Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Rolls Out New Security Rules for Big-Draw Events

Starting this week, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools put strict new rules in place for select events - particularly games. The changes affect games marked as "High Profile with Extraordinary Circumstances." Fans must now buy tickets in advance, and venues will cap attendance.

No more game-day ticket sales. All purchases must wrap up by 2 p.m. the day before. Each Monday, staff meets to plan security and set ticket limits for upcoming matches.

"This will allow officials to determine an accurate estimate of a crowd size and eliminate turning patrons away at the gate in a sell-out," said district officials in a statement to WBTV.

What makes a game high-profile? Expected turnout tops the list. Past incidents at venues matter too. So do nearby events and special requests from schools, administrators, or law enforcement. Staff must decide by Monday afternoon which games need extra protection.

The new plan adds police presence and cuts entry points. Food and drink stands now sit in designated zones. Plus, students can't attend games at schools they don't attend.

Age restrictions now apply. Kids under 16 must bring an adult. Sometimes that age limit jumps to 18. The schools won't accept passes from seniors or staff at these special games.

The changes seem to work. Since starting these rules, sports events have stayed trouble-free. Not a single arrest in weeks.

For now, football games on Oct. 18 won't need special handling. While most fields fit 4,000 fans, big games now max out between 1,050 and 1,500 people.

These rules stick around all year: winter sports, spring matches, you name it. And if schools want to add more safety steps, even for regular games, they can.