in the case of the Potato Bowl continuing, guidelines from the CDC, NCAA and the state will all affect the plans for the game. As reported by KTVB, an email was sent out to BSU season ticket holders with information about COVID-19 safety protocols.
Negron said local guidelines would dictate ticket plans. With social distancing and universal masking implemented, as well as a no-bag policy, the number of tickets being sold could significantly decrease.
“Ticket sales represent an important piece of the overall financial framework,” Negron said.
CDC guidelines for playing sports include bringing personal equipment,
reducing physical closeness wherever possible, wearing a mask, players washing hands before and after practices as well as after sharing equipment. If a player feels sick, they should tell their coach or stay home, according to the CDC. The NCAA guidelines get into more detail by going over the best ways to prevent community spread.
According to the guidelines, testing strategies should be in place for all athletic activities, daily self-health checks, social distancing, masks or face shields, a two-week quarantine for those considered high risk, outdoor training or competition and hand sanitation are all among the protocols for college athletics. These apply to all athletics, employees and student-athletes.
With Idaho currently in Stage 4 of Idaho Rebounds, any size gathering is
allowed, but people in attendance are expected to social distance, wear a mask, wash their hands as often as possible and stay home if they feel ill.
“ESPN Events continues to evaluate the next steps for our owned and operated events as conferences make decisions on their seasons,” ESPN said in a statement.
Anteia McCollum can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @antxiam5.