Parents and players urge board to reverse move of high-school football kickoffs from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Several parents and student‑athletes told the Anoka‑Hennepin Public School District Board on Aug. 25 they want Friday night high‑school football games moved back to 7 p.m. after the district and its Metro North conference scheduled 6 p.m. kickoffs.

Kelly Stalvik, a parent of a senior football player at Andover High School, told the board that Friday night games “have been more than just a football game. They are your tradition that brings entire communities together.” She asked the board to “reconsider and allow Friday night football to continue at 7 p.m.”

The appeal was echoed by student speakers. Preston Nelson, representing Champlin Park High School, said the earlier start makes it harder for working parents to attend and raised player‑safety concerns about pregame meals and hydration if games begin at 6 p.m. “If we have to play at 6, we won't really have that much time to get prepared and get a good meal in before we play,” he said. Brandon Finke, a senior, said moving games earlier “would hurt me” and other players who value playing “under the lights.” Colton Miller added that many families drive long distances and a 6 p.m. kickoff would make attendance more difficult.

Superintendent Zach McIntyre told the board the change was made by athletic directors in the district’s Metro North conference, not by the school boards, and that the adjustment was adopted across neighboring districts including Rogers, Centennial and Osseo. McIntyre said the change “primarily [was] due to the safety concerns, and our ability to honestly cover those with staffing and with law enforcement availability.” He also reported that other districts that moved to 6 p.m. have seen “increased attendance and increased ticket sales.”

Board members asked for more information. Director Mark Simon said he wanted clearer background on whether the change is reversible and how it was decided. Director Odette asked whether the decision was a conference (AD) decision or a district choice; McIntyre said athletic directors made the change collectively and that he would follow up with additional details and data from the conference and athletic directors.

Why it matters: Families and student‑athletes described Friday night football as a long‑standing community tradition and argued the earlier start would reduce attendance and alter players’ experiences. The district says the change responds to safety, staffing and travel logistics across multiple schools.

What the board did: No vote or policy change occurred during the meeting. McIntyre said he will provide follow‑up information to the board about the Metro North conference’s decision and whether the schedule can be altered.

Board action and next steps: Director Simon asked the superintendent to circulate the background on the scheduling decision and whether the start time can be changed; McIntyre said he would follow up, “probably as early as tomorrow.”