Kingsport, TN, October 26, 2025
News Summary
Kingsport City Schools has announced new safety measures for the upcoming high school football season at Dobyns-Bennett High School. These regulations include a clear bag policy to improve security and fan experience at J. Fred Johnson Stadium. Fans are encouraged to arrive early and comply with the new bag restrictions. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. The first game kicks off against Knox Central in late August, with a home game against Asheville shortly after. KCS aims to ensure a safe and welcoming atmosphere for all attendees.
Kingsport, TN – Kingsport City Schools (KCS) has announced the implementation of new safety policies for the 2025 high school football season at Dobyns-Bennett High School. These measures are aimed at enhancing safety and improving fan experiences during football games at J. Fred Johnson Stadium.
Notable among the new regulations is a clear bag policy. This policy mandates that bags brought into the stadium must be transparent and adhere to size restrictions of no more than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. In addition, fans will be allowed to bring one-gallon resealable zip-top bags and small clutch purses that do not exceed 6 inches by 9 inches. This initiative is intended to facilitate quicker entry and improve security screening for attendees.
To ensure a smooth experience at the stadium, Dobyns-Bennett encourages fans to arrive early and comply with the new bag policy. For those in need, some clear Dobyns-Bennett-branded bags will be available for purchase at the Activities Office.
As part of the new attendance guidelines, children aged 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult to enter J. Fred Johnson Stadium. Additionally, high school students are encouraged to present a school or state-issued ID for entry. Frankie DeBusk, the Athletic Director at Dobyns-Bennett, has highlighted the initiative’s aim of creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere on game nights.
KCS Assistant Superintendent Andy True emphasized the importance of establishing a safe environment for the numerous attendees at games that can vary in attendance from 3,000 to 8,000 people.
The 2025 football season for Dobyns-Bennett is set to kick off with an away game against Knox Central on August 22. The first home game will be held on August 29 at 7 p.m. against Asheville.
Key Safety Measures for Football Games
- Clear Bag Policy: Only transparent bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ allowed.
- One-gallon resealable zip-top bags and small clutch purses under 6″ x 9″ are permitted.
- Encouragement for fans to arrive early for quicker entry.
- Children under 14 must be with an adult to enter the stadium.
- High school students should present a school or state-issued ID for entry.
Upcoming Games Schedule
- Away Game: August 22, 2025 – Knox Central
- Home Game: August 29, 2025 – Asheville at 7 p.m.
Background Information
The introduction of these policies comes as high school football games continue to draw significant crowds, necessitating enhanced safety protocols. The actions taken by KCS reflect a growing trend among schools nationwide to prioritize the security and comfort of all attendees at sporting events.
FAQ
What are the new safety policies for the Dobyns-Bennett football games?
The measures aim to improve safety and enhance fan experiences at Dobyns-Bennett High School football games.
What is the clear bag policy?
Bags must be transparent and cannot exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ in size. Fans can bring one-gallon resealable zip-top bags and small clutch purses that do not exceed 6″ x 9″.
Why is the clear bag policy being enforced?
The clear bag policy is designed for quicker entry and improved security screening.
What are the requirements for children entering J. Fred Johnson Stadium?
Children 14 and under must be accompanied by an adult to enter J. Fred Johnson Stadium.
When does the Dobyns-Bennett football season start?
Dobyns-Bennett’s football season starts on August 22 with an away game against Knox Central.
When is the first home game for Dobyns-Bennett?
The first home game for Dobyns-Bennett will be on August 29 at 7 p.m. against Asheville.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Clear Bag Policy | Transparent bags only; max size 12″ x 6″ x 12″ |
| Permitted Bag Types | One-gallon zip-top bags; small clutch purses under 6″ x 9″ |
| Children’s Entry Requirement | Children 14 and under must be with an adult |
| First Away Game Date | August 22, 2025 |
| First Home Game Date | August 29, 2025, at 7 p.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bristol, TN Experiences Diverse Weather and Community Activities
Kingsport City Implements New Safety Policies for Football Season
Additional Resources
- MaxPreps: Football Recap
- Google Search: Dobyns-Bennett football
- WJHL: New Clear Bag Policy
- Wikipedia: Dobyns-Bennett High School
- The Tennessean: TN High School Football Scores
- Google News: TN High School Football
- MaxPreps: Game Preview
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Football
- WJHL: Thursday Football
- Google Scholar: High School Football Policies
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