The rivalry game drew more than 27,000 ticket sales. In a joint statement, Evanston Township High School District 202 and New Trier Township High School District 203 said the band experienced racist and homophobic comments and other offensive behavior. The statement did not specify what that additional behavior involved.

Evanston color guard members Kevin Watts and Kiro Tabor said they heard aggressive chants from the New Trier student section shortly before their performance. Watts told CBS Chicago that a group called him a homophobic slur and directed racial slurs at Tabor. The students said they reported the incident to faculty band members after performing and later shared their experiences on social media.

Evanston communications director Reine Hanna said school officials first learned about the incident from students, then received emails from parents and students that supported what they had heard.

Both districts said security from the schools and Ryan Field was present. They said they take the reports seriously and are determining appropriate next steps, while maintaining student confidentiality. The districts did not provide a timeline for the investigation.

“Friday evening should have been an opportunity to celebrate our students, spirited competition, and the longstanding traditions of our two school communities,” the districts said in their joint statement, adding that students should be able to take part in school events without having their dignity or sense of belonging questioned.

Watts said he was concerned that the incident might not lead to consequences, but was glad it was being discussed. “What happened was unacceptable,” he said.

The game came hours after the Illinois High School Association placed Lincoln-Way East High School on probation following accusations that five students made racist gestures toward Homewood-Flossmoor fans at a September football game.