MONTGOMERY, Ala. — With masks, social distancing and mostly empty stands, the college football season kicked off COVID-19 style.

Austin Peay and Central Arkansas, two teams fresh from FCS playoff appearances, took the stage at Cramton Bowl Saturday night in the Guardian Kickoff Classic. The Bears won 24-17 but college football was the star of the show.

Only 2,000 tickets were distributed at the 22,000-seat stadium.

Masks were required coming into the gates, walking around the stadium and at the concession stands. Coaches and players also wore them on the sidelines.