San Diego U-T Preps

Bonita Vista High should have a much more pleasant experience at Southwestern College’s DeVore Stadium for Friday’s home game against Scripps Ranch than the Barons did for last week’s football home opener against Mission Hills.

After the Barons were locked out of most of the renovated facility last week, Southwestern College and the Sweetwater Union High School District this week came up with “workable solutions for this season” for the high school.

An open letter dated Wednesday and posted on the Southwestern College website was addressed to Bonita Vista High parents, players and community:

“We want to apologize to each of you in attendance Friday at the Barons’ first home game at Southwestern College’s newly renovated DeVore Stadium.

“The Southwestern Community College District and the Sweetwater Union High School District value the long-term relationship we have had, and specifically the Southwestern College relationship with Bonita Vista High School. That was not apparent for the Barons’ first football game at DeVore Stadium. As hosts, we could have done better. We accept responsibility, and want to reassure you that a number of steps are being taken to ensure a quality experience for fans, players and school community.”

The letter was signed by officials from Southwestern College and the Sweetwater district.

For the remainder of the 2014 football season, the Barons and their opponents will have access to the men’s and women’s soccer locker rooms on the ground floor of the new fieldhouse. Game officials can use the staff locker room on the fourth floor.

In addition, Bonita Vista trainers will arrange before games for ice and other needs with Southwestern trainers and Bonita Vista will be allowed to use the Southwestern ticket office. The college also has waived exclusive concession rights to allow Bonita Vista fundraising along the public breezeways.

“The kids are excited,” Bonita Vista coach Chris Thompson said after a walk-through at the stadium Thursday afternoon. “I wasn’t asking for anything out of the norm. It should be a much smoother game. It’s a big relief.”

According to the letter, Southwestern and the Sweetwater district plan to negotiate a more permanent agreement after the season.