Fans are being banned from all fall sports in Miami Dade County, as an alumni and former student athlete of a Miami Dade County school, I have decided to create a petition for the voices of parents and students to be heard, that we want to watch our children and student athletes play.

First and foremost, I’d like to say that we understand our athletes being permitted to play was a battle to begin with, and we are grateful for the people that fought to make that opportunity happen.

Secondly, in no way, shape or form do we want to disregard the policies in place to keep our athletes and community safe. What we’re asking, is if rather than starting off with zero fans in the stands, we come up with a plan to accommodate everyone’s wishes, while still complying to the CDC guidelines.

I truly believe that seeing the stands empty can cause the players to feel down on themselves and result in a mental distraction as well as a lack of focus, which also can lead to unnecessary mistakes and injuries.

Traz Powell Stadium has a seating capacity of 8,000. Consider allowing the following 250 Band and cheer members as well as 1,000 spectators on each opposing side, which will be 1250 people on each side and a total of 2500 in attendance. Mandate MANDATORY masks and close concession and substitute for food trucks (if necessary). This will allow fans to be able to remain 6’ apart and follow the social distancing guidelines. Only allow ticket sales to be distribute at the schools and not on the day of event.

Telling us dozens of children can gather inside a classroom for an entire school day and do so safely, but adults can’t spread out in an outdoor stadium or indoor gymnasium for a couple of hours?. On the other hand, According to Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez’s, reopening plan, if we can reopen clubs, restaurants, banquet halls and business establishments why we can't make adjustments to reopen up stadiums and gymnasiums to spectators. 

So, we’re begging you, as a “phase 1” of fall sports, to please consider our plan to support our children while continuing to maintain the safety of our student athletes and community. Thank you.