Professional and collegiate sporting events allowed at 50 percent capacity

by: Erin Reynolds, ODESSA, TX (Big 2/Fox 24)

Posted: Jun 4, 2020 / 08:48 PM CDT / Updated: Jun 4, 2020 / 08:48 PM CDT

Fans watch as the New York Yankees play the Texas Rangers in the fifth inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. The game was the final contest for the Rangers of the 2019 season, and the final game at the park for them. The club will play in a new stadium, Globe Life Field, still under construction across the street from the park, in the 2020 season. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Gov. Greg Abbott initiated phase three of Texas’ plan to reopen on Wednesday, which allows virtually all businesses to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Professional and collegiate sports were allowed to hold events at 25 percent capacity prior to the third phase. Events are now allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity. However, the stadiums and leagues must a safety plan to the state for approval.

The new phases do not mention high school extra-curricular activities, but the UIL has set forth plans for the summer for high school athletics.

The League allows high schools to start strength and conditioning programs on June 8, with guidelines given by the CDC and local government.