Fans attending tonight’s Elmore County-Carroll football game will have to go through increased security to enter Burt-Haynie Field in Eclectic, the site of a football game that was postponed last week over a threat of gun violence that created “hysteria” among attendees.

Superintendent Richard Dennis told AL.com Friday that the school system purchased more than 20 hand-held wands that they will use for extracurricular events occurring at the larger venues within the district’s four high schools and five middle schools.

“As far as threats, you get all sorts that are made,” Dennis said. “But from a gun standpoint, when people start doing that these days, it becomes very real. It’s not something we joke or kid about and it is to be taken seriously.”

Dennis referenced the mass shooting Wednesday at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga., in which a 14-year-old gunman killed two students and two teachers and injuring several others.

“When someone says, ‘they will shoot this place up,’ it sends another message,” he said.

Dennis said the hand wands will be used at the entrance to the school system’s football stadiums, including at Burt-Haynie Field tonight to prevent any prohibited items from entering the premises. The Elmore County Panthers host the Carroll Eagles at 7 p.m.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy for weapons on our campus, and any violators will be trespassed and/or arrested,” Dennis wrote in a social media post late Thursday that was circulated throughout the school system. “Our priority is to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.”

Misinformation, hysteria

The stepped-up security comes one week after the Tallasee-Elmore County game was postponed when law enforcement officials discovered a threat of violence through social media. The game was stopped in the third quarter with the score at 14-14, and Dennis said he remains uncertain if the game will be restarted. The Alabama High School Association is in charge of determining whether to resume the game, and Dennis said the association has not informed him on whether that will take place.

The postponement came because of misinformation, miscommunication, a lack of cell service inside the stadium and fear that began to spread during the football game, Dennis said.

He said a group of people from Tallasee, whom police from Tallasee identified as making a threat of violence, were searched during the football game, Dennis said. No weapons were found on them, and they reportedly left the stadium.

But the group later returned to the stadium, and “gossip” about weapons being on site began to spread. Information got back to the high school principals about the potential for guns within the stadium, and that’s when the game was postponed, Dennis added.

“People got more nervous about this because they couldn’t get their phones to work and that was troublesome as well,” Dennis said, referring to the lack of cell service at Burt-Haynie Field.

No weapons were found.

“The situation in Dadeville, who are neighbors to the northeast, and in Tallasee, you have shootings going on,” Dennis said, referring to the April 15, 2023, mass shooting that occurred during a 16th birthday party in Dadeville in which four people were killed and 32 injured. “When (the gossip about weapons) started, all of that came up again. This was swirling around and it created hysteria.”

School rules

Dennis said the school system is also sending a message that no guns are allowed on school property, even if someone is legally carrying them. Alabama is an “open carry” state which means that most adults can carry a firearm without a gun permit, though guns are prohibited from athletic venues.

“Having a weapon on campus is not allowable,” Dennis said. “We have individuals who think that because they live in Alabama, they can do it. But on campus, we control that guideline and do not allow it.”

Related content: Alabama lawmakers debate over concealed carry permits could include whether to allow guns at school sporting events

Aside from hand wands, fans should be aware of the following when attending games at Burt-Haynie Field:

• Anyone attending the game will enter through the North Gate, which will open at 5:30 p.m. on game days and for cash or GoFan tickets. The Pass Gate under the home bleachers will be used for season ticket holders and those with passes for entry. The South Gate near the fieldhouse will be for Exit Only.
• The school system is working to run golf carts to help fans who may need assistance walking to that end of the stadium.
• All children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 21.
• There are no passes out for any reasons, and fans are encouraged to prepare for possible rain as they enter the stadium.
• The stadium maintains a clear bag policy.

“Please understand there might be longer lines than usual while we implement this new procedure,” the school system posted on its Facebook pages.