Medical staff at the stadium are monitoring air quality daily to ensure conditions are safe for athletes and fans.
"Obviously with the California wildfires in the past, we've had to change around games, reschedule earlier or later in the day depending on the forecast," said Sean Steele, Fresno State's associate head coach for women's soccer. "It's something on our mind, and for the most part, it hasn't affected us yet this year."
Steele says staff use an app connected to stadium monitors to track air quality in real time. The goal: keep athletes safe while pushing them to perform.
"We're pushing them to their athletic limits, but we also have to be mindful that there's a line, and we don't want to cross that," Steele said.
Dr. Theodore Yasko with Adventist Health recommends taking precautions before outdoor activities, including checking air quality, wearing an N95 mask and staying hydrated.
"We already struggle with some of the worst baseline air quality in the United States due to geography and agriculture," Yasko said. "We also have wildfires."
He adds that anyone experiencing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, sore throat, headaches, eye irritation or fatigue should head indoors and seek medical help.
Kickoff for Fresno State's game is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Fans are encouraged to arrive early due to changes in stadium guidelines and entrances. Fresno State women's soccer will travel to Sacramento this weekend and return home Sept. 20.
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