Northwestern State will host Football Prep Classic

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana high school football championships are moving from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans to Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, officials say.

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association made the announcement Tuesday, stating the decision was made because of capacity restrictions in New Orleans due to COVID-19, news outlets reported.

A statement from LHSAA also cited “financial responsibilities, and risk of cancellation” as a reason for the move.

The games this year will be played at Harry Turpin Stadium from Dec. 27-30.

The LHSAA’s Football Prep Classic has been played in New Orleans at the Superdome since 1981 — although it was moved to Independence Stadium in Shreveport after Hurricane Katrina badly damaged the stadium in 2005.

“We are thankful Northwestern State University stepped up to host our football championships,” LHSAA executive director Eddie Bonine said in a news release. “We are saddened to be leaving the Superdome this year, but look forward to our return in 2021.”