Fans could return to high school sports, March 22
KingCo Conference and Renton Schools have not announced plans yet.
Lindbergh girls soccer vs Highline at Renton Stadium where fans were not allowed to cheer on the team. This will change March 22 as the state moves into Phase 3.
March 12, 2021
***UPDATE 3pm ***
WIAA has stated in a press release that spectator rules issued by the Governor will begin Thursday March 18. No additional information if KingCo Conference or the Renton School District will have the same timeline.
Original Post
Gov. Jay Inslee announced Thursday that Healthy Washington: Roadmap to Recovery will be transitioning from a regional approach to a county-by-county evaluation process. The governor also announced a new third phase of the Roadmap and a return for in-person spectators for professional and high school sports to take effect on March 22. Currently the only way fans can watch their athletes is by the NFHS Network for games at the stadium or LHS gym and Facebook Live for other sports.
Sports guidance will change in Phase 3 to allow in-person spectators at events for the first time in a year. Spectators will be allowed to attend outdoor venues with permanent seating with capacity capped at 25%. The change affects both professional and high school sports, as well as motorsports, rodeos, and other outdoor spectator events. Social distancing and facial covering are still required.
The new phase also allows for up to 400 people maximum to attend outdoor activities, as well as events in indoor facilities — so long as 400 people does not exceed 50% capacity for the location, and physical distancing and masking protocols are enforced. Larger venue events are capped at 25% occupancy, or up to 9,000 people, whichever is less, and must follow spectator guidelines.
Most athletic events in the district only draw between 5-20% capacity with exception to basketball and football.
An official announcement has not been made by the KingCo Conference or the Renton School District.
