Big 33 Celebrating its 50th Anniversary

The PNC Big 33 Football Classic will be held on Saturday, June 16, at the Hersheypark Stadium. Kickoff will be at 7:00pm. AAA Central Penn is proud to be a sponsor of the Pennsylvania team.

Originating in 1957, the Big 33 is a scholastic all-star football games showcasing Pennsylvania’s and Ohio‘s outstanding high school athletes. Now entering its 50th year, the classic is often described as "The Super Bowl of High School Football." The rivalry will continue into this year with Pennsylvania and Ohio tied at 7 wins a piece.

Many players are recruited by Division I colleges and universities and go on to professional careers in the NFL. There has never been a Super Bowl without a Big 33 alumnus. Some Big 33 players include: Tony Dorsett, Matt Millen, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, John Cappelletti, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Rocket Ismail, Kerry Collins and more recently Kyle Brady, Orlando Pace, Ricky Watters, Antonio Freeman, Ed McCaffrey, Marvin Harrison, Sean Gilbert, Curtis Martin and 2006’s Super Bowl Champion, Ben Roethlisberger.

The classic promotes excellence in students and the community by involving players, cheerleaders, buddies, host families and scholarship winners in a variety of activities during game week. Players will be matched with a member of the buddy team, a group of young people with special needs. They will also visit hospitals, Masonic homes and Boys and Girls Clubs. And Pennsylvania players and cheerleaders hold clinics for youngsters.

The 2007 game week will begin Saturday, June 9. to Saturday, June 16, with kick off at 7 p.m. at Hersheypark Stadium. Proceeds from the activities benefit an academic scholarship. Since 1985, more than $3 million have been awarded. Those who purchase a ticket to the June 16 game may use their game ticket for $27.95 for regular (adult) admission to Hersheypark that day.

For tickets, call the Big 33 office at 717-774-3303 or stop by the office at 511 Bridge Street, New Cumberland. Go to www.big33.org for a complete roster.