SoFi Stadium To Host The 89th Annual East L.A. Classic Presented by LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk (09-05-24)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 5, 2024

CONTACT:

SoFi Stadium: Quinn Kim, quinn.kim@hollywoodparkca.com

SoFi Stadium To Host The 89th Annual East L.A. Classic

Presented by LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk

Los Angeles, CA (September 5, 2024) – Los Angeles Unified is thrilled to announce the 89th Annual East L.A. Classic at SoFi Stadium, presented by LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. The much anticipated Friday Night Lights football game between Theodore Roosevelt High School versus James A. Garfield High School will take place on October 25, 2024.

Since 1925, this match-up has been one of the most highly acclaimed and attended high school football games west of the Mississippi River. The East L.A. Classic serves as the homecoming game for both high schools. The Mighty Rough Riders and Bulldogs will vie for the perpetual trophy and yearlong bragging rights.

“We are excited to announce that one of Los Angeles Unified’s most iconic matchups will debut at SoFi Stadium this year,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “For 89 years, the East L.A. Classic has been a cornerstone of unity; bringing alumni, employees, students, and community members to the game. There is a palpable excitement in the air as we eagerly await to see who will claim the trophy and earn bragging rights this school year. Go teams!”

“We are thrilled to see this iconic football showdown kick-off in a stadium that is as grandiose as the school rivalry itself,” Board Member Dr. Rocío Rivas said. “These games exemplify the values of tradition, teamwork, and friendly competition, and having the East LA Classic at SoFi Stadium will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the teams, their fans, and our school communities.”

“LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is dedicated to supporting and uplifting the community,” Adolfo Romero, Executive Director for L.A. Bowl Hosted By Gronk said. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the culture surrounding the historic East L.A. Classic while highlighting the local athletes of James A. Garfield High School and Theodore Roosevelt High School in our world-class stadium.”

For a second year in a row, both schools’ Girls Flag Football teams will compete before the East L.A. Classic kick-off. Last year, in an epic battle, the Rough Riders triumphed in the first-ever Girls' Flag Football game, clinching a historic overtime victory.

“In 2022, over 30,000 fans enjoyed a thrilling game and a spectacular halftime show at the Los Angeles Coliseum,” Theodore Roosevelt High School Principal Ben Gertner said. “Now this huge rivalry game is heading to SoFi Stadium, one of the premier sporting venues in the world, and we are highlighting our newest competition, Flag Football. Buy your tickets in advance and get to the game early to see the Flag Football Classic at 6:00 p.m. Whether you never miss a Classic or have never been, you are not going to want to miss this celebration of culture and tradition!”

“The storied tradition of the Classic will have a new historic chapter for 2024,” Math, Science, and Technology Magnet at Theodore Roosevelt High School Principal Patricia Hanson said. “I am already so proud of our Cheer, Drill, Marching Band, Mariachi and Leadership students for their work showing school and community pride. The Rough Rider athleticism, innovation, unity and talent of our mighty Flag Football and Football teams will be on full display on October 25th. SoFi Stadium hosting the Super Bowl in 2022 was just the warm-up to the Classic. Don't miss out. Get those tickets early and we'll see you there.”

“I am looking forward to seeing East Los Angeles under one roof, battling for bragging rights,” James A. Garfield High School Principal Regina Martinez Marquez said. “What makes this game special is watching Girls Flag show the world what an adrenaline rush it is to watch them play.”

This year’s match promises to be one of the most exciting games of the season for Los Angeles Unified.

Tickets will go on sale Monday, September 9, at 10:00 a.m. via Ticketmaster.com.
Students will have the opportunity to purchase tickets at their respective schools for a discounted price.
Media outlets interested in covering the game can contact Jennifer Valdivia at j.valdivia@lausd.net for press credentials and additional information.

LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk

LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk is an annual collegiate football bowl game held at SoFi Stadium, home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, in Inglewood, Calif. SoFi Stadium is the centerpiece of Hollywood Park, a near 300-acre mixed-use development owned, developed and operated by Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. Owned and operated by Hollywood Park, LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk features the Mountain West’s No. 1 selection versus a former Pac-12 team, after the CFP selection. In addition to the matchup, LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk hosts a series of events for the teams, their families, fans, and locals in the week leading up to the game, as well as year-round activities that engage the local community. For more information about LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk, including ticketing, go to LABowlGame.com  and visit @LABowlGame on X, Instagram and Facebook, Instagram and Facebook.

For the most up-to-date information, please follow Los Angeles Unified on Twitter/X at @laschools and @lausdsup, Instagram at @laschools and @lausdsup and Facebook at @laschools and @AlbertoMCarvalho1.

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