Football is one of the most popular games in high school. There are a lot of preparations that go into games, such as snack stands, half time events, and cheerleaders. However, many high school football games are declining in terms of attendance. In Fairmont Preparatory Academy located in Anaheim, out of 300 students, only about 70 people attend including their ASB members. Without the ASB members, only 10 to 15 students would go and the rest of them would be parents and teachers of the players. Losing majority of the games also contributes to the decline of football game attendance. Last year, Fairmont Preparatory Academy only won 1 out of 3 home games they played. Furthermore, this high school’s home game does not take place in their campus because they don’t consist of football field.

A high school student named Sara Lim says that their school has 900 students and 100 students including ASB members. This is a significant number, but compared to Fairmont, which twenty three percent of their school attends their games, only eleven percent of their school population attends football games. In addition, her school requires more preparations than Fairmont, such as setting up speakers and pedestals for the games.

A high school graduate, Travis Mewhirter, mentions that his school, North Carroll High School, in 2008 had approximately 2100 students and about 2000 would go including the parents and family members. These families were mostly extended families, which meant that they would have all family members including mom and dad’s. As more and more families become immediate family, only mom and dad would attend the games for their kids. Increasing the attendance even more, in 2008 and before, there there were fewer entertainments they had, such as access to internet at any moment. This means that football games and other sports were only entertainments they had.

Over the past few years, football has been losing interests on many students. National Association of State High School Federation’s survey shows that interest in football decreased 3.5 percent over the course of past five years. In fact, many students are afraid of getting injured while they play football. As one can see, many people are starting to lose interest in football. Numerous high school football game attendances are declining more and more each year. It may be the sign for a change in high school football in order to attract for students.

<Jayden Roh / Fairmont HS 10th>