Leon County to host high school football state championships Dec.16-19

All 8 classifications to compete at Doak Campbell

Special to the Outlook

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Leon County has been selected to host the 2020 Class 1A – 8A Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Football State Championships at Florida State University’s Doak Campbell Stadium on Dec. 16 – 19.

It is the first time since 2002 that all classifications of the state championships will be held in Tallahassee.

The event will be held with social distancing guidelines in place, the FHSAA said it a news release last Friday.

“Leon County is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment to athletes, coaches and spectators, allowing them to safely experience some unforgettable championship games,” said Leon County Commission Chairman Rick Minor.

Originally scheduled to take place at Gene Cox Stadium, the Class 1A-3A FHSAA Football State Championships have been moved to Doak Campbell Stadium along with the 4A-8A games to allow for a health-first environment with proper social distancing to safely welcome fans, coaches and student-athletes. Two games will be played each day of the championships and a final schedule by classification will be provided on the FHSAA.com brackets page once the current playoffs conclude.

“Hosting all divisions together in 2020 at FSU’s Doak Campbell Stadium is a testament to the County’s community partnerships with Leon County Schools and Florida State University to create a safe, competitive environment that will continue to drive sports tourism here in Leon County,” said Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long.

Bobby Bowden Field at Doak S. Campbell Stadium on the campus of Florida State University, popularly known as “Doak,” is home to the Seminole football program three-time national champions.  The stadium has a capacity of 79,560 and is the second-largest in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).  The playing surface is natural grass.

 “We are honored that FHSAA has entrusted in Leon County to host this event during these very challenging times,” said Kerri L. Post, Director of Leon County Division of Tourism. “We look forward to welcoming fans from around the state to watch four days of championship football here in Tallahassee.”

All tickets will be sold online only at a pre-game day rate of $15, and $18 if purchased the day of the game. An advanced parking rate of $3 is included in the price of each ticket. Please note when purchasing tickets that seats will be assigned throughout the stadium to ensure physical distancing. Fans will be asked to follow all health protocols currently in place for FSU football games at Doak Campbell Stadium.

“The FHSAA is excited about the upcoming Florida High School Football State Championships to be hosted at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee,” said FHSAA Executive Director, George Tomyn.  “Creating opportunities for our student-athletes has been a top priority of ours this year and finding a facility large enough to safely host all who wish to attend, is a dream come true.  We have worked with the folks at Visit Tallahassee and in Leon County for many years now with great success and we could not be more grateful for their efforts in making these championships a reality for the student-athletes of the state of Florida.”