Big 12 football: Texas governor says fans will be in stands

The momentum grows for college football to start on time in September, with some fans in the stands. Texas governor Greg Abbott is the latest to say he believes it will happen.

"Once we get to college football season, our goal right now is to have college football season start as planned, with fans in stands," the Republican told Austin television station KXAN. "What we don't know is what the capacity level would be."

Both OU and Ohio State are among the football powers that are analyzing models to have fans in the stadiums, with reduced capacities that will practice social distancing in this coronavirus pandemic.

The University of Texas opens its season on September 5 at home against South Florida. Abbott said he’s discussed fan capacity with Longhorn athletic director Chris Del Conte and Big 12 commissioner Bob Bowlsby, plus representatives from professional teams in the state.

"Pro sports teams can begin the workout process in June. We are anticipating the possibility of Major League Baseball starting in July," Abbott said. "That will give us a pathway of being able to see what potential seating could look like."

That’s not necessarily true. Baseball’s apparent plan is to begin the season without fans, with hopes of opening the gates later in the year. The NBA does not plan on having fans in arenas until next season.