PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Public Schools is announcing new safety protocols for Cupples Stadium after a shooting following a high school football game last week.
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School officials said additional safety measures will be in place for all athletic events held at the stadium on the 800 block of East Carson Street moving forward.
These safety protocols come after three teens were shot following a City League game at the stadium last week.
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The new rules are as follows:
Chaperone policy and new rules for admittance into Cupples Stadium
Starting Oct. 8, all students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by someone 21 years old or older in order to enter the stadium. That adult must stay with the student throughout the entire event. Anyone who does not adhere to this rule will not be allowed to enter the stadium.
The second major rule requires all Pittsburgh Public Schools students to present their school IDs to enter the stadium. Students from outside the school district are welcome, but they are required to present a student ID from their current district.
Officials stress that an adult chaperone does not replace the need for an ID.
A third rule states that students who are suspended from school and anyone else who is prohibited from attending athletic events will not be admitted.
Gates will close earlier
Both home and away gates will now close at the beginning of the third quarter, meaning no one else can come in to watch the game after that time.
New food and drink policy
Finally, the district said outside food, drinks and drinking containers (including Yeti, Stanley, Gatorade and similar containers) are now prohibited. Students are allowed to bring unopened water bottles.
Bag policy introduced
Starting Oct. 15, a clear bag policy will go into effect at Cupples Stadium. No other bags will be allowed in the stadium, with the exception of bags brought in by players, coaches and authorized staff.
Bookbags and backpacks are not permitted.
Change in parking for Cupples Stadium visitors
Parking along Ninth Street from McArdle Roadway to East Carson Street is now prohibited.
Spectators are expected to leave promptly after games
School officials say anyone who attends a game is now expected to leave the stadium promptly. Students are encouraged to travel directly home.
To help this process go smoothly, Pittsburgh Regional Transit buses will be in service outside the stadium. Those buses will travel Downtown or eastbound along East Carson Street.
Pittsburgh Public Schools officials encourage community to support student-athletes amid the changes
As the district navigates the recent act of violence and the community adjusts to the changes at the stadium, school officials are expressing understanding that the situation may create some new difficulties.
“We recognize that these changes will require some families to make different arrangements when students attend games,” Superintendent Dr. Wayne Walters said. “We believe these additional precautions are appropriate steps to strengthen safety while preserving the opportunity for our students and community to come together and support our student-athletes.”
Walters stressed he believes the new policies will create the groundwork for a safer atmosphere at the stadium in the future.
“Our students should be able to participate in and attend athletic events in an environment where they feel safe, supported and able to enjoy the experience,” Walters said. “These additional measures strengthen the protocols already in place and establish clear expectations for students, families and visitors. We appreciate our families and community partners working with us to help maintain a safe environment inside and around Cupples Stadium.”
Channel 11 spent days covering the aftermath of the Cupples Stadium shooting. Click here to view our full coverage, including witness interviews and crucial details from police and school officials.
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