All varsity high school home football and volleyball games will be livestreamed or telecasted this year to allow fans to watch these events online.
Football is one of the biggest sports of the season because of the large number of student participants including football players, cheerleaders, drill team members, band members, and others.
In order to increase accessibility to high school football games while preventing the spread of COVID-19, the University Interscholastic League (UIL) will allow live telecasts of high school football games on Friday nights during the regular season of the 2020-2021 school year.
“Fans can now watch their favorite HCISD high school team from the comfort and safety of their home,” Director of Athletics Robert Davies said.
HCISD has partnered with Rio Sports Live to broadcast all varsity high school home games for free on Riosportslive.com. This includes the home games for varsity volleyball as well.
The first livestreamed and home football game will be the 2020-2021 Bird Bowl which will be held on October 30.
“I can’t wait for Friday Night Lights at Boggus,” Davies said.
Fans who would like to watch the game from the stands will have a chance to purchase tickets, but seating will be very limited and there are several new guidelines spectators must adhere to when attending a game in person.
“On the field, football will be football,” Davies said. “In the stands, we will have limited seating, spectators must wear masks, social distancing will be enforced, and there will be drinks only at the concessions.”
No tickets will be sold at the gate. All tickets must be purchased online and in advance. Ticket sales will be staggered and will become available to the parents of students directly participating in the event first, followed by 2019 Ticket Season holders. Then they will become available to other spectators.
All UIL, county, and HCISD guidelines, including mask requirements and social distancing protocols, will be followed at every sporting event this year.
All sports have adjusted their guidelines to promote health and safety for everyone involved.
The Athletics Department is currently working on a plan to livestream other high school varsity sports and varsity middle school games too.
For more information on ticket sales or guidelines visit the HCISD athletic website at www.hcisd.org/athletics.
