As the three-day spectacle of state championship football games begins Thursday at Tennessee Tech, it will mark the 20-year anniversary of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee sponsoring the event.
Tennessee began its playoff format to decide state champions in 1969, then in 1982 moved the three title games to a central location, Vanderbilt’s Dudley Field. The TSSAA has since expanded to nine classifications, creating the need for three championship games to be played each day over a three-day span, and the location has been moved twice – to Murfreesboro in 2000 and then to Cookeville in 2009.
However, one constant for 20 years running is the name of the event: BlueCross Bowl.
“We are grateful to have reached this milestone in our partnership,” TSSAA executive director Bernard Childress said. “Participating in the BlueCross Bowl has been a goal for thousands of young athletes in Tennessee, and we look forward to continuing the tradition.”
BlueCross Bowl Schedule at Tennessee Tech
All times ESTThursday, Dec. 5Division II-A: Davidson Academy vs. University School of Jackson, noonDII-AA: Christ Presbyterian Academy vs. Evangelical Christian School, 4DII-AAA: McCallie vs. Montgomery Bell Academy, 8Friday, Dec. 6Class 1A: Greenback vs. Lake County, noonClass 3A: Alcoa vs. Pearl Cohn, 4Class 5A: Knoxville Central vs. Summit, 8Saturday, Dec. 7Class 2A: Meigs County vs. Peabody, noonClass 4A: Elizabethton vs. Springfield, 4Class 6A: Maryville vs. Ravenwood, 8