Clayton County

Clayton County doubles crowds allowed in stands at high school games

CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — When Clayton County football players run out on the field Friday night they will have a little more support in the stands.

Channel 2′s Lauren Pozen reports that the county has doubled the number of invited guests to games.

Pozen talked to Clayton County Public School’s Athletic Director Kevin May, who said things went so well last week during the first games of the season that the district decided to increase the number of tickets for football and softball players, cheerleaders and coaches from two to four.

That means more support Friday night for Forest Park and Morrow High School when the varsity teams take the field at Tara Stadium in Jonesboro.

“We will see how that goes and look forward to hopefully getting back to normal at some point in the season,” May said. “We know our stadium capacities are larger than what we allowed last week.”

May said that means players and cheerleaders can invite more extended family to games.

May warned though that things could change for better or worse based on COVID-19 data.

“All decisions are based on that,” May said. “They are not based on feelings. We have to look out for the safety of our student athletes, our stadium staff and of the people that will be coming into our stadium to watch the games.”

Signs will be installed in the stands instructing people to wear masks and tape will remind people to social distance.

May said the fans in the stands last week appreciated being there and were able to comply with suggested guidelines. May said he thinks everyone just wants to support their student athletes.

“We feel it is important that our parents and those invested in those student athletes have the opportunity to watch their children participate in those activities,” May said.