After last week’s fighting incident that broke out in the stands and started a massive panic at Kincaide Stadium, DeSoto ISD is making changes to Enter Eagle Stadium.
DeSoto Police Chief Joseph Costa spoke to the DeSoto Tribune and said that his department will also be adding extra measures.
“My guys met with coach Mathis this week, and they hammered out these new rules that they are going to be put in place, and if they hold people accountable, they’re going to turn some people away and control the stands a little better,” said Costa.
“So, I think those plans are going to help us out with patrolling the crowds, and we always put a few extra people there just to be safe for traffic and security.”
In an effort to avoid fighting incidents such as the one that took place at Kincaide, which saw attendees fleeing the stadium in a massive panic, DeSoto ISD is implementing stricter measures.
DeSoto ISD staff and students will now be required to wear and maintain a district-issued identification badge to enter the game.
All DeSoto ISD students will have to have a ticket and current school-issued ID and will have to enter the stadium through the student gate B on the Home side.
The district says that anyone who does not have the proper identification will not be allowed to enter the stadium.
According to the new policy, metal detectors will be up and running at every entry point at the stadium, along with security checks.
The district will also require that all elementary and middle school students in attendance at any DeSoto ISD game must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, or caregiver at all times.
This policy is implemented with the safety and well-being of the young fans in mind.
Elementary students will have to sit with their parents or guardians throughout the entirety of the event.
Additionally, regardless of whether they are DeSoto ISD students or come from the opposing team’s school, all students are required to adhere to the dress code.
To maintain order and create a positive game day environment, all students are required to remain on their respective sides of the stadium.
Crossing over into the opposing team’s section is not permitted, and any attempts to do so will result in removal from district events.
The district implemented these new guidelines to ensure that game days are enjoyable and safe experiences for all attendees.
DeSoto ISD does encourage its young fans to cheer passionately for their teams while maintaining respect and sportsmanship throughout the event.
The district is also issuing a mandatory dress code for both DeSoto ISD students and opposing team students.
Dress Code Requirements:
Key Components of the Dress Code Include the Following:
• No jeans or bottoms with holes, rips, tears, frays, or other types of exposed areas in the garment.
• All tops and bottoms MUST be of an appropriate length in accordance with the dress code; Tops must cover the waistband or belt loops of an individual’s bottoms.
• Appropriate footwear must be worn.
• No hoodies will be permitted to be worn covering an individual’s head.
• No lewd or obscene language or messages will be permitted on garments
DeSoto ISD students will have to remain in their seats unless it is to use the concession stand or use the restrooms.
No students will be allowed to crossover to the opposing team’s side.
Above all, the district said that any verbal or physical altercations will not be tolerated while in attendance at district games or events.
If the new policy is not followed, removal from games and future events is possible, and students who are removed may be prohibited from attending future events.
Joshua Carter