Lehighton Area School District’s band and cheerleaders will be a part of home varsity football games under the sports attendance protocols released by athletic director Kyle Spotts on Thursday.

The move, however, means spectators will not be allowed for football games, given the state’s current guidelines of no more than 250 individuals at an outdoor event.

“The schools focus has been to allow our students to participate in the home football games which includes football players, band members and cheerleaders,” Spotts said. “Given the amount of students involved and our necessary personnel to operate a contest our numbers quickly add up to the 250 restricted amount.”

All hope is not lost for parents and fans to see home Indian football games. Spotts said he is hoping most games will be covered via some media platform, but if not, the district will look to live stream the event.

The state Senate and House of Representatives passed House Bill 2787, which would allow districts limits on the number of fans that can be in the stands as long as health and safety protocols are followed. Gov. Tom Wolf, however, said he plans to veto the bill.

Under Lehighton’s plan, spectators will be allowed at other sporting events in the stadium including soccer, field hockey, middle school football and junior varsity football.

“Only spectators with distributed tickets will be allowed entry,” Spotts said.

The state’s restriction of 25 people for an indoor event will also preclude the district from allowing spectators at home volleyball matches.