Long Beach Poly, Serra football game reportedly called at halftime over crowd concern

Multiple reports of police in riot gear and police helicopters at the Long Beach Poly-Serra Gardena game due to concern over crowd control

The Long Beach Poly and Serra Gardena high school football game was reportedly called at halftime, according to the562sport.org.

"They’re calling the Poly Serra game. Jackrabbits win 28-14 after a half of football," The562 tweeted at 9:13 p.m.

It was later confirmed by SBLive that the game was called off.

Police equipped with riot helmets prep for how to deal with large, overwhelming crowd at Long Beach Poly vs. Serra football game in Gardena, Calif / Photo by Nick Koza

J.W. Davis of the Long Beach Press-Telegram reported video of police assembling with riot gear and police helicopters circling the Serra High campus due to large crowds still attempting to get into the stadium.

The growing crowds attempting to get into the stadium while the game was ongoing created commotion outside the field gates and in the parking lot.

Davis said school officials said the game was sold out.

The two teams engaged in a handshake to conclude the game.

Two weeks ago, two Northern California games were stopped before getting to the third quarter due to fan violence in the stands. 

I’m reporting live about the major police presence at the Long Beach Poly vs. Serra game, which is being delayed at halftime to deal with excess crowds outside of the stadium. Poly leads 28-14 at halftime. @DamianCalhoun @presstelegram @InsideSoCalSpts pic.twitter.com/HvDix370Pm

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) September 9, 2023

Police have their riot gear now at the Long Beach Poly vs. Serra game. Halftime has been delayed for about 30 minutes and counting. pic.twitter.com/e7KVsjA3NY

— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) September 9, 2023

More to come on this story ...