Beaver Stadium to host high school game, possibly make a play to host future title games?

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Billy Splain | August 3, 2019

Back in 1988, Pittsburgh Central Catholic played Cedar Cliff for the first ever PIAA State Championship in football.  It was the first, and last time two high school teams would meet on the grass at Beaver Stadium. That could all change this year. Reporter Eric Thomas let the cat out of the bag yesterday for most on twitter:

So got official word from @GoPSUsports that they are hopeful of having a HS football game at Beaver Stadium this season. I know of three team that submitted games (not naming those teams or games just yet) but keep and eye on this

— Eric Thomas (@ByEricThomas) August 2, 2019

Penn  State then issued this statement: “Penn State Athletics wishes to provide an opportunity for one Pennsylvania high school football game to be played in Beaver Stadium this fall. We are working with the appropriate officials regarding the details.”

Today at media day at Penn State, James Franklin backed that up plus gave a little extra. ““We’d love to host the state championship games here,” James Franklin said on Saturday. “I think there’s a lot of reasons that makes sense. I think it’d be exciting for kids to have the opportunity to do that.”

That regular season game does sound interesting and State College, who’s field is under construction, we be a perfect fit. Two different home games for the Little Lions fall during times Penn State would be on the road or otherwise away that week. They host Central Dauphin on October 11 and Cumberland Valley on October 25 while Penn State travels to Iowa and Michigan St those weekends.

The PIAA currently plays its title games at Hershey Park Stadium and that deal runs out in two years. Asked about Franklins comments on the title games, PIAA Executive Director Bob Lombardi said “I respect his interest and we would be glad to listen to any offers. Hosting the games also fits into the future plans Penn State has for Beaver Stadium, including a desire to host concerts and other events there.

“Our number one focus is on Penn State and our football program, so we’re not going to do anything that would cause challenges or issues there,” Franklin said. “But when we can be great partners in our community and great partners in our state, and provide a great experience in this community and in the state of Pennsylvania, and promote athletics and high school football in our state, we want to try and do it.

“I don’t think you’re going to see it very often, but when we do it, it makes sense.”

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