Governor announces increase in spectator capacity at high school sporting events

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper released the details of a new executive order on Wednesday that will ease COVID-19 restrictions in a number of different areas, including high school sporting events.

Under the new order, spectator capacity at high school sporting events will be allowed to increase.

The new executive order goes into effect on on Friday at 5 p.m. Outdoor sports venues can have a maximum of 30% of its stated capacity, eliminating the 100-person cap. Indoor sports venues can also have a maximum capacity of 30%, but it is capped at 250 people.

Right now, spectator restrictions at high school sporting events have been strict. Only 25 spectators have been allowed at indoor contests, while 100 spectators have been allowed at outdoor contests. The new executive order will increase those numbers substantially.

For example, the average outdoor stadium at Wake County schools has a stated capacity of about 2,500 people, but there are outliers. The smallest stadium has a capacity of about 2,000, while the largest stadium has a capacity of about 7,000. A stadium with a capacity of 2,500 people would be allowed to admit 750 people. In a statement Wednesday afternoon, Wake County Public School System said it has not made any changes to its policy yet.

"We will be re-evaluating our spectator policies in light of the new guidelines set forth by the governor. We will share any updates to those policies if and when they are made," the district said in a statement.

Outdoor venues for sports like baseball and softball have much smaller stated capacities. In some school districts, schools have separate soccer stadiums, which are also typically much smaller than the school's stadium.

N.C. High School Athletic Association Commissioner Que Tucker released a statement on Wednesday afternoon after Cooper's announcement.

"The NCHSAA is grateful for the improvements in the state’s COVID-19 metrics. These improvements provide the opportunities for North Carolina’s students to return to the classroom in many cases and resume the optimal learning environment that in-person learning provides. We are also excited for the opportunity to allow parents and some fans from the community the opportunity to attend sporting events in-person to support their loved ones," Tucker said.

Tucker said she is glad that there will be a little more normalcy when it comes to high school sports, but said those involved in high school sports need to continue to do their part to make sure COVID-19 trends continue in the right direction.

"We want to do our part to make sure that this step forward does not lead to a step backwards. Simply put, we cannot afford further setbacks," Tucker said. "As we begin relaxing some restrictions on spectators, please diligently work together to keep these opportunities available for student-athletes and spectators by wearing a mask, maintaining social distance and washing your hands regularly."

In an email to member schools on Wednesday, Tucker said the NCHSAA Board of Directors met on Tuesday and voted to move forward with the guidance issued by the governor.

Spectator legislation still alive

Multiple bills are being considered in the state legislature regarding spectator attendance at high school sporting events.

Earlier Wednesday, Senate Republicans held a press conference to discuss Senate Bill 116, called "Let Them Play and Let Us Watch." Sen. Todd Johnson (R-Union), who sponsored the bill, said he hoped Cooper would take steps to allow more fans into games because his executive action would be quicker than legislative action, but he said he will continue to pursue the bill until at least 40% capacity is permitted.

Senate Bill 116 would allow for up to 40% capacity at outdoor sporting events, but does not address indoor sporting events. It would also allow schools and local districts to decrease capacity if needed.

A separate bill was filed in the State House this week. House Bill 128 would require schools to allow at least 25% capacity at all sporting events, and would give schools the option to increase capacity to as much as 50%.

This is a developing story. This story will be updated.