Texas to cut seating capacity in half due to COVID-19

Texas plans to limit seating capacity to 50% this season to follow distancing protocols recommended by health officials during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Typically, Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium seats around 100,000 fans.

"I want you to know that as we are working toward hosting football games this season, our No. 1 priority remains the health and safety of our student-athletes, staff, and fans," athletic director Chris Del Conte wrote Monday in an email to season-ticket holders, according to Raga Justin of the Texas Tribune.

Several conferences canceled football in 2020 because of the coronavirus, but the Power 5 conferences are moving forward with intentions to play. The Big 12, where Texas resides, has yet to alter nonconference schedules, meaning the Longhorns remain on track to open the season at home Sept. 5 versus South Florida.

Schools that play in the fall are expected to reduce seating availability. In the NFL, most teams have already announced that seating will be limited.