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It was a busy Friday as football teams across the Sacramento region kicked off the season in triple-digit heat.

Prior to kick-off, teams took measures to keep players cool and safe from overheating.

Jeff Harter, athletic director at Rocklin High School, said the school moved practices to the early mornings, extended water breaks and when necessary, the pads come off.

“Soon as we touch 103 degrees, we take the pads down and we’re going to straight T-shirt, shorts and a helmet,” Harter said.

Harter also said their concession stands are stocked with water for the fans.

For both fans and players, emergency services were on standby at all games.

“Sitting in the stands can be just as bad as being on the field sometimes because you’re sitting there baking on those bleachers. Bring an umbrella to cover yourself, keeping that heat directly off of you and wear sunscreen,” said Dave Lauchner, with the Sacramento Fire Department.

First responders say some things to watch out for are excessive sweating, no sweat at all and dizziness.

It's important to stay hydrated. If you know you’re going to be sitting out in the heat, like for a football game, that means start drinking water the day before to make sure you’re hydrated.

For the players in Rocklin, they’re hoping the brand new field will help beat the heat under their feet. Harter explained that their previous turf was filled with black rubber and radiated a lot of heat. The new turf has sand, with some specialized composite material on top that helps reduce heat.

Harter said if you plan to go to any games during triple-digit heat, prepare for possible delays as extended water breaks could impact start time.

But for players and spectators who live in the area, this heat is nothing new.

“The kids and the people here seem to be acclimated. We kind of just keep it rolling as long as we meet those certain safety thresholds,” Harter said.

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