Limited number of fans allowed at the high school state championship football games

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Colorado High School Activities Associations announced Tuesday a limited amount of fans will be allowed into the stands during the upcoming high school championship football games.

CHSAA said The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment sent a letter Monday night, saying the agency "has modified its position on spectators to allow a maximum of 75 spectators in the stands, per team, which is the limit of the outdoor seated events guidance provided in Public Health Order 20-36 COVID-19."

On November 25, officials restricted the games to only players, athletic staff, cheerleaders, band members, broadcast staff, and other essential personal. CHSAA petitioned a reconsideration request on November 27, in hopes of allowing some fans into the games.

"We celebrate each incremental decision, even those delayed, as we continue to intentionally advocate for CHSAA schools and school communities in resuming safe and equitable participation during the disruptive impact of COVID-19," said CHSAA Commissioner Rhonda Blanford-Green.

Under the new guidelines:

• Non-household groups must maintain 6 feet of distance
• Each group of 75 must enter and exit through different entrances
• Each group must use different facilities, such as restrooms
• All spectators (along with non-active participants, coaches, officials, and staff) must wear masks without exception

The championship games begin Thursday and last through Saturday. They are being held at the Neta and Eddie De Rose ThunderBowl at CSU-Pueblo.