COLUMBUS, Ohio - Columbus Crew Stadium announced today that it will play host to a high school football doubleheader, featuring all three Westerville schools and New Albany, on Friday, August 31.
In the evening's first game, the New Albany Eagles will take on the host Westerville North Warriors at 6 p.m.
"Playing in Crew Stadium versus Westerville North will be a true honor for our student-athletes and our community," said New Albany Athletic Director Rex Reeder. "Crew Stadium is one of the premier facilities in Ohio and we look forward to our opportunity on August 31."
Following that match-up, the other two Westerville-area schools will clash, as the Warhawks of Westerville Central play host to the Wildcats of Westerville South at 9 p.m.
"We would like to thank the Columbus Crew for the wonderful experience that playing in Crew Stadium provides for our student-athletes," said Mark Hershiser, Executive Director of Student Activities, Safety & Communications for Westerville City Schools. "This is a great opportunity for the Westerville community to see all three high schools play on one evening in the great environment Crew Stadium provides."
Crew Stadium, a 22,555 seat facility, is home to the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer as well as a target destination for other marquee sports and entertainment events including U.S. Soccer matches, NFL exhibitions, NCAA soccer and concerts. Crew Stadium has hosted various high school football games since its opening in 1999, including the annual Grange Insurance Ohio North-South Classic and the Inaugural Ohio vs. USA Kirk Herbstreit Challenge, in addition to other high school regular-season and playoff games.
"We are thrilled to once again host a high school football showcase like this at Crew Stadium," said Crew General Manager Mark McCullers. "This doubleheader should offer a great night of football for all four schools involved." "We have hosted various high school football events over the past eight years and look forward to providing an experience that all administrators, fans and, most importantly, the student-athletes will never forget."
The games are set to be televised on a tape-delayed basis on Columbus Sports Network (CSN). CSN can be seen on Time Warner Mid-Ohio Digital Cable (Ch. 78), Insight (Ch. 78 & 524) and WOW! (Ch. 97), while viewers without cable can view CSN "over-the-air" on Ch. 32 (CSN schedule is subject to change).
All tickets are General Admission and will be $5 for students, $8 for adults and will be available for purchase from participating schools leading up to the game, as well as the Crew Stadium Box Office and Ticketmaster.com. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for the first kickoff at 6 p.m. and parking for the event is set at $5.
A limited number of suites are also available for these contests; please call 447-CREW for more information.
