CrossFit Games

Breaking: MACC Announces Updated COVID Policy, Relaxed Restrictions For Fans

May 20, 2021 by
Photo Credit: University of Tennessee
Enjoying Morning Chalk Up? Access additional exclusive interviews, analyses, and stories with an Rx membership.

Fans planning to head to the Mid-Atlantic CrossFit Challenge got some good news Thursday morning, as the event announced via Instagram some updated safety protocols, easing restrictions involving spectators, athletes, vendors, and event staff. 

One big thing: The MACC venue sits on the campus of the University of Tennessee which, as a public education institution, means an added layer of regulations and protocols separate from the state and local status quo. The recent announcement brings into alignment the competition and University regulations with that of the most recent Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. 

  • Masks and face coverings will no longer be required, indoors or around the venue, but may be worn to the desired comfort level of the individual.
  • No daily health screenings, temperature checks, or onsite COVID testing will be required for athletes, spectators, or staff. 
  • Athletes and staff will not be subject to pre-travel testing or required to provide any proof of vaccination. 
  • Socially distant seating at Thompson-Boling Arena will remain in effect for the competition throughout the event.⁣

Why this matters: The announcement comes on the heels of the Dane County and the city of Madison announcing that they will be lifting all public health orders, clearing the path for the CrossFit Games to take place later this summer without any restrictions including mask mandates. 

  • Daily new COVID cases and deaths in the United States are on a steady decline and with two more live Semifinal events scheduled to take place in the United States after the MACC, the easing of restrictions is a welcomed sign for fans of the sport hoping for a relatively normal spectator experience. 
  • It is also a good sign for event partners, as a large part of event success is tied to live attendance, and the easing of restrictions could hopefully encourage higher in-person turnout at the MACC and subsequent events. 

The community and sport is still on the mend from the throes of the pandemic, and there will be lasting effects well beyond this season and into the future, but every step back towards “normal,” is a step in the right direction. 

Get the Newsletter

For a daily digest of all things CrossFit. Community, Competitions, Athletes, Tips, Recipes, Deals and more.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.