Opinion: We Need a Bigger Area for the Football Game Student Section

It is the first home football game of the season, and you’ve been so excited. Upon entering, you see your friends, and you all go to the student section only to see your worst nightmare. There are no seats. Disappointed and angry, you are forced to stand, sit elsewhere, or, if you are brave, battle the roaring student section and band.

Going to the football games is a big deal for students here at CHS. Some may say it is a crucial part of having a nice high school experience. Students agree with the statement that we need more room for our student section at the games. There is simply not enough room, and it causes some students to have anxiety or panic. 

I also believe that we need more room or an extended area for our students and our band. 

First of all, it is way too chaotic for students to even get near the student section. Students are not allowed to stand near the rails when there is no room in the bleachers because of a police officer that is always stationed there. 

Second, it can be dangerous sitting or standing in the student section because of the pushing and excitement. The benches are not very comfortable or sturdy. When I stand in the student section and I can’t see, I stand on the bleachers. However, I find myself falling or almost falling several times throughout the game. 

Third, it can be very discouraging to students who can not get in the student section. They come to support the school yet they may not even be able to be with peers. They may have to sit with whoever brought them, middle school students, and people they do not know. This has happened to me and I did not like the situation at all. In fact, I felt like I had to get to the next game super early or just not go. 

However, it would be very hard to move and rearrange where the students, band, and parents sit.

Even though it may be difficult, it is very possible, if a group of students or teachers come together, to make new sections. For example, the students and band could be moved more towards the middle, we could have a parents (of the players) section, and then regular guests wherever else there is room. 

All in all, the students and I believe the student section should be bigger for a better football game experience.