Sporting events stream

Harvey High School’s athletics now run live online

Harvey High School’s Athletics Department is now live streaming athletic events.

With cameras installed by Pixellot/NFHS Network, the department is streaming all athletic competitions hosted in the gymnasium at the Painesville school as well as sporting events held on the field turf at Jack Britt Memorial Stadium.

The athletic department has seen a great decrease in attendance at games under the current guidelines which limit spectator attendance to 15 percent of the seated capacity of the facility, according to Painesville City Schools Athletic Director Marwin N. Walling, Sr.

“Not only does this impact the school student body morale, but we feel the impact financially with the loss of ticket sales and funds that would have been raised from the sale of concessions and spirit wear,” Walling said.

“It also limits our ability to promote upcoming events and recognize our sponsors.”

Walling believes having cameras will boost the athletes’ morale in high pressure situations

knowing that their actions on the court are on display in real time to their watching family and friends.

“Having family and friends support their student athlete improves their confidence and success on the playing field,” he said. “Fortunately, we are able to offer a limited number of tickets to family members or close friends for a few of our sports programs.”

During the pandemic where college recruiters are not able to attend games to scout out talent, they can also tune in to see recruits without having to travel, Walling explained.

“Athletes will also be able to use the game footage to help build their sports highlight reels and potentially get them recognized and recruited at the collegiate level,” he said.

The athletic department is also planning to add a camera to the gymnasium at Heritage Middle School. A subscription is needed to tune in to the live streamed events and costs $10.99/month or billed annually for $5.83/ month.