The Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) recently announced that the 2024 football championship games will be held in Hattiesburg at Southern Miss’ M.M. Roberts Stadium. This decision marks the fourth time in six seasons that the championship games will take place at this venue, known as The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic.
The championship games are scheduled to take place from December 5th to December 7th, with each day featuring different class matchups. The Class 3A and 7A games will kick off the event on Thursday, December 5th, followed by the Class 1A and 5A games on Friday, December 6th, and concluding with the Class 2A, 4A, and 6A games on Saturday, December 7th. Game times are set for 4 and 7:30 p.m. on the first two days, and at noon, 3:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. on the final day.
The decision to host the championship games at Southern Miss’ M.M. Roberts Stadium continues the trend of rotating the games to different college stadiums in Mississippi. Previously, the championship games were held at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Jackson from 1992-2013 before moving to other venues. Southern Miss has become a popular choice for hosting the games, with its 36,000-seat stadium providing an excellent backdrop for the high-stakes matchups.
In recent years, Southern Miss has hosted the championship games in 2018, 2021, and 2022, showcasing its ability to create exciting and memorable experiences for the schools, students, coaches, families, and communities involved. The decision to return to Hattiesburg for the 2024 championship games reflects the MHSAA’s confidence in Southern Miss and the city of Hattiesburg to once again deliver a top-notch event.
MHSAA Executive Director Rickey Neaves expressed appreciation for the potential host sites considered during the selection process, ultimately highlighting Southern Miss and Hattiesburg as the ideal choice for the 2024 championship games. With a track record of successful events and a commitment to providing a first-class experience for all involved, Southern Miss and Hattiesburg are poised to deliver another outstanding showcase of high school football talent.
In conclusion, the announcement of the 2024 football championship games being held in Hattiesburg at Southern Miss’ M.M. Roberts Stadium signifies a continuation of the tradition of excellence in hosting these prestigious events. With a lineup of exciting matchups and a proven track record of delivering memorable experiences, the stage is set for another thrilling edition of The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic.