Ticket revenue doesn’t cover the rising costs of sports for Marion school district

Last week, four Marion County high schools hosted football games, and the cost of security alone totaled roughly $5,700.

Interim Superintendent Danielle Brewer described that as “a light week.” The district paid the Marion County Sheriff’s Office for 22 deputies — four each at Belleview, Dunnellon and Lake Weir high schools, and 10 at North Marion High School for its rivalry matchup against Vanguard High School.

These after-hour security costs are in addition to the $4.9 million the district pays the MCSO, Belleview and Ocala police departments for school resource officers, whose duty ends when the school day ends.

Two years ago, prices were raised for admission to athletic tickets to cover the increasing costs of officials who govern the game, but rising security expenses, as well as transportation costs to games, must be paid from the district’s general athletic fund account.

For smaller sporting events, Brewer said ticket sales don’t even cover the cost of officials.

“It had been several years since MCPS has made any adjustments to their athletic ticket prices,” Brewer wrote in an email. “Since the last increase, the cost of one security detail has gone up a total of $25 per hour with a three-hour minimum per officer. In addition, the cost of officials has gone up an average of $30 per official per contest over the past several years.”

The Florida High School Athletic Association has also raised ticket prices by $2 for all state series events, beginning with regional playoffs and continuing through the state championships, adding to the overall expense of hosting games.

Compared to other school districts, Brewer said Marion County’s prices fall in the middle — slightly higher than those with district athletic budgets and slightly lower than those without any district funding for sports.

Last year, varsity football tickets rose by $2 to $10, while junior varsity football and all other sports increased by $1 per ticket to $7.

For now, Brewer says, the growing cost of ensuring student safety at after-hours events remains a top priority.

*Note: For State Series, Invitationals, and MAC Championship Events, prices could be higher.

MCSO Provides Security For North Marion Football

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