Schools
District Taking Precautions in Preparation for Rivalry Football Game
Game could have up to 2,500 fans in attendance, says superintendent.
is looking to take measures to ensure the smooth operation of its Thanksgiving Eve. football showdown against rival Pompton Lakes.
According to district superintendent Mario Cardinale, the district anticipates as many as 2,500 fans at the game, with plenty from both schools. On average, the Bulldogs (6-0) usually see anywhere between 1,000 to 1,200 patrons per game.
In light of this, the district is in talks with local —as well as key administrators in the Pompton Lakes School District—to ensure that proper measures are taken well in advance in regards to safety and health factors surrounding the game.
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“We’re looking at a number of things to where the game and safety or health or traffic concerns are the prime directive, the prime focus for that night,” said Cardinale. “We have to recognize that this is potentially a great game, and also a potential health and safety concern that we need to look at.”
Probable measures include beefing up security at the game. Under normal circumstances, Butler has four local officers on security patrol during home games. Cardinale speculates that the number of officers for the Pompton Lakes game could reach as many as 10.
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The game has also been moved up an hour to ease traffic and officer availability concerns. The original start time of the contest was slated for 6 p.m. that night. Now, it will begin at 5 p.m.
“That was a time developed in consultation with the police,” said Cardinale.
To put a cap on the number of people in attendance, both school districts are currently formulating a plan to sell tickets in advance in a way that makes tickets available to the student body and the general public alike.
“We’re going to do a big publicity campaign,” said Cardinale. “We’re looking to do advanced sales, limiting the amount of sales.”
By taking all of these measures, Cardinale is hopeful that, by the time Nov. 23 rolls around, there will be only one focus on everyone’s mind: enjoying a great football game between two talented high school teams.
“There’s no understanding or assumption of anything other than a good resumption of a good, old-fashioned rivalry,” said Cardinale.
