GAINESVILLE, Fla. – After competing in two separate locations for the last two years, the Florida High School Football State Championships will return to one location in 2023. In partnership between Visit Tallahassee and Florida A&M University (FAMU), Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium will serve as host to all nine championship games, Thursday, December 7^th – Saturday, December 9^th.

“The FHSAA is excited about the upcoming Florida High School Football State Championships to be hosted on Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium in Tallahassee,” said FHSAA Executive Director, Craig Damon. “Creating opportunities for our student-athletes is a top priority of ours and finding a facility large enough to host the whole series in one location and welcome thousands that wish to attend, is a dream come true. We have worked with the folks at Visit Tallahassee and in Leon County for many years now with great success and we could not be more grateful for their efforts in making these championships a quality experience for the student-athletes of the State of Florida.”

Bragg Memorial Stadium, newly minted Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium, is located on the campus of FAMU and serves as the home site of the Rattlers football team. Originally built in 1957, the stadium has a seating capacity of 19,633 and recently completed significant facility upgrades. Prior to moving to neutral site championship contests, the stadium previously served as the host site to two former state championship matchups in 1976 and 1978, when FAMU Developmental Research School claimed state titles.

“We are honored to again host the FHSAA football state championships in their entirety this year,” said Kerri L. Post, Executive Director of Visit Tallahassee. “We look forward to welcoming fans from around the state to enjoy three days of state championship football at FAMU’s Bragg Memorial Stadium and to explore the vibrant and friendly community here in Tallahassee.”

“It is an honor to partner with Leon County and the FHSAA to host the championship in our newly renovated Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium,” said Tiffani-Dawn Sykes, FAMU Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, “This is an incredible opportunity to showcase FAMU statewide and welcome tens of thousands of high school football fans to Ken Riley Field at Bragg Memorial Stadium.”

A proven destination for FHSAA state championship events, Tallahassee and the Leon County community have actively hosted a portion or all the football state championships since 2019, cross country state championships since 2012, and beach volleyball state championships since its inaugural season back in 2022. Throughout the years, Tallahassee and Leon County have also hosted championships in flag football and competitive cheerleading as well.

Specific classification matchups and game times will be announced at a later date. Tickets for the event will be available online at a presale rate of $17, and will be $20 if purchased the day of the game. Parking fees will be included in the price of each ticket. For specific event information or additional updates regarding the FHSAA’s annual Drive to December playoffs, please visit the FHSAA football sport page at FHSAA.com.


About the FHSAA: The Florida High School Athletic Association supervises and regulates interscholastic athletic programs for high school students at member public, private and charter schools. The organization also recognizes and honors academic achievement among student-athletes at over 800 middle, junior and senior high schools statewide. Headquartered in Gainesville, it is the official governing body for interscholastic athletics in Florida.


About The Leon County Division of Tourism/Visit Tallahassee: The Leon County Division of Tourism (Visit Tallahassee) is the official destination marketing organization charged with marketing Tallahassee-Leon County as a premier leisure, business and sports destination through direct sales, advertising, public relations, sports and visitor services. The Capital of Cross Country, Tallahassee-Leon County is home to the internationally recognized cross-country course at Apalachee Regional Park, which will serve as the host for the 2026 World Athletics Cross Country Championships. In 2022 Tallahassee-Leon County welcomed 2.3 million visitors who contributed $1.2 Billion in economic impact and accounts for more than 14,708 people employed in our community in the tourism & hospitality industry. For more information, go to VisitTallahassee.com or call toll free (800) 628-2866. Engage with Visit Tallahassee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #iHeartTally and #Trailahassee.


About Florida A&M University (FAMU):  Founded October 3, 1887, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, historically Black university located in Tallahassee, Florida. What distinguishes FAMU from other universities is its legacy of providing access to a high-quality, affordable education with programs and services that guide students toward successfully achieving their dreams. FAMU is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.