GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman University today announced kickoff times for its four home football games as part of the Paladins' upcoming eight-game football season, as well as its attendance policy for the contests.

Kickoff for Furman's Feb. 20 season opener versus Western Carolina at Paladin Stadium is set for 2:00 p.m.  Start times for the three other contests against Samford (Mar. 6), Chattanooga (Mar. 20), and Wofford (Apr. 17), are slated for 1:00 p.m.

The 2021 campaign is composed of an eight-game, conference-only regular season followed by a 16-team NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoff that begins on Apr. 24.

Furman Athletics will follow a phased approach with regards to ticketing and attendance for its home football games during the 2021 spring season. Furman's policy is based on NCAA, Southern Conference, and state guidelines, which currently allow limited attendance for large events. This includes everyone in attendance – student-athletes, coaches, game day staff, media, families, students, university employees, alumni, and fans. 
 
Phase 1 — Furman will provide a healthy and safe environment for both teams, coaches, officials, game day staff and media for games at Paladin Stadium.
 
Phase 2 —  Furman will allow family members and guests of student-athletes, coaches and staff from both teams to attend games with limited attendance at Paladin Stadium. 
 
Phase 3 — Furman will allow Furman students, faculty, and staff to attend games with limited attendance at Paladin Stadium. 
 
Phase 4 — Furman will allow football season ticket holders to attend games with limited attendance at Paladin Stadium. 
 
Phase 5 — Furman will return to its normal ticketing process with limited capacity for games at Paladin Stadium.
 
Game day attendance will be subject to change based on the health of our community, recommendations and guidance from DHEC, and from the university's COVID Response Steering Committee and Public Health and Safety Advisory Group. Parking will be available one hour prior to kick-off. Tailgating will not be permitted and access to campus will be limited to Paladin Stadium until further notice.

Furman is currently operating under Phase 2 but will update attendance and ticketing phases closer to game day. For further information, please contact the Furman Ticket Office (864) 294-3099.  For the latest information on competition schedules and attendance restrictions, please visit FurmanPaladins.com.

The spring 2021 season was planned after the Southern Conference announced on Aug. 13 the postponement of all league competition due to ongoing health and safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Furman announced on Aug. 17 it would forego all fall non-conference athletic competition.

Selected as the preseason favorite to win the 2021 SoCon Championship in a poll of league media announced on Wednesday, Furman opens preseason practice on Friday at 4:00 p.m.

Under the direction of Clay Hendrix, who is in his fourth year as head coach, the Paladins return 13 starters off its 2019 squad that posted an 8-5 record and earned an at-large bid to the FCS playoffs.