Bethlehem Football Stadium Safety

Aug 12, 2023

As football season kicks off, Bethlehem Area School District wants sports fans to be aware of its safety measures at the district stadium, which sits behind Liberty High School.

Any purses or bags brought into the stadium must be clear, and they will be checked before entry. Backpacks and tote bags are not allowed into the stadium. The district had a similar bag policy last season.

Outside food or beverages will not be allowed into the stadium either.

School officials and police officers will be stationed at the entry gates, which open at 6 p.m. Both district high schools, as well as Bethlehem Catholic High School, use BASD Stadium for home games.

Liberty’s first home game is 7 p.m. Thursday against East Stroudsburg North. Freedom High School’s first home game is 7 p.m. Friday against the Parkland Trojans. Bethlehem Catholic’s first home game is 3 p.m. Saturday against the Whitehall Zephyrs.

Spectators also cannot leave and reenter the stadium, except to comply with security requirements. There will be no ticket purchases or admittance to the stadium after halftime. Loitering will not be permitted. Safety announcements will be made before and during games.

A district statement reads: “We appreciate that these proactive, modern security measures may not always be convenient for spectators, but they are absolutely necessary to support the safety of our students, families, and community. We all play a critical role in stadium safety, and we thank you in advance for your cooperation.”

At a Liberty football game in October, a boy was arrested after bringing a gun into the stadium.

Morning Call reporter Jenny Roberts can be reached at 484-903-1732 and [email protected].

Sign up for email newsletters