Collier County Public Schools will allow more fans at sporting events

Collier County Public Schools announced Tuesday more fans will be allowed in the stands during football and volleyball games.

CCPS says each football player and cheerleader will be allowed to invite two members from their household to both home and away games, something parents and athletes have been wanting.

“I think it’s good our parents can watch us,” said Lee Adragna, a student-athlete at Gulf Coast High School. “It makes it more fun knowing your fam is there supporting you.”

Eric Jarbo, a Gulf Coast High School parent of a senior football player and a cheerleader, says this means a lot to his family.

“We didn’t miss any games,” Jarbo said. “We made sure we went. We hung out outside the fences, and I have to tell you it is very difficult to watch football that way, but we did it. We were there to support our kids.”

Students are also happy to hear masks can be removed in P.E. classes and other outdoor time such as recess.

“I think it’s good that they are taking away a little bit of the restrictions because it is hard for students to sit in class with masks at all times,” Adragna said.

More people are also allowed inside gyms for volleyball games. Parents of the team currently playing can be inside. CCPS says that inside schools, masks will still be required and social distancing will remain in order.