DECATUR, Ala. — The River City rivalry game is Friday night, and Decatur City Schools is making sure they are ahead of the game by setting safety guidelines for the game.
According to Decatur City Schools the following procedures will be in place:
- An adult needs to enter and remain with elementary and middle school students for the entirety of the game. Students need to stay seated.
- Students or fans creating any disruptions can be removed and banned from attending future DCS sporting events.
- Fans should enter the stadium on whichever side they will be sitting and at no time before, during or after the game will crossing over to the opposing side be allowed.
- You will not be allowed to re-enter the stadium if you exit before the game is over.
- If you require a bag it must be clear in order to enter.
- Other security measures like drones, K-9s, and weapons detection systems may be in place.
The Decatur City Schools will also not be tolerating staying in the stadium after the game.
Decatur City Schools Director of Communications Elizabeth Gentle explained that there will be some changes at this year's rivalry game. "Obviously, we already have a security plan in place, but we have added some additional layers of security to that plan."
Another thing that will be different this year, "... we're asking anyone who comes to the stadium to come with a clear bag. We need to be able to see through that bag and be able to see the contents inside that bag," she continued. The only exception is that you can bring a small clutch." Which would be about four and a half by six and a half inches. It does not have to be clear. a diaper bag or a medical bag. Let's say you are a diabetic and you have diabetes supplies in that bag. You can bring that."
Once you get to the game there will be Weapons Detection System set up at all the gates, and also consider arriving to the game early. "Because we do have some parking issues due to construction. Furthermore, a crossover of fans is not allowed this year. "So if you're on the Austin side and that's the team that you've picked, that's where you're going to stay if you're a dictator. high school fan, you'll stay on the Decatur High School side."
Another layer of security is going to be a tip line. "We're going to have flyers posted all over the stadium. Also, we're going to hand out postcards as you come into the stadium that has QR codes on it. So you'll be able to text or you will be able to call once you scan that QR code to let us know of any issues."
Lastly, if anything happens..."...we have radios that will be able to radio back and forth with each other. We will have a drone in the air. We will also have additional police officers here along with a K-9."