The Clarke County School District is excited to hold the first round of the 2024-25 Classic City Basketball Championships between Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central high schools Friday, Dec. 20, in the brand-new Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center in downtown Athens.
The action-packed day is scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. with the girls’ junior varsity game, followed by the boys’ JV at 3 p.m., the girls’ varsity at 5 p.m. and the boys’ varsity at 7 p.m.
General admission is $10 and covers all four games. Cedar Shoals and Clarke Central students will receive free admission with the purchase of an adult ticket. CCSD staff without a GHSA-approved pass must also purchase a ticket. Premium seating options are also available. Tickets can be purchased at this link and will also be available at the gate; however, spectators should have an electronic form of payment as the Akins Ford Arena is a cashless facility.
The arena and Classic Center are located at 300 North Thomas St. Parking information can be found at this link.
These games will be the inaugural high school sporting events at the arena, which opened this month, and will be the first meetings this season between the two schools. The teams are also scheduled to face each other Jan. 25 at Cedar Shoals.
“We couldn’t be more excited to host the Classic City Championship at Akins Ford Arena!” said Danny Bryant, General Manager of Akins Ford Arena. “To bring this long storied rivalry downtown as one of the inaugural events is truly an opportunity to highlight all that makes our community so special. We’re looking forward to a night of great competition, renewed rivalries and community celebration!”
"Being a part of the inaugural Classic City Championship at the Akins Ford Arena is exciting. The planning for this event has been very detailed and collaborative between both schools, CCSD officials, and Classic Center personnel,” said L’Dreco Thomas, Athletic Director and head varsity boys’ basketball coach at Cedar Shoals. “We appreciate the Classic Center for reaching out to us and wanting to bring our game to the new arena. This is a big deal at our school and in the community. It is a great opportunity for our student-athletes, student body, faculty, and fans. Thanks to all who were a part of making this day a possibility. We can't wait for the opening tip on Friday so that our fans can cheer on our teams and display a tremendous amount of pride for the orange and blue! Go Jags!"
“This is a great opportunity for the Athens community to support our youth and experience the new facility,” added Dr. Jon Ward, Clarke Central Athletic Director. “We are appreciative of the support we have received from the Classic Center and the Clarke County School District in making this event a reality.”