The clouds turn orange over Aloha Stadium as the sun sets during a game between the University of Hawaii and Air Force on Oct. 19, 2019. UH announced Sunday that no fans will be allowed to attend games at the stadium this season amid the COVID-19 pandemic. AP file photo

The Maui News

Citing Honolulu City and County COVID-19 guidelines restricting large social gatherings, the University of Hawaii announced Sunday that fans will not be allowed to attend its football games this season at Aloha Stadium.

The press release announcing the decision pointed out that more than half of the teams in the Mountain West Conference will also be playing home games without fans this season, including UH road opponents Fresno State, San Diego State and San Jose State.

Current guidelines on Oahu limit gatherings to five individuals.

“The university supports the county and state measures implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” UH Athletics Director David Matlin said in the release. “These are unprecedented times and we must take these types of unprecedented steps to protect our community. We look forward to bringing our loyal fans back to Aloha Stadium next season. The best way to support the football team and UH Athletics is watch the Warriors play on pay-per-view.”

Spectrum Sports is broadcasting six of the Warriors’ eight games on pay-per-view: at Fresno State on Saturday; vs. New Mexico on Nov. 7; at San Diego State on Nov. 14; vs. Nevada on Nov. 28; at San Jose State on Dec. 5; and vs. UNLV on Dec. 12. Hawaii’s game at Wyoming on Oct. 31 will be nationally televised on FS1, while the Nov. 21 home contest against Boise State — a rematch of last year’s MW championship game won by the Broncos — is set to be shown on CBS Sports Network.

Games airing on pay-per-view will be available for purchase on a single-game basis at $69.99. Individual games will be available to order the Monday prior to each game via the PPV channels 1255 (HD) or 255 (SD), or by calling (808) 643-2100.