Columbus East athletics officials are gearing up for what they expect will be a large crowd for Friday night’s football game against crosstown rival Columbus North.
To help spread out the flow of fans entering the game, gates will open at 5:30 p.m. instead of the normal 6 p.m. for the 7 p.m. game. Tickets are $6 per person.
Last year, admission to fall sporting events, including the East at North football game, was limited mostly to families of players, coaches and cheerleaders because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no such restrictions this year.
“I am expecting a big crowd,” East athletics director Pete Huse said. “Since most everybody missed the game last year, they see this as a wonderful opportunity to be back and see a great rivalry.”
Huse said the home bleachers at Stafford Field hold 4,000 people, and the visitors bleachers hold another 3,500. He estimated between 9,000 and 10,000 people were at East in 2019 for the North-East game.
“I’ve never seen it packed like that,” Huse said. “I don’t think we’ll get that many this year just because of COVID. I think people will take a few precautions. I’m anticipating around 5,000 or 6,000 this year.”
North girls game pushed back; boys add game
Columbus North’s girls soccer game scheduled for Saturday at Floyd Central has been pushed back to 6 p.m. JV/7:30 p.m. varsity start.
The North boys soccer team has added a game for Sept. 13 at East Central.
Edinburgh to host
Alumni Basketball
Edinburgh will host its Inaugural Alumni Basketball Game against Southwestern (Shelby) beginning at noon Oct. 2.
The Lancers and Spartans will play three games. The first will be for men who graduated in 2005 and earlier. The second is for women who graduated in 2018 or earlier, and the third is for men who graduated between 2006 and 2018.
Those interested in playing need to pre-register and purchase a team shirt for $10. Alumni cheerleaders also are welcome to participate.
Admission for fans will be $6.
