RUSTON – The Louisiana Tech Athletics Department, in conjunction with Conference USA, will implement a number of new measures this basketball season in the Thomas Assembly Center.
 
As mandated by C-USA, the seating capacity for both the Bulldogs and Lady Techsters for the 2020-21 basketball season will be limited to 15 percent which allows for 1,200 fans (TAC has a maximum capacity of 8,000).
 
All season ticket holders will be able to fit comfortably within this limited capacity.  Fans will be socially-distanced amongst the lower bowl (red seats) and a handful of sections in the upper bowl (blue seats).  Lower bowl seats can be guaranteed for any new season ticket holders wishing to sit there. 
 
Fans will not be allowed on Karl Malone Court at any time this season as court access will be restricted to student-athletes, coaches, trainers, managers, officials and game management staff.  This includes courtside seating which has been removed out of an abundance of caution through the C-USA protocols.
 
Season ticket holders who would like to opt out of the 2020-21 basketball season or if in the event games get canceled, they will have the following options:  credit towards the 2021-22 home season, apply season ticket purchase to the Louisiana Tech Athletic Club (LTAC) as a donation for this year (100 percent tax deduction) or full refund on games that are impacted.
 
All arena entrance points will have adequate line-queues to filter and control fans' path into the arena. 
 
All tickets and parking passes will be digital to help limit the contact between event staff and the fans entering the arena or parking lots.  Everyone attending the game will be required to wear a face covering upon entering the Thomas Assembly Center.  The clear bag policy will also be in place just like with football home games.  
 
Per the C-USA mandate, home bands will not be allowed to participate while home cheer/dance teams will be allowed in a designated section in the stands (cheer and Regal Blues will be positioned in Section 109 that was previously occupied by the Hoop Troop).   
 
Season tickets are currently on sale through the LA Tech Ticket Office.  Fans can call (318) 257-3631 or go online at LATechSports.com/tickets.  The renewal deadline has been moved back to Dec. 1 to accommodate fans wanting to make their purchases before the seasons begin later this month.    
 
Both the men's and women's basketball teams will host 15 games in the TAC.  The Lady Techsters open their season on Nov. 25 at home versus McNeese State while the Bulldogs get started on Nov. 27 at home against UT Arlington in the Louisiana Tech Classic.