(Radio Iowa) – The Big Ten football season will open October 24th — without fans in the stands — and host cities will first need to meet certain COVID-19 positivity rates. Governor Kim Reynolds says she’s confident Iowa City and the University of Iowa will pass whatever standards are set.

Johnson County, where Iowa City is located, has seen spikes in case numbers in recent weeks, especially in young adults. 20 days ago, that county was among a half-dozen where the governor ordered all bars closed — and they remain so.

Still, Reynolds says she’s optimistic about football in Iowa City.

After the conference cancelled the season weeks ago, U-I officials said the institution would lose 100-million dollars without football.

Reynolds, when asked whether Iowa City and Johnson County can meet the Big Ten’s Covid count standards, responded:

IA Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks during a Press Conference Sept. 16, 2020.