Upper Arlington storm damage closes the Marv to spectators

Upper Arlington — The Upper Arlington School District announced Thursday that spectators will not be permitted at events inside Marv Moorhead Memorial Stadium until further notice following damage from Tuesday’s severe storms.

The district identified potential concerns with the stadium’s bleachers. Engineers will inspect the bleachers and clear them for use before spectators are allowed to return.

As a result, Friday’s football scrimmage against Bishop Watterson will be held without spectators. A livestream of the freshman and varsity action will be available on the UA Athletics YouTube page. Freshman action begins at 5 p.m., with varsity scheduled for 7 p.m.

The announcement comes after the district canceled the first three days of the school year following Tuesday’s storms, which caused extensive damage, power outages and cleanup efforts throughout Upper Arlington.

It remains unclear whether spectators will be permitted at events scheduled for next week. The district will release additional information if more events are affected and when fans will be allowed to return to the Marv for the first time this fall.