Alton High football games have finally reopened after being closed to the general public for two weeks. The games were closed due to countless acts of violence and harm at the high school. This affected the players, since they were unable to have an audience and student section there to cheer them on.
“I prefer the Redbird Nest to be there because it provides a better environment to play in,” said sophomore left guard Gabriel Crowder.
The reopening for spectators provides much more excitement during games for the Redbird Nest and the football players.
“I think it’s really fun and gives kids an opportunity to hang out with their friends outside of school,” sophomore and Redbird Nest member Macie Tyler said.
The reopening came with very strong rules for the Redbird Nest. All students had to sit in the bleachers and designated student sections. Students were also not allowed to stand in the mezzanine area or walkways. Students could get up to get food from the concession stands and then had to sit back down right after.
“Not having the support of your community within any sport is hard. As athletes and coaches, we feed off the energy of the crowd, and that usually motivates the teams when the game isn’t going to plan,” running back coach Jessie Riley said.
The safety restrictions may have affected some of the Redbird Nest members, considering that some of them were reprimanded for rules about sitting down.
“I noticed if you compare the nest this year to last year’s nest, it has definitely decreased in the amount of peppiness, the number of people going, and it is just not as great. I would blame that on the restrictions,” said Kamora Ramsey, sophomore and Redbird Nest member.
Having the games open again seems to have a good impact on both athletes and supporters.
