Butler University will limit capacity at Hinkle Fieldhouse for its men's basketball season opener to 1,500 fans. The Bulldogs will host Western Michigan Wednesday at 6 p.m.
 
Butler voluntarily has reduced the capacity for the season opener as it will be the first game implementing the university's comprehensive health and safety plan regarding COVID-19 risk mitigation. Previously, the Marion County Department of Health approved a fan capacity of 25 percent for basketball games at Hinkle Fieldhouse, which equates to 2,275 fans.
 
"As the first game of the season approaches, we decided that this is a prudent step to take," said Barry Collier, Butler Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Capping our fan capacity at roughly 15 percent for the season opener takes into account the trending COVID-19 numbers that we are seeing locally. We remain confident in our risk mitigation tactics we have in place and are ready to implement them beginning Wednesday night."
 
Following discussions over the weekend, the Marion County Department of Health continues to support the comprehensive health and safety plan Butler is implementing for a limited capacity of fans. Butler is committed to working with local officials and adjusting the plan if needed as new information or directives develop. 
 
Following the season opener, Butler will consider increasing the fan capacity to 2,000 for Sunday night's game against Eastern Illinois at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
 
Butler's plan accommodates social distancing, and implements a number of procedures recommended by the Marion County Department of Health, Butler University, the BIG EAST Conference, the NCAA, and partner organizations. These safety protocols include the requirement of face coverings, temperature checks, utilizing specific entrances and exits to limit congestion, and changes to our hospitality and concession procedures. Additional details can be reviewed on our complete Know Before You Go health and safety plan at ButlerSports.com/GameDay.