COLUMBUS – After more than 30 years of being played on Saturdays in November, Ohio’s big-school football playoff games will be played under the Friday night lights.
The 2016 football tournament regulations approved this week by the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s Board of Directors is one that moves all Division I football playoff games in November to Friday because of declining attendance at Saturday games.
For several years, attendance has decreased at Division I games in November as fans opt for college games, more of which are being played at night, and as fewer facilities become available due to other school functions or staff shortage, says Beau Rugg, OHSAA assistant commissioner and football administrator, said.
Division II, IV and VI games will also be played on Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. while Saturday games will include Divisions III, V and VII at 7 p.m.