By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

Alabaster teens will have a chance to swim, dance and play sports after several Thompson High School home football games this fall, as the city’s YMCA will stay open extra late those nights.

The Alabaster YMCA will open its doors from 9 p.m.-midnight for students in grades ninth-12^th to give the kids a safe and fun place to hang out after Friday night games at Larry Simmons Stadium.

The “Fifth Quarter” program will be held after Warrior Day on Aug. 16, and after the Warriors’ Aug. 30 season opener against Shelby County.

Fifth Quarter nights will also be held after Thompson’s Sept. 13 game against Pelham, the Sept. 20 game against Prattville and the Oct. 18 game against Wetumpka.

A maximum of 300 teens can attend each Fifth Quarter night.

Each Fifth Quarter night will feature activities such as swimming, dancing and basketball, according to Alabaster YMCA Executive Director Rhonda Elmore.

The Alabaster YMCA is at 117 Plaza Circle, which is off Alabama 119 just south of Larry Simmons Stadium.

All teens must have a signed parent waiver before attending Fifth Quarter events. Waiver forms are available at THS and at the Alabaster YMCA.