New Mexico State University (NMSU) will stop having concession stands at athletic events in an attempt to increase compliance with rules involving masks.
Students, in particular, did not comply with the mask mandate. The ban will apply only to indoor sporting events.
“Unfortunately, we are seeing less and less compliance with our state’s indoor mask mandate during our home games, and fan behavior at Saturday’s game was cause for grave concern for us and among our public health experts,” Dan Arvizu, NMSU chancellor, said, according to KRQE.
Arvizu said that food sales will be suspended until the state of New Mexico repeals its mask mandate, and the school’s staff will enforce the mandate until that day comes. At a recent men’s basketball game, many individuals expressed disagreement with the mask mandate and did not follow the rule. Arvizu said that this might not be the only measure he takes to protect against COVID-19 on campus. Restricting the presence of spectators at games is another option being considered.
Individuals who do not follow the mask mandate at games will be forced to leave the event.
Over 12,000 people attended the most recent basketball game, KRQE reported.