APS introduces these new sporting events policies ahead of upcoming athletics year

In the name of safety, Albuquerque Public Schools is changing policy to allow only clear bags at athletics events and eliminate the use of cash for concessions.

“I think the conversation has been happening for quite some time,” Antonio Gonzales, deputy superintendent of operations, said in a Wednesday interview. “So really looking at best practices, what others are doing throughout the state and nation to ensure that we are taking continuous steps to ensure safety for our staff, students and families is of the utmost importance.”

The move comes following a school year when 15 firearms were found on district campuses — including charter schools — and less than two years after an Atrisco Heritage Academy High School Student, Elijah Pohl-Morfin, was fatally shot in the school’s parking lot after a basketball game.

“We want to eliminate the chances of having something really bad happen at our games,” Adrian Ortega, executive director of APS’ athletics and activities, said in a Wednesday interview. “Safety is at the bottom of our decision, specific to clear bags, safety for our spectators, safety for our athletes, safety for our coaches.”

The policy changes are being introduced at a time when juvenile crime is a hot-button issue across the metro area and the state.

The district’s football season begins Aug. 21, with games between Volcano Vista and La Cueva, Valley and Bernalillo and Manzano and Highland across its three stadiums.

“We really don’t want it to be a confrontational thing, and we really want to educate our public during their first few games,” Ortega said. “This is something that we’re trying to do just for safety purposes.”

Additionally, beginning in the spring, APS will no longer accept cash at sporting events, accepting only card payments for concessions. The announcement this week comes two years after APS switched to only accepting card payments for sporting event tickets.

“The primary motive is safety. We want to eliminate our people accepting, carrying and depositing a large amount of cash,” Ortega said. “It’s been really successful with our admission, and we’re hoping that it’s successful with our concessions as well.”

The cost of concessions will not go up as a result of the cashless transition, according to Ortega.

In addition to credit and debit cards, touch-to-pay options like Apple Pay and Google Pay will also be accepted. Concessions generated around $225,000 in revenue last school year, according to APS.