Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium will host the second annual Vehicle City Gridiron Classic to kickoff the 2018 high school football season on Thursday, August 23.

The classic will feature a triple-header featuring the following games between teams across Genesee County:

  • 1 p.m. – Flint vs. Beecher
  • 4 p.m. - Hamady vs. Byron
  • 7 p.m. - Fenton vs. Ortonville-Brandon

The concept was introduced by Judge Duncan Beagle, who saw similar events held in other communities. The classic was then organized by the Vehicle City Sports Committee, with support from the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Kettering University and each of the participating school districts. Tickets are $10 each, which includes admission to all three games. Kettering President Robert McMahan speaks during Vehicle City Gridiron Classic press conference

“Atwood Stadium’s history is synonymous with high school football, and we are proud that the Vehicle City Gridiron Classic has already become a highly anticipated yearly event,” said Dr. Robert K. McMahan, Kettering University President. “We are grateful to the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce, Judge Duncan Beagle and to the participating schools for helping this event continue to thrive, and excited to host these games on our campus.”

Last year’s Vehicle City Gridiron Classic had more than 10,000 fans attend the three games.

“The energy and enthusiasm for the inaugural classic was simply fantastic, and a great event for Flint & Genesee,” said Tim Herman, CEO of the Flint & Genesee Chamber. “The event also helped to draw hundreds, if not thousands, of new visitors into the city of Flint to see and experience some of the terrific things that are happening here.”

The Vehicle City Gridiron Classic is one of many exciting events at Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium this summer. Genesee FC, a women’s professional soccer team that debuted in the spring, hosts their last home game of the season at Atwood on June 29. The Flint Institute of Music’s annual Fourth of July concert and fireworks display is at 6:30 p.m. on July 4. Kettering University’s Atwood Stadium Races -- which include a finish line right at Atwood’s 50-yard line -- are July 21.

Since Atwood Stadium’s renovation and reopening in 2015, more than 40,000 visitors have attended events there.

“When we renovated Atwood Stadium, our vision was to create a world class community venue right in the heart of Flint,” McMahan said. “We are proud to see that vision become a reality, thanks to major events like the Vehicle City Gridiron Classic. We encourage the entire community to come and support these teams.”