<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1576009997604.jpeg" alt="USD 428 preparing for the possibility of spread out seating for games at Memorial Stadium." />
 <figcaption>USD 428 preparing for the possibility of spread out seating for games at Memorial Stadium.</figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAs one might expect, attending a high school sporting event this fall is
going to have a different look. USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton says
administration is looking into spreading the seating out at Memorial Stadium
for Great Bend High School football games. Trying to maximize the distance
between people as a COVID-19 precaution, family members would still be allowed
to sit next to each other. Thexton was hopeful in the start of fall sports
after a summer of athletic workouts and driver’s education instruction without a
coronavirus threat. "During driver's ed, we were able to work through the process," said Thexton. "I think David Meter had almost 180 students go through driver's ed, temp checked every day and were able to do the driving." 
Memorial Stadium’s capacity is approximately 4,500. Thexton noted fans could
potentially sit in the visitor’s stands on the east side of the stadium if the
opposing team does not bring many fans. The Great Bend school district is
offering both on-site and remote learning this fall. Thexton added students
that choose the remote or virtual learning method will still be allowed to
participate in extracurricular activities. 
"If someone is remote, we cannot have them coming in and out of the building during the day, but if it is debate or speech after school then they can take part in that. Those are the areas that we want to make sure the remote kids have that opportunity as well." 
High school sports practices begin Monday, Aug. 17 and the first
football game for the Panthers is Sept. 4.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Great Bend High School preparing for altered fan attendance