Ram Nation,
 
We faced major challenges in 2020. Our spring teams stopped playing after a few weeks. Our fall teams didn't play another school for more than 15 months. Our men's basketball season ended on the floor of the Barclay's Center before the National Anthem in March and opened the Siegel Center in November with a crowd barely more than a handful of Rams fans. The building commonly referred to as "That Animal" by Ram Nation lacked the energy and excitement we have grown to love and need every winter.
 
We know many of you struggled through 2020 in many ways. The global pandemic has impacted everyone in different ways but it has impacted all of us. The fans who sat next to you, or in front of you, or behind you all have felt the brunt over the last 14 months. Despite those challenges, we look to next season with more hope and optimism than ever.
 
Looking ahead to our 2021-22 season, we expect to return to full capacity in the Siegel Center for home games. The sellout streak will resume with all of you coming back to bring energy and passion that we sorely miss. With COVID-19 numbers decreasing and the optimism surrounding the success of a vaccine, we expect a return to normal in the fall. Our facilities and ticket staff members have done an incredible job at navigating the changing capacity and social distancing guidelines outlined by the governor. We have proven throughout the last six months that we can host home games in a safe manner with complete risk mitigation. We will continue to provide the safest facilities and experiences for our student-athletes, staff and fans.
 
A lot can change before November but we remain optimistic. You can renew your Ram Athletic Fund membership or encourage friends to start a new membership today. We will begin selling our season tickets for men's basketball in July and we want you to secure your seats for the return. For all of our challenges over the past year, coming together in the Siegel Center this coming November will give us the extra shot in the arm that we need. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay positive. Go Rams!
 
Go Rams!
 
Take Care,
 
Ed McLaughlin
Vice President and Director of Athletics