DATE: December 03, 2008

CONTACT: Jeff Martin, 864-656-4405
jeffm@clemson.edu

CONTACT: Chris Hardy, Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce, 864-654-1200
chris@clemsonchamber.org

WRITER: Angela Nixon, 864-656-0382
anixon@clemson.edu

Clemson to host high school football championships

CLEMSON — The Tigers’ regular football season is over, but Clemson University’s Memorial Stadium will be filled with plenty of gridiron action and screaming fans this weekend as Clemson plays host to the South Carolina High School League State Football Finals.

Eight high school teams from across the state will vie for the state titles in their classes Dec. 5 and 6. South Pointe and Northwestern will face off for the Class AAAA Division II title at 8 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, Dillon and Central will play for the Class AA title at noon, Sumter and Byrnes will play in the Class AAAA Division I title game at 3 p.m. and Myrtle Beach will take on Chester for the Class AAA title at 6 p.m.

Tickets for the games are $10 and are available at Memorial Stadium Friday and Saturday. Children age 5 and under will be admitted free. Volunteers are needed to help staff the games on both days. People interested in volunteering should call 864-654-1200.

An estimated 35,000 people are expected to attend the finals over both days, bringing approximately $1.25 million to Clemson and the surrounding communities, said Chris Hardy, president of the Clemson Area Chamber of Commerce.

“With the tough economy right now, this is great timing for our area businesses,” Hardy said. “Hosting the finals will also bring awareness to the Clemson area — the amenities and facilities, tourist attractions, hospitality and restaurants — for a lot of people who have never been here before. We want to provide them with a great experience.”

For more information about the finals, visit http://www.roadtoclemson.com.

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