Fortress Obetz will host state football finals
Fortress Obetz will host the upcoming state football championship games, the Ohio High School Athletic Association announced Monday.
The Division I title game will be held Nov. 13 at the multipurpose sports complex just southeast of Columbus. Games in the other six divisions will be played Nov. 20 to 22, with two games each day. The schedule for the other six divisions was not announced.
Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton had hosted the event the previous three years.
An order from the Ohio Department of Health allows only 1,500 spectators to attend because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The grandstand at Fortress Obetz can accommodate 1,500 socially distanced fans, the OHSAA said.
The former Columbus Motor Speedway site, which sits on 50 acres, also will host the state cross country championships on Saturday for the first time. High school sporting events, professional lacrosse matches, concerts and festivals have been held there.
“Fortress Obetz is an outstanding facility and we are grateful for the partnership with the Village of Obetz and stadium director Steve Adams,” OHSAA executive director Doug Ute said.
“The teams will get to play on a fantastic field and the large grandstand will allow us to permit the maximum number of fans to see their teams play for state titles. Obetz is excited to host the football state championship games and we are pleased to find a partner during these uncertain times.” sblackledge@dispatch.com @Blackiepreps