Limited number of fans now allowed to attend indoor sporting events at ISD 166

In a sudden shift of policy, the Minnesota State High School League announced today (Oct. 8) that a limited number of fans will now be allowed to attend indoor sporting events.

This includes tonight’s season opener for the Cook County Vikings volleyball team. The Vikings host Esko starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Pam Taylor Gymnasium at ISD 166 in Grand Marais.

“There will be up to two fans per athlete at the game tonight if they register prior to the game with me,” ISD Activities Director Mitch Dorr said in a statement sent to WTIP this morning.

Mitch Dorr can be reached via email at: mdorr@isd166.org

House Republicans called for the Minnesota State High School League to reconsider its prohibition on spectators for events in public schools this fall and the league supported the request earlier today.

The MSHSL announced two spectators per participant now will be allowed to attend events in public school facilities. Participants include athletes, performers, competitors, student workers and coaches/advisors. Social distancing guidelines – including a 6-foot separation among spectators – apply.

State Rep. Paul Anderson is among House Republicans who urged the MSHSL to revisit its attendance guidelines. He said the ban on fans for indoor events at schools was arbitrary and inconsistent with state policies regarding gatherings amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

“This is good news and I thank the MSHSL for being responsive and making a change for the better on this issue,” Anderson said. “Common sense prevailed. The new guidelines are more consistent with our state’s standards. Most of all, I am happy for athletes and their families who will now enjoy a little more normalcy in their lives as far as competitions are concerned.”

Sterling Anderson October 8, 2020