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Rivalry games between cross-town opponents can often get heated, not only with players but with fans in the stands. Tensions can flare, especially when the game means something for the postseason.

The LaGrange-Troup game always has a little more pride on the line than a typical game regular season game this year there’s a bit extra. The winner will earn a home playoff start and the loser will likely be on the road to start the playoffs.

Because of the potential for a heated game, the Troup County School System has reminded students and fans of the rules and expectations for attendees of Friday night’s game.

Most of the procedures are the same as any TCSS athletic event but there is one rule specifically for rivalry games. In Friday’s LaGrange-Troup game, attendees will need to enter either the home side, this year LaGrange, or the away side (Troup), and they will not be allowed to move to the opposite side.

The rule is only for rivalry games, said Irisha Goodman, Director of Public Relations for TCSS. She said the rule is the same for the Callaway-Troup and the Callaway-LaGrange game.

The remaining rules are for every TCSS athletic event.

Out of safety precautions, only clear bags are allowed in the game and no full-face masks or full face coverings are allowed. Everyone will also be screened with a weapon detection system before entering the stadium.

Students who are suspended, expelled or have been assigned The HOPE Academy are not allowed to attend school events.

Attendees are also not allowed to leave and reenter the stadium.

The school system is also encouraging all children up to ninth grade to be accompanied by an adult to assist law enforcement and staff with managing the game and ensuring all attendees’ safety.

The purpose of these security measures is to allow for a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all participants during the game, said the school system in a press release.

The school system also does not allow loitering before, during or after the game in the stadium or connected parking lots, so no tailgating in the parking lots connected to Callaway Stadium. The school system rents the stadium and connected parking lots through Troup County Parks & Recreation.

LaGrange College owns the parking lots across from Callaway Stadium and does allow parking and tailgating for a fee.

Parking in the Callaway Auditorium lot is $10 per vehicle and the Cleaveland Field and Westside lots are $5 per vehicle. Parking is only allowed in designated lots and parking spaces and is prohibited on the grass or curbs. The college says any vehicle found to be parking illegally will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Fans wishing to tailgate on LaGrange College property can do so by paying a $15 fee starting at 5 p.m. on Nov. 2. Reservations or early payments are not available, so patrons must pay as they enter the lots.

The Callaway Stadium parking lot is not part of LaGrange College, where parking will remain free of charge to patrons.