Patriot fans attending home football games at Southern Bancorp Stadium can now skip the lines at the ticket booth on game night by purchasing advance tickets for each varsity contest.
The move is part of the ongoing effort to improve the gameday experience for local football fans. Advance tickets can be purchased at Marion High School, Marion Junior High School, or at the MSD Central Office. All tickets will cost $5. Anyone with an advance ticket will be able to bypass the ticket booth when entering the stadium and proceed directly to the pass gate.
“This is simply a way to create greater convenience for Patriot fans and visiting fans,” said Derek Harrell, MSD athletic director. “We want the gameday experience to be safe and enjoyable for everyone attending. Advance ticket sales will create a smoother, more efficient experience for everyone arriving to watch our football games.”
Tickets will also be sold at the gate. Gameday passes, including those for Patriot Partners, AAA members, MSD staff, and Marion athletes, will be accepted for all ticket purchases. The change will only impact Marion’s senior high varsity football games. No changes for ticket sales at other events are planned at this time.
This is one of several steps the district has taken to improve the gameday experience. Last year, the district added a second concession stand parked in the southwest corner of Southern Bancorp Stadium. The new stand is for use by students, while the main stand is used by adults. The menu is the same at both concession stands. The move has been effective in shortening wait times and easing congestion.
Other enhancements to the gameday experience include pre-game music, performances by the MHS cheerleaders, fireworks after Patriot touchdowns, and pre-game and halftime performances from the award-winning Patriot Pride Marching Band. This Friday’s game (Sept. 22) will also include the 2023 Marion High School homecoming court presentation, as well as a combined performance from the junior high and high school bands. Students from Herbert Carter Global Community Magnet will lead the Pledge of Allegiance before the game.
To enhance security at all Patriot home games, the district has implemented a clear bag policy for athletic events throughout the school year. Details of that policy can be found here.
“We want the fans attending our home football games to have a great experience in every facet of the evening,” Harrell said. “We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping make our athletic events a safe, enjoyable experience for all those attending, whether it’s players, parents, students, or fans in the community.”
For anyone attending Patriot sporting events the following guidelines are in place:
- Preschool children and students in grades K-6 will not be allowed to attend games without adult (beyond high school age) supervision. Students in grades 7-12 must have a school ID to attend games. Students without an ID will be denied entry into the game.
- Parents are responsible for their children; please keep small children with you.
- Good sportsmanship should be displayed at all times. “Booing,” cursing, and/or offensive language or gestures are not allowed.
- Students choosing to leave the event will not be allowed to re-enter.
- Students are not to loiter in the restrooms, concession area, ramps, etc.
- Fans/students are to sit on the side they enter. You will not be allowed to “roam” between the visitor and home sections.
- Fans/students are to adhere to all Marion School District and AAA Guidelines. Those choosing not to do so may be required to leave without a refund.
- Parents are responsible for transporting their children from the event in a timely fashion. Beyond 30 minutes of the event concluding, any student who has not been picked up will have their student ID confiscated and denied access to future events.
- Backbacks will not be allowed in any athletic venue.
For those not able to attend in person, the Marion School District provides free livestream coverage of each game at MarionPatriots.com and via the Marion Patriot Activities Network YouTube channel.
The Marion School District is an innovative and growing district committed to helping every student find their unique path to success in school and in life. With more than 150 years of experience serving families in Crittenden County, the district offers a high school, a junior high, a seventh grade academy, and three award-winning magnet schools. For enrollment information, including information on school choice, visit https://www.msd3.org/ or call 870-739-5100.