By SAM STAFF/Sports Writer

HATTIESBURG — After extensive discussions with multiple potential hosts, the University of Southern Mississippi will once again host the 2024 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Mississippi Gridiron Classic (Mississippi High School Activities Association Football State Championships).

Seven games will be contested beginning Thursday, which will be played at  here at “The Rock”, at M.M. Roberts Stadium.

“We appreciate the time and conversations with all the potential host sites through this process,” said MHSAA Executive Director Rickey Neaves recently. “We have no doubt that Southern Miss and the city of Hattiesburg will once again do a tremendous job hosting and creating exciting, memorable experiences for our schools, students, coaches, families, and communities.”

Remaining a three-day event, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Gridiron Classic will begin on Thursday, December 5 with a pair of games and follow that same scenario on on Friday before three games on Saturday will wrap up yet another season.

Here’s the Game Schedule:

MHSAA FOOTBALL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

At Southern Miss’ M.M. Roberts Stadium, Hattiesburg

(North is home team)

THURSDAY

CLASS 3A

4 p.m. — Choctaw County (13-1) vs. Noxubee County (11-2)

CLASS 7A

7:30 p.m. — Tupelo (13-0) vs. Brandon (12-1)

FRIDAY

CLASS 1A

4 p.m. — Baldwyn (13-1) vs. Simmons (13-0)

CLASS 5A

7:30 p.m. — West Point (10-3) vs. Gautier (12-1)

SATURDAY

CLASS 2A

Noon — Charleston (12-2) vs. Heidelberg (13-1)

CLASS 4A

3:30 p.m. — Louisville (13-1) vs. Poplarville (12-2)

CLASS 6A

7 p.m. — Grenada (13-1) vs. Hattiesburg (13-0)

• Tickets can be purchased for every game prior at https:gofan.com or on the MHSAA web site. Also, tickets will be available at gates three and gate nine on the day of the games. The tickets are $15 apiece and are for each two game session per day on Thursday and Friday and for all three games on Saturday. A NO re-entry policy will always be in place.
• Gates will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff of the first game of the day for admittance.
• If you can’t make it in person, all seven games will be televised state-wide on these channels:

TELEVISION COVERAGE (subject to change)

Jackson – ME TV – WAPT Channel 16.2

Gulf Coast – WLOX – Bounce 13.2

Northeast MS – WCBI-MY MS – Channel 4.2

Meridian – WTOK – myTok 11.2

Hattiesburg – WDAM – BOUNCE 7.3

Cleveland – WHCQ – Channel 8.1

Clarksdale – WPRZ – Channel 12

Oxford – WEBU – Channel 22.1

• LIVE VIDEO ONLINE STREAM

NFHS Network | www.misshsaa.tv

• RADIO COVERAGE (subject to change)

MHSAA (neutral) Broadcasts:

– ESPN Radio 105.9 FM

• – Mississippi Public Broadcasting

Gate Information

Gate 3 Southwest corner of stadium

– Home (North) Team Fans

Gate 4 Southwest corner of stadium

– USM Suite Holders

Gate 6 Southeast corner of stadium

– Media Press Box Access

– MAC Hospitality

– East Club Hospitality

Gate 7 Southeast corner of stadium (Hwy 49 side)

– Spirit Gate (Bands, ROTC, Cheer)

– Team Gate (for Locker Room #4)

Gate 9 Northeast corner of stadium (Hwy 49 side)

– Visiting (South) Team Fans

Field Gate Northeast corner of stadium

• – Team Gate (for Locker Rooms #1, #2, #3)