Framingham Collaboration Leads to Waived Student Admission Fees for FHS Athletic Games

February 20, 2020 (Framingham, MA): Framingham Public Schools (FPS) are pleased to announce that effective immediately, Framingham High School (FHS) students can attend all regular-season home athletic games at Framingham High and Bowditch Field, for example, free of charge, simply by presenting their FHS student ID. Events at Loring Arena will continue to charge an admission fee, however, Framingham Public Schools and Framingham Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs are discussing additional opportunities to potentially lift entrance fees at other FHS events on Parks properties. 

Prior to this change, students were charged $3.00 for school-based events in Framingham and $5 for admission to games at Bowditch Field. With this shift, students can now present their FHS ID and can attend games for free. Free student admission requires presenting an official ID provided by Framingham Public Schools, which at this time have been issued to all Framingham High School students.  As the District continues rolling out IDs to students at other schools, free admission to FHS athletic events will automatically be extended to them.

“Since the elimination of fees to play sports, the District has strategically phased out, through a multi-year plan, the use of the account where athletic related revenues are deposited,” said Lincoln Lynch IV, Executive Director of Finance and Operations for Framingham Public Schools. “The goal in waiving the Framingham student admission fees was to remove a barrier that may restrict students from interacting with their peers.”

“One area of continued focus for the School Committee is ensuring that students have access to all of the programs, services and experiences that make attending the Framingham Public Schools special, which is why I’m glad that we have made this change,” said Scott Wadland, School Committee member for District 3. “Going forward, I hope all stakeholders, including municipal departments, can continue to work together to increase opportunities for student and community engagement. It would be amazing to extend this admission fee waiver to all students and venues in Framingham, allowing FPS students to cheer on their classmates without having to pay to do so.”

"It is great to have the support of our community leaders in regard to student engagement in athletics,” said Paul Spear, Athletic Director at Framingham High School. “Fan support is critical to the student athlete experience so we are happy that this is being recognized by the school committee and leaders in our district.  Framingham has a long and storied athletic tradition and being able to allow all students access to our contests symbolizes the commitment our City has to our young people."

Free student admission applies only to regular season games - playoff games are subject to the rules of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) who may charge a fee for admission.

About Framingham High School Athletics
Framingham High School (FHS) Athletic teams are a great representation of the richness of diversity in Framingham and their athletes represent the City on a daily basis throughout the state. For many students, athletics is the motivating factor in better attendance, improved behavior, higher grades, and greater overall participation in their school community. Proud of their inclusive sports participation policy and the fact that fees are waived for student participation, Framingham is a well-recognized sports community where many teams and athletes are recognized as perennial challengers for league and statewide accomplishments. For news, updates, and announcements, follow FHS Athletics on Facebook (@FHSFlyerAthletics), and on Twitter (@FHSFlyerSports). 

About the Framingham School Committee
The Framingham School Committee is responsible for exercising co-leadership with Superintendent Dr. Tremblay in the vision, planning, policy making, evaluation, and advocacy for the mission of continuous improvement of student achievement in the district.  Under our Superintendent and Administration, the School Committee is committed to operating within this purview to best serve the schools and the community. 

About Framingham Public Schools
The mission of the Framingham Public Schools is to educate each student to learn and live productively as a critically-thinking, responsible citizen in a multicultural, democratic society by providing academically challenging instructional programs taught by highly-qualified staff and supported by comprehensive services in partnership with our entire community. For news, updates, and announcements, follow Framingham Public Schools (@FraminghamPS) on Facebook, Twitter, and (@framinghamschools) on Instagram. You can also join the conversation using #FraminghamSchools.