Fans of Atlanta’s high school sports teams can once again attend games.

Atlanta Public Schools this week relaxed its rules barring spectators from athletic events, restrictions the district put in place in response to the pandemic.

The spring season includes outdoor sports such as baseball, soccer and lacrosse. Some parents clamored for APS to allow attendees at games, saying other metro Atlanta districts permitted fans to watch in-person.

APS officially notified parents of the relaxed rules in a Wednesday email, though the change went into effect Monday.

The district will limit attendance at Grady and Lakewood stadiums to 30% of the venue’s capacity. Both stadiums can seat thousands under normal conditions, and officials do not expect attendance at spring games to come near the new threshold.

For contests held at smaller high school sites, the capacity will be limited to 200 to 250 people, not including the coaches and athletes.

Spectators must wear masks and practice social distancing. Before entering, fans will get their temperature checked and answer health screening questions. Concession stands will only sell prepackaged food.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Cobb County police Officer Matthew Clements Abbott was arrested Thursday and has since been relieved of duty, authorities said. (File/AJC)

Credit: Henri Hollis

Featured

Donald Trump's administration deployed the military to Washington, D.C., in the name of fighting crime, and in an Aug. 11 news conference he mentioned the possibility of military being sent to other large American cities, all of which are led by Black, Democratic mayors. And while Atlanta wasn't included in Trump's list, the city fits that profile under Mayor Andre Dickens. (Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty)

Credit: Philip Robibero