FACEBOOK: For more high school sports you should like Marc Pendleton
The OHSAA intends to return the championship games to Ohio Stadium in 2019.
“We are blessed in Ohio to have so many outstanding playoff venues,” OHSAA Commissioner Dr. Dan Ross said in a statement. “Our intent all along has been to rotate the finals between the two sites.”
Comprised of seven divisional title games, championship weekend expanded to three days in 2013, which coincided with the addition of a seventh division. The move to Canton will add another day of play this year, beginning on Thursday, Nov. 30 and concluding on Sunday, Dec. 3. Dates and times of games will be announced this spring.
The Benson Hall of Fame Stadium has a seating capacity of 22,375, the largest high school facility in the state. Massillon’s stadium will not be used for the title games.
Marion Local defeated Cuyahoga Heights 21-17 to win the Division VI state title last season. Trotwood-Madison (D-III), Coldwater (D-V) and Minster (D-VII) all lost championship games.
Ohio high school football playoffs began in 1972. Title games were initially held at multiple locations, including Dayton’s Welcome Stadium, Springfield’s Evans Stadium, Akron’s Rubber Bowl, Ohio Wesleyan University and even Upper Arlington High School. The games have been anchored at Ohio Stadium or Stark County since 1991.
About the Author