The Columbus East and Columbus North varsity football teams will each open their seasons with home games tonight. The East Olympians will take on the Bloomington North Cougars and the North Bull Dogs will go head-to-head with the Franklin Grizzly Cubs. Here are five things you need to know about the start of this year’s high school football season:
Timing
Gates will open at both schools at 6 p.m., with ticket prices set at $5 per person for both the North and East games. The Olympians will play on their home field at 200 S. Marr Road, while the Bull Dogs will play on their home turf at 1400 25th St. Game time for both contests is 7 p.m.
Parking
Parking for both the North and East games will be available anywhere on school grounds. Olympian fans will also be able to park in the baseball parking lot across the street from the school.
Tailgating
East Olympian fans will be lined up along Marr Road for the first tailgate of the season. Lisa McCarter, president of the East Quarterback Club, said tailgaters are usually set up along Marr by 5:15 p.m. and are in their seats in the football stadium by 6:30 p.m.
The Columbus North Booster Club will have a tailgating tent set up inside the football stadium starting at 6 p.m. Bull Dog fans can purchase hamburgers and hot dog meals, with all proceeds going to the Columbus North Athletic Boosters, which benefits all athletes at the school.
Entertaining
The Sound of North marching band will provide pregame and halftime entertainment at North’s game against Franklin. The band will debut its show “Slither.”
The Columbus East Olympian Spirit marching band will unveil its show “Pyramidion” at halftime of the East-Bloomington North game.
Fundraising
East senior center Harry Crider will also host a fundraiser to benefit Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis during tonight’s game as part of his senior project.
