GENTRY, AR — More Pioneers will soon have the opportunity to cheer on their classmates from the stands as Gentry Public Schools launches a new initiative providing complimentary admission to regular-season home athletic events for currently enrolled students in grades K–12.

Beginning this school year, Gentry students can attend regular-season home athletic events at no cost when they wear Gentry Pioneer apparel, maroon and white, or, for Gentry High School students, the announced student-section theme for the event.

The initiative is designed to increase student attendance at athletic events, strengthen school spirit and student sections, and provide another opportunity for students and families to connect with their schools outside the classroom.

“This will help us give more opportunities to our students and put more Pioneers in the stands,” Superintendent Dr. Tyler Broyles told the Gentry School Board Monday. “This is about supporting classmates, strengthening our student sections, building school spirit, and giving students and families another way to connect with our schools.”

The School Board approved the new proposal unanimously.

Students receiving complimentary admission will still need to go through the ticket line at each event. Ticket staff may verify current Gentry Public Schools enrollment, and each student will receive a ticket so the district can accurately track attendance.

Simply wearing maroon and white or Pioneer apparel does not qualify someone for free admission, Broyles said. The opportunity is available only to students currently enrolled in Gentry Public Schools.

Students who need assistance obtaining an appropriate Pioneer spirit item for admission may contact their building administration.

Expectations for Students

With the new opportunity comes an expectation that students will help create a positive environment at Gentry athletic events.

Students are expected to demonstrate good behavior, sportsmanship and respect throughout each event. They must remain on the home side and in designated spectator or common areas and follow directions from school and event staff.

Students in fifth grade and below are strongly encouraged to attend with a parent or responsible adult who remains available throughout the event.

Complimentary admission may be denied or revoked when expectations are not followed, Athletic Director Brent Hester told the Board.

Hester said the success of the program will depend on students, families and staff working together to make the new initiative sustainable.

Participation, operational needs, supervision requirements and the financial impact of the program will be monitored throughout the year as the district evaluates the opportunity and its continuation in future years, Hester told the Board.

Broyles also noted that increased family attendance and concession activity may help offset some of the reduction in student admission revenue.

Season Pass Adjustments

Families who have already purchased an individual student season pass can contact Catherine Clark at 479-736-2667 or cclark@gentrypioneers.com to request a refund.

The district is also lowering the price of its family season pass to account for complimentary student admission. Families who have already purchased a family season pass may contact Clark to receive a refund for the difference in price.

Local Businesses Can Support the Initiative

Local businesses will also have opportunities to help increase student attendance and support Gentry athletics through sponsorships, Broyles said.

Businesses can sponsor an individual game, an entire sport season, multiple sports or events, or the athletic program for the entire school year. Sponsorship opportunities may include recognition through banners and signage, public-address announcements and other athletic sponsorship benefits.

Businesses interested in supporting the initiative can contact Hester for more information.

Complimentary student admission applies to regular-season home athletic events only. It does not include postseason contests, reserved seating, fundraisers or other special events with separate admission requirements.

Broyles said the district hopes the initiative will lead to larger student sections, stronger school spirit and more opportunities for Gentry students and families to come together to support the Pioneers.