KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Dobyns-Bennett High School has announced guidelines that will be in place at J. Fred Johnson Stadium during the 2020 football season.  The guidelines outline the safety and operational expectations for guests visiting Dobyns-Bennett to ensure the healthiest possible environment.

"We understand that these guidelines may not be what our supporters are traditionally used to on a game night in J. Fred Johnson Stadium," said Dobyns-Bennett Athletic Director Frankie DeBusk.  "However, we hope our fans will recognize these steps are in place to protect health and safety as we all do our part to help make a full season of football Friday nights possible this season."  

Seating will be limited to 50 percent capacity, with all spectators required to pass a temperature check upon entry, wear a face mask at all times, and practice social distancing while in attendance.  Gates will open at 6 p.m. (1.5 hours before kickoff).  Children 14-years-old and younger will not be admitted without an adult and must be supervised at all times.  

Additional seating is available to guests this season and its use is encouraged so that fans may social distance while in attendance.  Please be aware that all unsold seats will be available to all ticket holders to allow for this safety practice.  There will be two D-B student sections provided in a defined location and social distancing and wearing of face masks will be expected.  The D-B Band will utilize the bleachers on the visitors' side and end zone and will practice social distancing.   

Tickets to D-B football games will NOT be sold on game night at the stadium.  Single-game seats will be sold in advance only at the D-B Activities Office Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.  Tickets will be sold weekly or until the 50 percent capacity limit is reached.  All individual game tickets are $7.  As a service to our community, D-B football games this season will be live streamed for free on YouTube.  To access the game, visit the D-B athletics website (athletics.k12k.com) or search for the game directly on YouTube.

Game-night concessions will be available, but limited this season to ensure safety.  All food options will be prepackaged and will include items such as hot dogs, corn dogs, chicken sandwiches, crackers, candy, bottled Pepsi products, and water.  Plexiglass barriers have been installed to protect concession personnel and gloves and masks will be worn by all employees serving concessions.  Floor markings have been placed in concession lines to encourage social distancing. 

In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, spectators and fans from either team will not be allowed to access the playing field after the game this season.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice, and an alternative learning program; with total enrollment over 7,700 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to Inspire. Cultivate. Impact.

For more information on KCS, visit www.k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, download our mobile app for Apple/Android devices or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District), Instagram (@kcs_district), LinkedIn (Kingsport City Schools), and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).  

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