We gotta go WHERE ????


After tossing the idea around during the Spring, then talking to various schools/colleges, the VHSL decided in September that the Group A and AA state football finals would be played at neutral-site high school fields in the Charlottesville and Harrisonburg areas (they sure did a good job of letting people know, didn't they?). Anyway, since hardly anyone knew about this, who had/has the time to get detailed directions? Fortunately, I do/did.

Since the decision as to which game will be played on which field wasn't made until Wed. (Nov. 18th), I'm posting all 4 locations on 1 page.

Division 4 - Turner Ashby H.S. :
Salem (13-0) vs. Lafayette (13-0)


I-81 to Exit 240 (Mt. Crawford / Bridgewater - Rt. 257).
At top of ramp, turn left.
Go 3.4 miles to downtown Bridgewater. Turn right onto Rt. 42 North.
Go 1.2 miles. TAHS is on the right.




Division 3 - Charlottesville H.S. :
Rustburg (10-3) vs. Nottoway (12-0)


From I-81, take I-64 East at Staunton (Exit 220).
Follow I-64 across Afton Mtn. to Exit 124 (Rte. 250 West - bypass).
Go about 2.6 miles. You will go through 2 traffic signals (Note 1) and past one 'exit'. Take the 2nd exit (Park St.)
At the top of the ramp, turn right.
You are now entering a residential neighborhood. Park St. is narrow, curvy, and hilly, so be cautious. Go about 1/2 mile. At the bottom of a hill, you will make a left onto Melbourne Road (there is no sign here, but there is a left-turn lane and a radio tower just ahead to the left).
Go 1/4 mile... the stadium is on the right (Note 2).
Parking is located another .2 miles ahead on the left in the school lots.

Note 1 : Along this stretch, you will find Taco Bell, Hardees, Pizza Hut, Burger King, Little Caesers & McD's.

Note 2 : The stadium gates are about 10 feet from the street. There are no handicapped spots marked, so you will probably want to do a 'drop-off' before parking.

Note 3 : They have wonderful neon green goal posts.

Note 4 : Across the street from the stadium is a leaf composting lot. This may present an odor, depending on the weather.


Division 2 - Harrisonburg H.S. (Blue Streaks) :
Powell Valley (13-0) vs. Madison Co. (12-1)


2 ways on this one :
I-81 North to Exit 245 (Port Republic Road).
At top of ramp, turn left (towards JMU).
Go 1.2 miles (you'll cross 2 RR tracks). Turn right at light onto Rt. 42 (High St.).
Go 1/3 mile. HHS is left at the light.

I-81 to Exit 247-B (Rt. 33 West).
Get in left lane ASAP. Go to 1st light. Turn left onto Cantrell Ave.
Go 1.5 miles to HS parking lot.
(you'll pass the hospital; go straight through all the traffic lights.)
(After crossing Rte. 11, you'll want to be in the right lane ASAP, as the school is about 2 blocks ahead ... over the bridge at the bottom of the hill. The right lane goes across Rt. 42 into the school. The left lane turns left, which MIGHT put you in the small lot.)


Division 1 - Western Albermarle H.S. (Warriors) :
J.I. Burton (8-5) vs. Surry (11-2)


From I-81, take I-64 East at Staunton (Exit 220).
Follow I-64 across Afton Mtn. to Exit 107 (Rte. 250 West - Crozet).
Go just over 1 mile. A right-turn lane leads to the high school (this 'private drive' is just before the flashing school crosswalk sign).
Football field is beyond the school.

Note 1 : Another bad stadium for the physically challenged : the last 50+ yards before the gate is a gravel lot.
Note 2 : There is one gas station and no restaurants between I-64 & the school. Suggest planning a stop in Waynesboro (Exit 94), where you will find Taco Bell, KFC, Arbys, Wendys, Shoneys, Western Sizzlin'.
Exit 91 has McD's & Subway


Note 3 : The Surry Cougars are 2x state runners-up.



personal note : Time to put in my 2 cents worth here. I don't know why the VHSL decided to use neutral sites, but I HATE IT!!!! With the old system, a state championship game was always 'nearby'. This year, it's like the NCAA basketball seeding weekend... first, you find out your team has been moved to a different region, then you have to wait to find out exactly where they're playing.
I hope that the casual fans BOYCOTT the finals this year. If none of the games are sold-out, this should send a signal to the VHSL that this format is a mistake.
If a neutral site is going to be used, go to a small-college field like E&H or Ferrum, or maybe JMU. Or play a Group A double-header at VPI and AA at UVa... then switch locations the next year.
Anyway, being a former radio-guy, I suggest that you contact your local radio station and tell them you'll be listening instead of going because of what the VHSL did, then say a special 'thanks' next time you're at a business that runs sponsors the games.

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