Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Public Schools are changing the way spectators attend high school football games, effective immediately.
The district is moving forward with invite-only games.
Saying safety and security continue to be her top priority, Buffalo Schools
Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams released a plan in response to fights that broke out in the grandstand at All High Stadium last Friday night:
- Every player and cheerleader can invite three student spectators to home games.
- Minors (under the age of 18) must be accompanied by an adult.
- Adults are welcome to attend but must present identification.
- All High Stadium and Riverside High School will have Evolv weapons detection systems installed.
- Gates will close 30 minutes after the start of each game.
- Loitering will not be permitted during or after games.
The changes follow the arrests of four people after a series of fights at All High Stadium during a game between Bennett High School and McKinley High School on Friday, some of which spilled over outside of the stadium. The game between Bennett and McKinley was called at halftime due to the fights.
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University District Council member Rasheed Wyatt told WBEN he is concerned that it has reached this point. "But, I'm appreciative that the school board took some action."
Wyatt remembers times in the past where the school board did not take action.
"What happened last week," he said, "was abominable. We can't continue to allow things like that to happen in our city, especially in our schools."
Was it the right measure? Wyatt can't say. But he acknowledges that they did something.
"School sports are so important to the culture of our high schools and our children. I'm glad they took decisive action."
Weapons detection systems are being installed at All High and Riverside stadiums. Wyatt said that's unfortunate, but it's a sign of the times.
"It's not like when we grew up and went to school. It wasn't something that you worried about. But there's so much to worry about today. Parents and the community need to know that our schools are safe," he added.