It is taking longer than expected to finish the new homeside of Tiger Stadium, but principal Dr. Del Phillips has been assured the stadium will be ready Thursday night.
The Tigers will host Clarksdale in the season opener beginning at 7 p.m.
"There may be a small section not finished," Phillips said, "but it will have that orange fence around it."
Phillips said if there is an unfinished section, it will be in the upper north corner and will only affect approximately 100 seats.
There are a few changes Phillips wanted the public to know when the new football season kicks off.
Number one is parking. Parking for homeside seats is in the Batesville Jr. High parking lot. Handicap parking is available near the bridge on the East side of the stadium.
"If you park on the gravel in the visitor parking, you will have to buy a ticket. All the other access areas will be roped off," Phillips said.
This year everyone in the stadium will have to be in a seat, according to Phillips. No standing around under the stands will be allowed.
He said the administration and the police will do what they can to make sure the areas are not so congested.
"We want everyone to do what they came to the stadium to do: watch football," Phillips said.
Next, Phillips suggests bringing a pair of shades for the first quarter. He said he has been watching the sunset and it will be about 7:35 p.m. when the sun gets below the visitor side stadium seats.
Remember, all South Panola home games and all away games but Columbus will begin at 7 p.m.
The gates will open at 6 p.m., Phillips said.
Come by the office for a copy of today’s edition of Playbook 2003 – an in-depth preseason look at all the local football teams.
