After a year of no basketball at Clark Atlanta University, athletes, students, alumni, and fans of the school were emotionally hurt but began to count down the days until the Panthers and Lady Panthers could take the court again with their support. Fortunately, both teams were able to see a packed house full of supporters at the beginning of this season. However, after a few games, the University decided to ban fans from coming to games due to COVID precautions in the month of January. Giving athletes, students, alumni, and fans the assumption that February would be the month we would all be back together once again in Epps Gymnasium. The biggest games of the year vs. Morehouse, vs. Savannah State, vs. Edward Waters, and  SENIOR NIGHT vs. Fort Valley State will be restricted due to COVID-19 "precautions". 

Here are a few problems that come to the surface if they are saying the University will not allow fans due to safety concerns... 

1) Student-Athletes and Students are attending classes together on campus on a daily basis;

2) Student-Athletes and Students reside in the dormitories together;

3) CAU has required that all students have both doses of the vaccine, and a booster shot as of Feb. 5, 2022;

4) Thus far, we are the only school in the SIAC conference to restrict fans from attending games 

5) This puts us at a disadvantage when playing in SIAC competition. Our opponents in the SIAC take full advantage of having fans when we play them on the road

6) Here is an average attendance of Division 1 basketball games during the month of January 2022 in a few conferences * (Based on 247sports.com "College Basketball Attendance Report (2021-22)"

11,975 - Big Ten
10,231 - SEC
9,933 - Big 12
9,080 - ACC
8,676 - Big East
5,696 - Pac 12

We the Men's and Women's basketball teams at Clark Atlanta University ask for your continued support to have CAU President Dr. George T. French Jr. and Athletic Director Dr. J Lin Dawson reverse the decision which will allow fans in Epps Gymnasium ASAP. This will encourage parents, students, and all fans to support in a time that is critical for the teams to finish the season on a high note! To ensure safety and harmonious participation, we continue to recommend masked spectators and/or proof of vaccination following the science of the CDC. 

Panther Nation we miss you all, and hope to see you very soon!!!