The Pac-12 Conference announced Thursday that it will start its football season in early November and play a seven-game, conference-only slate.
The conference’s season will kick off Nov. 6 and the conference championship game will be held Dec. 18. Teams may begin practicing immediately, contingent on local public health approvals.
The Pac-12 said a schedule will be released in the coming days.
The conference announced in August that it was following the lead of the Big Ten and other conferences to put off fall sports out of safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Pac-12 again follows the Big Ten in its decision to bring back football. The Big Ten will resume play on Oct. 24.
“The health and safety of our student-athletes and all those connected to Pac-12 sports remains our guiding light and No. 1 priority,” said Pac-12 CEO Group Chair and University of Oregon President Michael Schill. “Our CEO Group has taken a measured and thoughtful approach to today’s decision, including extensive consultation with stakeholders on the evolving information and data related to health and safety.”
The Pac-12 previously announced a deal with Quidel Corp. for a daily rapid-tests program.
“Our agreement with Quidel to provide daily rapid-results testing has been a game-changer in enabling us to move forward with confidence that we can create a safe environment for our student-athletes while giving them the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said. “At the same time, we will continue to monitor health conditions and data and be ready to adjust as required in the name of the health of all.”
The conference also announced that winter sports can go on as well, with basketball cleared to be part of the Nov. 25 start announced by the NCAA.
