In Buffalo Public Schools, football games are open to students only

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Buffalo Public Schools football games will be invitation-only for Buffalo Public Schools, the district announced Monday.

Superintendent Dr. Tonja Williams said each player and cheerleader is allowed to invite three student spectators to home games, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Adults are welcome to attend the games but must show ID.

The district said the changes are intended to “have a record of who is attending the games.”

All-High Stadium and Riverside High School will also be equipped with new security systems and gates will close 30 minutes after the start of the game. The district said it will also explore expanding live streaming of games to give fans the opportunity to watch games from home.

The changes come after the arrest of four people following a series of fights at All-High Stadium during a game between Bennett High School and McKinley High School on Friday, some of which also took place outside the stadium.

The game between Bennett and McKinley was abandoned at halftime due to the scuffle.

Additionally, all fans were asked to leave a game between Kenmore West and Lockport at Kenmore West on Saturday due to a student brawl. The game took place without fans.