PENSACOLA — The 2016 Subway High School All-Star Football Game will be played Dec. 16 at the Blue Wahoos Stadium, Pensacola Sports announced.
For the first time since the event’s inception in 2004, the all-star game will not be played at a high school. The game formerly rotated every two years between Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties.
The All-Star Series, a Pensacola Sports event, selects seniors from Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa County high schools. Every high school is guaranteed representation, given they have an eligible senior. The game — which features three days of practice and a banquet — provides many players the opportunity to play one last high school game in front of their family and friends and provides additional exposure to college recruiters who attend the practice and games.
“After the success of UWF Football’s first year playing downtown, we felt moving the all-star game was a good fit for the event, the teams and families, the community, and downtown,” said Pensacola Sports President Ray Palmer. “Being able to utilize the beautiful stadium and setting for this type of event is a great way to show the multi-purpose side of the facility.”
Coaches for this year’s game include Jerry Pollard, of Pine Forest, and Kent Smith, of Pace High, leading the West and East teams, respectively. Every high school will have representation on the coaching staff.
“It’s a big improvement to the game and the series. The kids are excited,” said Kent Smith, East Team head coach. “It’s a great way to get more people to the game in a fun atmosphere. A lot of them have been to the UWF games and seen the atmosphere there and would like to be a part of something like that.”
Pensacola Sports staffers are working with the Blue Wahoos to enhance the all-star players' experience. Examples include having head shots on the video board during player introductions and live video and replays during the game.
“This game should provide these young men with a fun, positive experience they’ll remember the rest of their lives,” Palmer said.
Game tickets will be available at the stadium box office for $10 or $8 with a canned food donation for Manna Food Bank.
Call 434-2800 for more information on the Subway High School All-Star Series or other Pensacola Sports events, or visit pensacolasports.org.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: All-Star Football Game moves downtown