Starting this fall, fans at varsity home football games in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan school district will have to buy tickets if they arrive after half-time in an effort to ensure a safe environment at games.

Previously, latecomers could get into games free after halftime, a common practice at metro-area high schools.

The change will discourage spectators from showing up for reasons other than watching the game, including drinking and carousing, according to high school athletic directors in District 196. The new rule will require heavier ticket-booth staffing, and should help prevent fans from leaving and then re-entering the stands.

"It's easier for us to have a safe and family-oriented atmosphere" with the new rule, said Scott Larson, the athletic director at Apple Valley High School.

The district isn't responding to any particular incident, said Larson, who proposed the change after colleagues at a national conference for high school athletic directors expressed surprise at the old policy.

The new rule applies to all the district's high schools, including Apple Valley, Eastview, Eagan and Rosemount. Tickets are still $6 for adults and $4 for students and seniors.

The District 196 football season kicks off Thursday with Eagan High School hosting White Bear Lake and Apple Valley hosting Bloomington Kennedy.

SARAH LEMAGIE