JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Friday night lights and other athletic contests will start back up in September for Duval County schools with limited capacity in order to enable social distancing.
The district has set a 30% capacity limit for spectators at all athletic contests.
Ticket priority will go to parents and guardians of participating athletes for events that are expected to reach maximum capacity. A specific allotment of tickets will be given to both the home and away fans.
Face coverings are required for all fans entering and leaving the facilities and when social distancing is not possible, like standing in line at the concessions stand.
Fans may remove face coverings when seated in outdoor stadiums only. Face coverings are always required during indoor events held in gymnasiums and smaller spaces, such as viewing areas at cross country and swim meets.
Congregating at games or in the parking lots will not be allowed.
To kick off varsity football season in Duval, Andrew Jackson will host Englewood at 6 p.m. on Sept. 10. All other district games will begin Sept. 11.
Other high school sports that will begin their seasons soon are girls volleyball, boys and girls swimming, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls golf, girls bowling and girls slow pitch softball.
School marching bands and cheerleading squads will be present however, they will have modified performances to respect social distancing guidelines.
Any person with COVID-19 or who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to attend any school events.
Additionally, a household member of a person with COVID-19 will not be permitted to attend school or any school events.