Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium to host Freedom Bowl — a five-game high school football event

CANTON – The Hall of Fame Village is hosting the NFL Alumni Academy Freedom Bowl, a two-day high school football event featuring five games in Canton on Aug. 26-27.

Perry is among the 10 teams scheduled to play at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium — one of three teams from Ohio in the games. The other two, St. Edward and Chardon, each won OHSAA state championships on the same field in Canton last December.

Other programs scheduled to play in Canton are Christian Brothers Catholic (Mo.), Milton (Ga.), Pittsburgh Central Catholic (Pa.), Camden (N.J.), East St. Louis (Ill.), St. Frances Academy (Md.) and Clarkson North (Canada).

“We are excited to host some of the top high school football teams in America at the Hall of Fame Village for the Freedom Bowl,” Mike Levy, president of operations for the Village, said in a statement released by the Village. “A big part of the Freedom Bowl is to not only enjoy a high level of competition on the field, but to showcase to the student-athletes, coaches, and fans about those who protect and serve our nation — an initiative to which we’re passionate about bringing awareness.”

For the last five years, the Freedom Bowl took place only in Atlanta. The event raises awareness for veterans, wounded warriors and their families, and youth football service.

“It’s always rewarding to add like-minded partners who share our core values and are committed to supporting student-athletes,” Freedom Bowl Founder David Menard, Freedom Bowl Founder, said in a statement released by the Village. "... Collectively, our organizations are dedicated to prioritizing education, life skills, family values and supporting all branches of the United States Armed Forces. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect fit.”

The first game will kick off at 5:30 p.m., Aug. 26, as Christian Brothers Catholic plays Milton. Pittsburgh Central Catholic in the second game at 8:30 p.m. Central Catholic is where Hall of Famer Dan Marino was a high school All-American and graduated in 1979.

The next day, Aug. 27, is a tripleheader: Perry, the lone Stark County team, vs. Clarkson North at 2 p.m. Then at 5 p.m. Camden vs. Chardon at 5 p.m. Saint Frances Academy taking on East St. Louis at 8.

“This event embodies everything that the NFL Alumni is about,” Beasley Reece, CEO of the NFL Alumni Association stated. “We couldn’t be happier to play a part in the event and the numerous Alumni that are involved are excited to give back to the sport that gave so much to them.”

Tickets go on sale at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 21, and can be purchased at www.hofvillage.com.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Freedom Bowl coming to Canton's Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium