"This is a great success for the community and the team," Stephen Neal, head Blackhawk football coach said Tuesday morning as he prepared for the trek to Little Rock.
After defeating the Shiloh Saints Friday in the semi-final game at Blackhawk Stadium, the Blackhawks earned a spot in the 4A State Playoff Championship dame in War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock Friday.
The team with its supporting cast -- coaches, managers, trainers -- traveled to Little Rock Tuesday to practice on the field. Neal said each team is allowed two hours practice on the field the week prior to the game.
The school took three buses to Little Rock Tuesday and will take two large buses Friday for the team, Neal said.
The turf is artificial in War Memorial Stadium, Neal said. Blackhawk Stadium and the multi-purpose facility are both artificial turf, providing the Blackhawks with a familiar feel beneath their feet.
"The community is very supportive," Neal said.
This is the first time Pea Ridge has made it to the championship game, although they have made it to earlier rounds of the state playoffs in year's past. Last year, the Blackhawks made it to the third round of the playoffs.
The Blackhawks won all games during the regular season except the one against Prairie Grove, a team which also made the final four of the state playoffs.
School will be dismissed at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, according to superintendent Rick Neal, in order to allow students and their families time to travel to the 4A State Football Championship Game in Little Rock.
Advanced tickets are available to the game in the Pea Ridge School athletic office located on the east end of the high school off Weston Street. Tickets are $7 for adults and $6 for students and may be purchased in cash only. The office will be open from 8 a.mn. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday. Tickets may be purchased at the gate Friday in Little Rock for $7.
There is a $5 parking fee paid upon arrival at War Memorial Stadium, according to school officials. Pea Ridge will be the visiting team and will be seated on the east side of the stadium, opposite of the press box.
Pea Ridge High School will take pep buses to the championship game for Pea Ridge High School students only. Students may need to sign up in the front office no later than 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. The buses leave at 2:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, from in front of the High School.
There are specific rules for War Memorial Stadium. That includes:
Items allowed in stands:
• Chair backs and seat cushions, umbrellas, video cameras, but ALL video cameras MUST have a camera tag and can only be used from the stands.
Items not allowed:
• Alcoholic beverages, cans, thermos bottles, containers, backpacks, coolers, ice bags, ice chest, laser pointers, outside food and drink, handheld signs, banners, pennants, balloons
• Face paint and body paint is NOT permitted
• Bare chests are not permitted; shirts must be worn
• No smoking products of any kind
• No sunflower seeds
• No gum
• No live mascots
• No balloons
• No smoke
• No artificial noise makers
• No fireworks or cannons
• No confetti
Also, any and all bags are subject to search. Women are encouraged to leave purses at home. Parking lots in and around the stadium will be subject to increased scrutiny.
Attendees must carry their ticket with them inside the stadium at all times.
The stadium will open at 5:30 p.m.
Sports on 12/07/2016