LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Student-athletes will be returning to the University of Louisville beginning May 27, with the university utilizing a phased approach.

What You Need To Know


  • Student-athletes returning to the University of Louisville

  • Phased-in approach will be taken

  • Phase 1 - May 27, Phase 2 - June 10, Phase 3 - July 6, Phase 4 - late July or August

“We have worked very closely with our campus leadership, medical professionals, and coaching staff to prepare a comprehensive plan for a safe return to campus for our student-athletes to participate in voluntary activities,” said UofL Vice-President/Director of Athletics Vince Tyra. “The multi-phased plan avails a limited number of student-athletes to return at various dates and get back to routines they are accustomed to at this time of year.”

Phase one on May 27 allows a limited group of student-athletes to return to campus. They include 30 in football and 15 in men's and women's basketball. The group will begin testing and physical exams on June 3 and will be ready to participate in volunteer physical training without coaches on June 8. During this phase, three Cardinal facilities — the Schnellenberger Football Complex, Trager Center, and Planet Fitness Kueber Center — will be open with limited occupancy.

UofL plans to add additional student-athletes and open facilities in additional phases, all following direction from the NCAA.  

The university is prepared to add up to 15 swimming and diving students in phase one and open the Ralph Wright Natatorium with limited occupancy if the sport is included in those allowed for voluntary workouts by the NCAA.

Any student-athlete returning for phase one is doing so voluntarily so they can utilize and work with the Cardinals' athletic trainers and facilities. 

UofL is taking several steps to make sure students, staff and faculty are safe and to prevent the spread of the virus. These include, but aren't limited to, wearing face masks, using designated entrances and exits, daily symptom checks, physical distancing, gloves, and hand sanitizer. The school also has protocols in place in case there is a positive case among anyone on campus. 

If phase one goes well and the NCAA rules allow, phase two will bring in an additional 30 football members and 60 Olympic sport student-athletes on June 10. The group would follow the same procedures as those in phase one and voluntary physical activity would begin June 27. The second stage would see the reopening of other facilities with limited occupancy. 

Phase three of the plan would welcome back the remaining football student-athletes on July 6, with voluntary activity beginning on July 18. Up to 60 additional student-athletes could be included in phase three if the NCAA permitted and they would be allowed to work out in the Marshall Center. 

The fourth phase, in late July and August, would see all student-athletes returning to activities, practices, scrimmages, and competitions as allowed by the NCAA or ACC. At this point, all of UofL's athletic facilities would be open 

Any of this plan can change depending on the virus and oversight from the NCAA and ACC. UofL wanted a plan in place to help its student-athletes have a safe transition back to campus.