8-Man Football Kick-Off Classic Coming to Grand Island

GRAND ISLAND (Neb.) — 8-Man football comes to Nebraska’s favorite Island next week as six top-tier high school programs face off in the inaugural "Nebraska's Favorite Island 8-Man Kickoff Classic".  The one day football showcase will take place on Saturday, August 29th. 

Hosted at the historic Grand Island Senior High Memorial Stadium, the day promises to be filled with classic football energy kicking-off in the afternoon and running through the evening.  Fans can enjoy the full slate of games with convenient day passes available at the gate, allowing entry for the entire run of matchups. 

Brought to life in partnership with Grand Island Tourism and Grand Island Senior High Activities, the inaugural one-day classic looks to be an annual tradition “on the Island”. 

“Grand Island Senior High is eager to bring this 8-man football event to Grand Island.” Chris Ladwig, GISH Activities Director, said. “We are excited to host this event and have been working hard to create an experience that these student-athletes, coaches, and communities will never forget. I would like to thank Coach Fuller of Hartington-Newcastle, Coach Clarkson of Clarkson, Coach Blevins of Lawrence-Nelson, and Coach Kronhofman of Arapahoe for the work they have done to get this started. Brad Mellema with Grand Island Tourism has been instrumental in partnering with us to ensure the schools have a great experience on top of playing at one of the best high school facilities in Nebraska. We look forward to welcoming these communities and football fanatics to historic Memorial Stadium next week!” 

Three games, six teams, and plenty of gridiron action bringing together fans from across the state. Action kicks off at 1:30 PM when Arapahoe battles Clarkson, setting the stage for a day of 8-Man clashes. At 4:30 PM, Dundy County Stratton and Hartington-Newcastle battle it out on the field. The tripleheader concludes under the lights at 7:30 PM as Elm Creek caps off the event against Lawrence-Nelson. 

To keep the crowd fueled throughout the event, the stadium concession stand will offer gameday favorites, including pizza, nachos, ice-cold Coca-Cola products, and more. 

Event Schedule for Saturday, August 29:

• 1:30 PM: Arapahoe vs. Clarkson

• 4:30 PM: Dundy County Stratton vs. Hartington-Newcastle

• 7:30 PM: Elm Creek vs. Lawrence-Nelson

Location: Grand Island Senior High Memorial Stadium, Grand Island, NE. 

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students, and the cost covers the full day of football for all games. 

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