Gamecock Fans Invited to KICK COVID at First Home Game on Sept. 18

09/13/2021

by Buffy Lockette and Emily Duncan

The talk around the water cooler for college football fans Monday morning was how the Jacksonville State Gamecocks shocked the Florida State Seminoles with a 20-17 win in Tallahassee on Saturday night. But JSU is also proud of another team statistic – the 90 percent COVID-19 vaccination rate among football players. 

“We are proud that the majority of our student-athletes have been vaccinated and are leading the way in this important endeavor,” said Athletic Director Greg Seitz. 

Gamecock fans are invited to JSU Stadium on Sept. 18 to help KICK COVID at a vaccination clinic hosted by the Alabama Department of Public Health. Held during the first home game of the season – when the Gamecocks will take on in-state rival, the University of North Alabama – the event will provide fans an opportunity to purchase new team gear with a $75 gift card to the campus bookstore.  

Organized by the ADPH, the KICK COVID campaign is a statewide program intended to promote vaccine efficacy among football fans. Fifteen universities are currently scheduled to participate. 

“With the highly contagious Delta COVID-19 variant circulating – and cases, hospitalizations and deaths increasing – we continue urging all eligible people to be vaccinated as quickly as possible,” said State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris. 

A vaccination tent will be located outside JSU Stadium, on the east side of the parking lot, across from the Red Rooster. The clinic will be open from 3:30 p.m. until one hour post game. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. Admission to the game is not required.  

Those who get vaccinated on site will immediately receive a $75 gift card to the campus bookstore, which may be used inside the stadium at the bookstore’s fan booth, online at shopjsugamecocks.com or at the store located in the Theron Montgomery Building – open 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on game days. Fans who become vaccinated 14 days before or seven days after the game may upload their vaccine card online at kickcovid19.com to receive the same incentive.  

“We’re excited to participate in the statewide KICK COVID initiative and encourage fans to get the vaccine, if they are able, so they may safely cheer on the Gamecocks at our sporting events this year,” said Seitz. 

FAQs for the Sept. 18 Clinic

  • ADPH will be administering Pfizer.  
  • Pfizer is recommended for those 12 years and older.  
  • Pfizer is FDA approved.  
  • Pfizer’s two shot dosage is administered 21 days apart.  
  • This clinic will be open to the public, so all eligible JSU Gamecocks and UNA Lions are welcome to receive the vaccine.  
  • Admission to the game is not required to participate. 
  • JSU students, staff and faculty are also still eligible for the $100 incentive through the campus Vaccine Incentive Program.  

Fear the Beak, not the shot!