Bridgeport High School Principal Mark DeFazio isn’t exactly sure what caused the change, but he knows the number of advance tickets sold for the Indians second round Class AA football playoff game with Robert C. Byrd sold a ton more tickets than the opening round game with Liberty Raleigh. And he hopes the public takes advantage of another opportunity to purchase advance tickets for this weekend’s game.

 

“We sold more than $1,500 worth of tickets in advance, which was substantially more than the first playoff game,” said DeFazio. “I guess people knew it was going to be a big crowd and they heard the weather was going to cooperate.”

 

The stars are potentially lining up again for big sales. DeFazio said it’s his understanding that Bridgeport’s opponent in Saturday’s 1:30 p.m. Class AA semifinal at Wayne Jamison Field – Wayne High School – will be bringing a large contingent with them. He also said the forecast is looking somewhat favorable.

 

“Right now, it could reach 50 degrees and there’s only a small probability of rain,” he said. “That could change, but it looks like there should be decent weather for this time of the year.”

 

Anyone wishing to purchase tickets for the game needs to be at Bridgeport High School Friday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Those coming to the school to get tickets need to enter in through the back entrance by the cafeteria and near Bridgeport City Park.

 

Saturday’s 1:30 p.m. contest with the Pioneers will see the gates open at 11:30 a.m. Tickets in advance for that game are $5 for students and $7 for adults. All tickets on game day will cost $7 regardless of adult or student.

 

It should also be noted that the front lot in front of Wayne Jamison Field, which is for reserved parking during the regular season, is on a first-come, first serve basis. Reserved seating also is not allowed during the postseason.

 

“The reason for that is that it’s a WVSSAC event as opposed to a Bridgeport High School event,” said DeFazio recently about that process. “We’re simply hosting the game for them and have to follow their postseason rules.”

 

What that means is that student or even senior passes do not work for the game. The only passes accepted are WVSSAC coaches and media passes.

 

“Getting the advance tickets can save you a few dollars and it helps us out too. It makes things a little easier on us and those selling tickets because people tend to get a little upset if they have to wait in line,” said DeFazio. “Even though we have four booths, you often get individuals who get upset if they have to wait anytime at all.”

 

DeFazio also said he apologizes for those who may be dismayed about showing up early in the morning or just after the gates open hoping to save seats. He said that is not allowed.

 

“We remind our fans that according to the WVSSAC you are not allowed to save seats prior to the game.  We apologize for the inconvenience, but we’re following the SSAC guidelines,” said DeFazio.

 

Click HERE for a BHS football photo gallery from practice this week.

 

Editor's Note: Photos by Ben Queen of www.benqueenphotography.com.