ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University Peden Stadium's new FieldTurf synthetic playing surface will have its first encounter with high school football on Friday, Nov. 8, when Portsmouth High School (10-1) battles Ironton High School (8-2) in an Ohio High School Athletic Association Division IV regional semifinal game at 7:30 p.m.
The game will mark the first high school playoff game at Peden since 1989 when Ironton faced St. Clairsville.
"This game provides Ohio University with another great opportunity to open up its campus and athletics facilities to the southeastern Ohio community," says Ohio University Director of Athletics Equipment Wayne Horsley, who is the OHSAA tournament manager for Friday's game. "Southeastern Ohio high school basketball teams have always looked forward to reaching the district playoffs so that they can play at the Convocation Center. Now, the same will be true for southeastern Ohio football teams setting the goal of playing at Peden Stadium."
FieldTurf, which combines the playability and low maintenance qualities of artificial turf with the feel of natural grass, is quickly becoming the surface of choice for college and pro stadiums. The University of Cincinnati, University of Washington and University of Nebraska are some of the major college football programs, aside from Ohio University, that play their home games on the surface.
When Ohio University announced it was installing the new surface, it listed the stadium's enhanced ability to host a variety of community events, including high school playoff football games, as a benefit.
"We are excited about our new football partnership with the OHSAA and are more than happy to provide a fabulous football setting for OHSAA playoff games," said Julio Freire, Ohio University assistant athletics director for facilities and operations.
Friday's game between Portsmouth and Ironton will be the 109th between the teams in the course of a rivalry that began in 1903. Portsmouth won the 2002 regular season meeting between the teams, 25-7. Tickets are $5 at the gate.
