ONLINE EXCLUSIVE: Monmouth athletics department reaffirms attendance standards
by Billy Lopatto - Staff Writer
On February 10th, the day before the Monmouth College basketball teams were set to host Knox College, the Monmouth College athletics department posted on its Instagram and Facebook stories stating the attendance rules for the remaining home basketball games this season. Per the post, fans are not allowed to bring outside drinks into the Huff Athletic Center and are prohibited from re-entering the Huff once they leave the premises. The post came as a surprise to many on campus, who wondered if the post was possibly provoked by an incident that occurred at a game earlier in the season.
When asked to comment, Monmouth College Athletic Director Roger Haynes stated that the post was not a policy or standards change, but rather a reiteration of the attendance standards set by both the College and the Midwest Conference. “We want to show sportsmanship as hosts and provide a positive game experience for officials, visiting teams and fans; and of course, our own Monmouth fans,” said Haynes in a email response. “During the 2025-2026 season, we have been asked more often by officials to reduce inappropriate comments from the stands during the game toward those on the court. Our players benefit from a loud, supportive Monmouth crowd in Glennie Gym; we hope that the enthusiasm is strong for our teams tonight and in the future.”
With basketball season drawing to a close, both the baseball and softball teams will open their seasons on Saturday, February 28, as the baseball team travels to Indiana for a doubleheader with Wabash College at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and the softball team will travel to Carlinville, Illinois to play a doubleheader with Blackburn College, with games at 1 and 3 p.m. The baseball team will play its home opener with a single game against Maranatha Baptist University on Monday, March 16, at 3:00pm at Peacock Park. The softball team, on the other hand, will host Loras College for their home opener on Saturday, March 21, with games at 1 and 3 p.m. at the softball field next to Graham Hall.