Copy by Chip Chandler, 806-651-2124, [email protected]

CANYON, Texas — West Texas A&M University will not host its usual slate of Homecoming activities in 2020, but students will still carry on some traditions.

Typical Homecoming Week activities such as the parade, alumni gatherings and a community market will not be held due to ongoing concerns about COVID-19, said Ronnie Hall, executive director of the WT Alumni Association.

“For the safety of WT students, the community, alumni and friends, we have made the decision that there will not be a traditional Homecoming this year with general public activities and events,” Hall said. “Many events would normally be held inside, which we don’t want to encourage while being mindful of social distancing protocols. The parade, even though it is held outside, would be too challenging to put on while enforcing safe distance between all participants.

“This has been a year of challenges, but Buffs are strong and resilient, so I know we will be back soon with a great celebration of our WT community,” Hall continued.

The WT Student Government Association will still announce their Homecoming court at the Oct. 24 football game against Angelo State University in Buffalo Stadium.

WT has elected to continue its fall football season while enforcing safety measures in the stadium. Capacity will be capped at 50 percent of permanent seating, and fans will be asked to maintain social distance. Face masks will be required of all attendees ages 10 and older, and hand-sanitizer stations will be located throughout the stadium. Single-game tickets must be purchased in advance at GoBuffsGo.com; stadium ticket booths will be closed on game days, and tickets for the public will go on sale at noon Tuesday of game week. Players are required to wear face masks and get regular symptom checks, among other protocols. Any game will be canceled should a team member of either WT or the opposing team test positive.

Homecoming was previously announced for Oct. 17.

Maintaining strong community ties is a component of the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

About West Texas A&M University

WT is located in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. With enrollment of more than 10,000, WT offers 60 undergraduate degree programs, 38 master’s degrees and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 15 men’s and women’s athletics programs.