BLUEFIELD, WV (WOAY) – Bluefield High School and Mercer County Public Schools are upping security at the championship basketball game tomorrow night between Bluefield and Wyoming East.
The updated policy comes after a shooting last Friday night in the parking lot outside the Brushfork Armory. It happened shortly after the Bluefield High School- Summers County playoff boys basketball game.
Mercer County Schools said that the shooting was not in connection to the game itself. Rather, they say it was an outside dispute that spilled over into the parking lot.
Spectators will now be restricted with the types of items they bring to the game. Each person is permitted to bring a large clear bag and a small purse-type clutch bag.
There will be exceptions for medically necessary items and seat cushions, but all items are subject to inspection.
A parent or guardian must accompany all children under high school age. You are not allowed to re-enter the venue, even if you pay for another ticket.
The policy took effect on February 25. There will be extra lighting in the parking lot and more police officers on duty.
The school system did not say whether or not the new policy is in direct connection to last Friday’s incident. However, a statement released at the time of the shooting said that the school was committed to protecting students.
“Please know we will do everything in our power to keep our students, staff, families and fans safe and incidents of this manner will not be tolerated,” Superintendant Edward Toman said.
