Cincinnati’s Playoff Frenzy: Elder-St. X Game Sparks Venue Debate
The highly anticipated Elder-St. Xavier high school football playoff game has seen tickets sell out almost instantly, leaving many fans without a seat. This overwhelming demand has prompted discussions about potentially moving the crucial regional championship game to a larger venue, Paycor Stadium, to accommodate Cincinnati’s passionate football community.
The Battle for the Regional Championship
A Historic Rivalry on a New Stage
Friday’s game pits the undefeated Elder Panthers against the formidable St. Xavier Bombers in what’s being hailed as one of the best high school football matchups of the season. The winner will claim a regional championship and advance further in the playoffs, raising the stakes even higher for these two local powerhouses.
Originally scheduled for Mason High School, the 6,000 available seats quickly proved insufficient for the intense interest surrounding this “West Side War.”
Tickets Gone in a Flash
When tickets officially went on sale at 12 p.m. Monday, the demand was unprecedented. Within less than three hours, all 6,000 seats at Mason High School were completely sold out, frustrating countless fans, including many students, who were shut out of purchasing tickets.
Elder High School addressed the situation in a statement Monday night, advising fans that any updates regarding ticket status would be posted on their social media channels.
Paycor Stadium: A Solution for Future Big Games?
Commissioner Driehaus Leads the Charge
Recognizing the immense community interest, Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus has taken the initiative to explore a venue change. Driehaus has been in contact with the Cincinnati Bengals and has reached out to the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) to discuss the possibility of hosting the game at Paycor Stadium.
Driehaus emphasized the public ownership of the stadium, stating, “This is a community asset, the county owns it, the taxpayers own it, so let’s use it for something other than just Bengals games, but rather concerts and these types of games.” She highlighted that large high school football games, especially tournament games involving local teams, are perfect examples of events that should be celebrated in the stadium.
A Model for Future Seasons
While the immediate goal is to accommodate more fans for this Friday’s game, Commissioner Driehaus also sees a broader opportunity. She noted that even if the game doesn’t get moved this time, the effort to utilize Paycor Stadium for major high school events could serve as a valuable model for future football seasons, ensuring that Cincinnati’s biggest high school matchups have a fitting stage.
Ticket Information Summary
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult General Admission | $12 |
| Student (K-12) | $5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which teams are playing in this high-demand game?
The undefeated Elder Panthers are facing off against the St. Xavier Bombers for the regional championship. - Where was the game originally scheduled, and what was the capacity?
The game was scheduled for Mason High School, which has a capacity of 6,000 seats. - How quickly did tickets sell out?
Tickets sold out in less than three hours on Monday after going on sale at 12 p.m. - Who is advocating for a venue change to Paycor Stadium?
Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus has reached out to the Bengals and the OHSAA to explore moving the game. - What is the reasoning behind considering Paycor Stadium?
Driehaus views Paycor Stadium as a community and taxpayer-owned asset that should be utilized for significant local events beyond just Bengals games, such as major high school football matchups.
The intense demand for the Elder-St. Xavier playoff game underscores the deep passion for high school football in Cincinnati, prompting a valuable discussion about how community assets like Paycor Stadium can best serve local sports and residents.
Elder St X Game Sparks Paycor Venue Debate
