The Missouri State High School Activities Association said next week's state championship football games will be staying in St. Louis.
In a statement, MSHSAA executive director Kerwin Urhahn said all necessary precautions will be taken, but the games will stay at the Edward Jones Dome.
"We have spoken with both local and state authorities, in addition to local schools and participating schools in the playoffs," Urhahn said. "We are excited about playing the Show-Me Bowl at the Edward Jones Dome. After visiting with the different entities, we feel the Dome as well as the city of St. Louis will be safe places for our schools and their fans to celebrate their teams' accomplishments this year."
Questions have been raised about the safety of the players and the fans at the game because of potential unrest about the impending release of the grand jury decision about whether to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in the case of the Aug. 9 shooting death of Michael Brown.
In a corresponding statement, the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission said the safety of everyone attending the games is its utmost priority.
"Law enforcement across the community remains committed to protecting the safety of residents and visitors to our region," Kathleen Ratcliffe, president of the commission, said in the statement, noting it also is in contact with safety personnel at all area hotels.
Two area teams - California and South Callaway - have the potential to play for state titles.
The Edward Jones Dome has hosted state championship games since 1996.