Local high school officials emphasized Michigan COVID-19 restrictions will affect how tickets are sold for fall sports.

With football drawing by far the largest attendance, the restrictions will leave local football stadiums looking sparse on Friday nights.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Executive Order 176 limits outdoor venue atttendance to 25% capacity or 500 people, whichever is smaller. The order mandates indoor venues to 25% capacity or 250 people, whichever is smaller.

Face coverings and social distancing between people not of the same household are required for spectators.

“Given the large number of participants at football games, including players, cheerleaders, and the marching band, our allotted number of spectators is maxed out,” Calumet High School athletic director Sean Jacques said. “Because of this, tickets will not be sold to the general public. Our first priority is to allow our students to participate in school-based activities, and to allow their parents to watch them do so. We are sorry for any problems that may arise from this policy, but until the spectator limit is raised by the Governor’s office, we must put limits in place.”

Calumet opens the season at Agassiz Field on Friday night against the Kingsford Flivvers.

Houghton High School athletic director John Sanregret said Houghton is in the same situation as Calumet. The Gremlins open their season Saturday afternoon hosting Bark River-Harris.

Hancock High School athletic director Chris Salani said tickets will be opened to the public only after football players have a chance to use their allotted tickets. The Bulldogs open the season Friday night hosting Gwinn.

Lake Linden-Hubbell High School athletic director Jack Kumpula said there will not be a voucher system for Lakes football games. The Lakes open

the season Saturday afternoon hosting Carney-Nadeau.

“We do not think we will get 500 fans and players to attend the game on Saturday,” Kumpula said. “It will be first come first serve when it comes to buying a ticket and getting into the game. We will be monitoring the crowd size but based on our ticket sales the last couple of years, everyone who wants to come watch the game should be able to get in.

“We do remind all spectators that for the safety of our athletes and our community the MHSAA does require that mask be worn by all persons who attend Saturday’s game.”