Record crowds are expected for this evening’s football game between Lakeside and Evans high schools featuring a special performance by the Virginia Tech marching band.

More than an hour before the game's scheduled start, the parking lot was full with many fans parking off the street along Blue Ridge Drive.

To accommodate the excess crowds, bleachers have been added to Panther Stadium, 533 Blue Ridge Drive in Evans, school officials said today.

Officials said many patrons likely will be standing.

However, the 450-member Virginia Tech band is expected to leave following their half-time performance, freeing up seats for the second half.

Lakeside Principal Jeff Carney said the school pre-sold more than 2,700 tickets for tonight’s game. Without the added bleachers, the stadium seats 3,500. He was unsure how many more seats the added bleachers will provide.

Also, he said he has been encouraging students and parents this week to carpool to the game.

Overflow parking will be available at Blue Ridge Elementary School, 550 Blue Ridge Drive, and possibly at other locations.

Fourteen Columbia County sheriff’s deputies will be on hand to direct traffic.

The game starts at 7:30 p.m., but the gates will open at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets for the game cost $6.

Reach Donnie Fetter at (706) 863-6165 or donnie.fetter@augustachronicle.com