Metro mom starts petition demanding some fans be allowed at high school games

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A Metro Schools mom has started a petitioncalling for officials to allow some fans at high school games.

Hillwood High School senior Jasmine Lively said she’s happy officials made the decision to not cancel fall sports. "I’m excited to finally be back and do cheer because I’ve been missing it a little bit, because that was like my second family was cheer, we always had such a close bond," Lively said.

No spectators at sports is tough for Felicia and Ron Lively because it's their last year to watch their daughter cheer at high school football games.

“That really just hurt us because we’ve attended all of her games, and we just can’t imagine not being able to attend, and we went to a game on Friday in Sumner County, and I was literally just in tears over the fact of not being able to go and support her school, her senior year, have senior night," Felicia Lively said.

Dr. Adrienne Battle, the director of Metro Nashville Public Schools, issued a statement to parents this week that said:

“We know our MNPS family and the entire Nashville community are eager to support our student-athletes at upcoming games and matches. Unfortunately, because of the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, spectators will not be allowed to attend sporting events. We want to do everything we can to give our student-athletes the best chance possible to participate fully in their athletic programs this fall.

That’s why, over the next seven days, live-streaming technology will be installed in our stadiums – and soon in our gyms as well – so fans can tune in online and not miss a minute of play. High schools will share more information about how to stream their games online over the next few days as those details are finalized.”

"It can just weigh a toll on some kids,” Felicia Lively said, “Some kids may be mentally okay with that, but some kids may need that support system there, and so we are just truly hoping and praying that they hear our concerns."

Felicia started a petition asking school officials to let students have two guests at games starting October 1st when Nashville goes to phase 3. Jasmine is crossing her fingers, "because I always look at them when I’m cheering, I rarely look at anyone else, so it’s just going to be really awkward not see them there at all."

In addition, Felicia said some parents are concerned about not being present if their child gets injured at a game. Second, the Tennessee Titans are going to start having fans soon, so they think high school games should be able to have them too.

Hillwood High School takes on McGavock High School’s football team Friday evening.