District Pilots 'Clear Bag or No Bag' Entry Procedure

Charleston County School District (CCSD) will begin piloting a "clear bag or no bag" entry procedure at Wando High School football games at the new District 2 Regional Stadium this school year. This initiative is intended to enhance the safety of the thousands of spectators who will attend contests at the facility; the measure is scheduled to go into effect for the Warriors' first home varsity football game Friday, Aug. 31.

Implementing a "clear bag or no bag" procedure will make it quicker and easier for school staff members and on-site law enforcement officers to identify prohibited items and reduce the likelihood of contraband entering the stadium.

Each ticketed individual is allowed to carry one clear tote bag that cannot exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. A small clutch or wallet can also be carried into the stadium by hand or within the clear bag if it does not exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Other small permissible items such as keys, wallets, cell phones, credit cards, and cash may be carried in a pocket or by hand. Prohibited items include weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and electronic cigarettes. Outside food and drinks, laser pointers, and non-service animals are also prohibited at Wando football games.

"We are very excited to welcome visitors to the new regional stadium this year," said Wando High School principal Dr. Sherry Eppelsheimer. "We want spectators to have an enjoyable experience when they visit our campus, and these new safety enhancements will help ensure that we host a safe event."

Please be reminded of other safety measures in place at Wando athletic events. Re-entry will not be permitted for individuals who leave the stadium after receiving clearance to enter. If a child is not in high school (meaning middle school grades and below), they must be accompanied by a responsible guardian while attending an event at the stadium.

"The opening of the new stadium in District 2 presents an excellent opportunity to pilot this new initiative," said Michael Reidenbach, CCSD's director of security and emergency management. "This new security enhancement is consistent with guidance issued by the South Carolina High School League and procedures at university and community event venues, and we hope that we establish a successful system that can be replicated later at other CCSD athletic venues."

If fans want to show their school spirit while complying with this new procedure, Wando High School will have special Warrior-branded bags for sale. These bags will be available to students during the day at the school store or to spectators who visit the Warrior Shop inside the stadium on game nights; the cost is $7.

For more information about the safety pilot program, contact the Office of Strategy and Communications at (843) 937-6303. A "Frequently Asked Question" page about this initiative is available on the Wando High School website, wandohigh.ccsdschools.com.

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