I'm writing to you today to provide an update on the upcoming winter sport seasons, our plans for spectators, and for those of you that have bought season tickets, your options as we get close to the start of the season. As you may have seen recently, in the interest of safety of our student-athletes and coaches, the NSIC will be breaking up the traditional basketball doubleheaders, with the men and women alternating home and road contests each weekend. In addition, we will compete against the same opponents in basketball twice in the same weekend.
 
Over the past several months, Augustana Athletics has assessed a number of different scenarios regarding the safest and best way to return to play for our winter sports. With testing and travel procedures in place, we're excited to give our student-athletes an opportunity to compete starting in January. The health and safety of our student-athletes, staff, and fans has been and will remain our top priority.
 
With the current COVID-19 environment in the Sioux Falls area and the state, Augustana Athletics has made the difficult decision to not distribute season tickets for men's and women's basketball and football this year. While this is not the outcome we hoped for, the continued uncertainty and likely schedule disruptions during the upcoming seasons have led us to this decision.
 
In addition, unfortunately, fans will not be admitted to Augustana Athletic events as we start our competition schedule.  We will continue to reevaluate this on a weekly basis during the season and communicate any changes as they develop. We fully intend on allowing fans to attend events once we can ensure safety, and at that time tickets will go on sale on a per game basis. More details on the ticket purchasing process will be made available at that time. All home and road basketball and wrestling events this season will be streamed live and free at GoAugie.com/live.
 
For those who purchased basketball and/or football season tickets, we are fully implementing the Viking Guarantee Program announced earlier this fall. If you previously selected Option 1 (to keep your season tickets until spectator decisions are made), or had not yet made a decision, you will now have the opportunity to choose one of the following options:
 
Option 2: Transfer your season ticket payment to the A-Club as a 100% tax-deductible donation. You will receive a letter acknowledging your gift for tax purposes. Your donation will allow us to provide our student-athletes the opportunity to compete and have a positive experience during a challenging season, helping us cover the costs of testing and operations during an unprecedented time. More than ever, our student-athletes, coaches and programs are thankful for those who can support the most unique season in collegiate athletics history.
 
Option 3: Apply your 2020-21 ticket payment as a credit for 2021-22 season tickets. A reminder that renewals for the 21-22 season will start with your 19-20 season ticket locations.
 
Option 4: Receive a full refund on your 2020-21 ticket purchase. Every dollar makes an impact for Augustana student-athletes, but we also understand that the pandemic has affected Augustana fans in many different ways.
 
Please provide your choice to Emily Punt, Director of Athletics Annual Giving, no later than Monday, December 28 at emily.punt@augie.edu or 605.274.5236.    
 
We truly appreciate your understanding, patience, and support as we've come to this difficult decision. We will continue to work to provide our student-athletes the opportunity for a life-changing experience as Vikings and our fans the opportunity to cheer them on in the stands.
 
The full 2021 schedules can be found at GoAugie.com. As we continue to plan, we also recognize that changing conditions could necessitate additional changes to the schedules. We will continue to communicate those changes in these emailed communications, on GoAugie.com and through our official social media channels.
 
Together as Vikings,
 
Josh Morton
Athletic Director