In a letter sent to Flames Club members, Liberty Athletic Director Ian McCaw says Liberty is planning on the 2020 football schedule beginning as scheduled.

“We have been encouraged that many Universities throughout the country are announcing plans for residential classes and fall sports to begin on schedule,” McCaw said in the letter. “We are similarly planning on the football season starting as scheduled on Sept. 5 at Virginia Tech and followed by our home opener on Sept. 12 vs North Carolina A&T.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the United States and began forcing the cancellation of athletic events across the country in March, speculation soon began about the 2020 football seasons. Much is still up in the air about whether or not there will be football played, and if there is a season whether or not it will be shortened or even pushed into the spring of 2021.

Numerous schools have announced plans to have their students return to campus in the fall, thus signaling the likelihood of those schools at least attempting to play football.

Here is the full text of McCaw’s letter:

“This is a time of year when we usually celebrate our graduating seniors and enjoy the championship season for our spring sports teams. Regrettably, we are facing a challenging time with the ongoing COVID-19 situation affecting so many throughout the country and within Flames Nation. Our thoughts and prayers are with our leaders, health care providers and the families impacted by this virus.

COVID-19 is forcing all organizations to reconsider their operations and events in 2020, and Liberty Athletics is no exception. Our staff is working closely with University leaders to develop plans that will ensure your visit to our fall events are safe and enjoyable for you and your family. Later this summer, we will release the details of these plans and how together we can make your visit to campus as safe as possible.

We have been encouraged that man Universities throughout the country are announcing plans for residential classes and fall sports to begin on schedule. We are similarly planning on the football season starting as scheduled on Sept. 5 at Virginia Tech and followed by our home opener on Sept. 12 vs North Carolina A&T. As we work with our campus leadership and under state guidance, if any changes become necessary we will inform you as soon as possible.

As we prepare for the 2020 football season, please know that the Flames Club season ticket priority has been moved to June 1. We look forward to you supporting the football team this season by purchasing season tickets and joining the Flames Club by this date. In doing so, we will provide you with the best seating and parking opportunities. For those facing financial uncertainty, we have extended our payment plan schedule from May 1 to August 1. If you have any questions about season tickets, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage.

Men’s and women’s basketball season tickets will be going on sale May 15 in preparation for our inaugural season in Liberty Arena. We could not be more excited about this new facility with all the amenities that it will offer our fans. Due to the reduced seating capacity, there are limited numbers of season tickets available for purchase, so please make sure to reserve your seats early.

Thank you for your continued support of the Liberty Flames. We wish you and your family the very best and look forward to seeing you on campus in the fall.

Sincerely,

Ian McCaw
Director of Athletics”