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 people at an outdoor event.

“The school’s 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 with be covered via some media platform, but if not, the district will look to livestream 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.

“We will be allowing each member of Lehighton’s team to bring two spectators per event,” Spotts said. “The visiting team’s members will be allowed to bring two spectators per athlete as well. If an athlete will not be using all of their allotted two tickets they can distribute the extra to other individuals who requested additional. All spectators should social distance at all times and wear a mask upon entry in the stadium.”

Spotts said no other schools in the Schuylkill League are currently allowing visiting spectators.

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