AHSAA Changes Venue for High School Football Championships as Colleges Take Precedence
ICARO Media Group
In a recent announcement made on Wednesday, the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) revealed that the high school football championship games will no longer be played at the University of Alabama's Bryant-Denny Stadium and Auburn's Jordan-Hare Stadium. The decision comes in light of the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP), which may require one or both colleges to host playoff games, resulting in scheduling conflicts with the AHSAA Super 7 games.
The AHSAA Executive Director, Alvin Briggs, emphasized that the conflicts were unavoidable due to the new CFP plan, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to have hosted high school championship games at the two renowned stadiums. Since the rotation began in 2009, the cities of Tuscaloosa, Auburn, and Opelika, along with Auburn University, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Tourism and Sports, and Auburn-Opelika Tourism have played a significant role in facilitating the Super 7 games and creating cherished experiences and memories for the participating schools, teams, students, and communities.
While Bryant-Denny Stadium and Jordan-Hare Stadium step aside from the rotation, Birmingham's Protective Stadium will continue to host the championship games. Furthermore, the AHSAA is actively exploring alternative venues to expand the rotation and ensure the continued success of the Super 7 games.
The AHSAA's decision reflects the ever-evolving landscape of college football and the need to prioritize the college playoffs, which have gained prominence in recent years. Despite the change in venue, the association remains dedicated to showcasing the talent and determination of Alabama's high school athletes, allowing them to compete in a premier setting that befits their achievements.
As the AHSAA studies other rotation options, the students, teams, and supporters eagerly await the announcement of the future host cities, hoping to forge new bonds and create more unforgettable moments on the field.