Community Education Sports

Fans may feel like they’re in a Fish Bowl at this week’s game

The Peninsula School District released a list of do’s and don’t’s for fans planning to attend the 2024 Fish Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The annual Fish Bowl game between Peninsula and Gig Harbor kicks off at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mount Tahoma Stadium, 4634 S. 74th St. in Tacoma. It’s the season opener for both schools.

The district announced plans to move the game to Mount Tahoma Stadium in February. The Tacoma facility seats about 5,000, compared to the 2,000-spectator capacity at Roy Anderson Field in Purdy, the normal home field for both schools.

Though kickoff is at 2 p.m., the gates at Mount Tahoma will open at 12:30.

Different schools, different parking lots

Peninsula School District issued guidelines for fans attending the fierce rivalry game in a news release Friday, Aug. 30.

For one thing, the district wants fans of the schools to park in different places. Peninsula Seahawks fans should park on South Verde Street, while Gig Harbor Tides supporters should steer toward 74th Street. Overflow parking will be available.

The parking guidance is intended to make it easier for fans to get to their team’s side of the stadium. Mount Tahoma Stadium has multiple entrances. If fans park in their assigned lots, they will be closer to their squad’s cheering section, Peninsula School District spokesperson Danielle Chastaine said in an email.

Wherever you park, tailgating is not allowed, the district said.

New league rules

Fans also are not allowed to bring or wear: 

• Hand-held signs. 
• Whiteboards. 
• Newspapers. 
• Bags larger than 5 ½ inches by 4 inches. 
• Artificial noisemakers. 
• Full face paint or face masks. 
• Sticks, balls or frisbees. 
• Anything that discharges powder or smoke.  

The release further notes that no open containers, outside food or drink, pets (except service animals), drugs, alcohol or weapons are allowed.

Restrictions on signs, face paint and other paraphernalia were established by the Washington State Interscholastic Activities Association’s Puget Sound League. Both Peninsula and Gig Harbor are joining the new league this year following WIAA’s quadrennial reclassification.

Other schools in the Puget Sound League include Bellarmine, Lincoln, Mount Tahoma and Silas of Tacoma; Lakes of Lakewood; Olympia’s Capital High School; Central Kitsap of Silverdale; and North Thurston, River Ridge and Timberline of Lacey.

More space for intense fans 

The move to Tacoma comes following a highly tense 2023 Fish Bowl at Roy Anderson Field. A school district investigation into that game, a 21-20 Gig Harbor win, turned up allegations of inappropriate behavior by coaches, fans and students during.

The district reprimanded several coaches on both sides after the investigation. Assistant coaches interviewed for the investigation said the atmosphere at Roy Anderson on Sept. 15, 2023, was close to a “riot” and students and fans were “seconds away from a fight.”

Coaches have long believed that Roy Anderson isn’t big enough to host a game on the magnitude of Fish Bowl. The district hopes to alleviate tensions by moving the game to the much-larger Mount Tahoma Stadium, which is 13 miles from Gig Harbor High and 16 from Peninsula High.

“We are thrilled to continue this beloved tradition in a new venue that will better accommodate our passionate fans,” Peninsula School District Superintendent Krestin Bahr said in the news release. “Our goal is to ensure a safe and memorable experience for all.”

Security arrangements

The district plans to have plenty of security on hand. Five Tacoma Police officers will staff the game, along with Peninsula School District’s two school security officers and two additional security specialists. The school district will pay for 10 event staff employees provided by Mt. Tahoma High.

Additionally, 20 PSD administrators will work the game. Other staff members, attending the game but not working, have been advised to watch for potential problems.

“The more eyes, the better,” Chastaine said.

Tickes for adults cost $8. Seniors, military service members and students without ASB cards get in for $5. Students with ASB cards are free.

Tickets should be available on Purple Pass this week. Fans can also buy them at the stadium on game day.

Radio station KGHP will broadcast the game. NFHS, a subscription service, will livestream it.