COOKEVILLE, TN– Heading into its eleventh year of hosting Tennessee’s high school football championships, Cookeville and the surrounding region continue to feel the excitement and anticipation of an event that has become not only a tradition, but a sense of community pride. The 2019 games, set for Dec. 5-7 at Tennessee Tech University’s Tucker Stadium, offer up an opportunity to be a part of something special, as each year approximately 750 volunteer spots are filled.
Vice President of Visitor Development for the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau, Zach Ledbetter recalls how his role and enthusiasm for volunteering has evolved over the years.
“I began working with BlueCross Bowl as a volunteer, rotating each year, trying different responsibilities,” said Ledbetter. “I volunteered as an ambassador, traveling to semi-final games representing our community; I served on the steering committee in various roles: marketing, logistics, etc.; and I, now, have the pleasure of serving as lead staff in managing this three-day event, which draws approximately 40,000 guests to our destination.”
Steering Committee Chair Laura Wolf has also been volunteering for years, seeing it as a great opportunity to play a role in showcasing the hospitality and sense of community of Cookeville and Putnam County.
“Volunteering for BlueCross Bowl has become a tradition,” said Wolf. “So many local residents take great pride in being a welcoming face and in making this milestone a positive experience for these student athletes, their fans, their families, and coaches.”
“Eighteen teams will soon descend upon our city,” said Wolf. “We encourage our local residents to join in the fun, be a part of the experience, and to truly help to create an atmosphere of hospitality.”
Volunteer positions include parking, locker room security, ticket-selling, ticket-taking, program sales, and more.
“The pool of volunteers is so diverse,” said Ledbetter. “We have local physicians volunteering alongside Tennessee Tech students; local hotel and restaurant staff members volunteering alongside industry CEOs; new retiree residents volunteering alongside church youth groups.”
“Volunteering creates networking opportunities and a strong sense of community stemming from coming together in support of an event like the BlueCross Bowl.”
To be a part of the volunteer community, go to: RoadToCookeville.com/volunteer
Championship games are set as follows:
(All game times are CT).
Thurs., Dec. 5:
Division II, Class 1A, 11 a.m.
Division II, Class 2A, 3 p.m.
Division II, Class 3A, 7 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 6:
Division I, Class 1A, 11 a.m.
Division I, Class 3A, 3 p.m.
Division I, Class 5A, 7 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 7:
Division I, Class 2A, 11 a.m.
Division I, Class 4A, 3 p.m.
Division I, Class 6A, 7 p.m.
Three-day admission to all 9 games included for volunteers.
Tickets available soon and will be $12 per day. Tickets may be purchased online at RoadToCookeville.com, at participating schools, and at the Cookeville-Putnam County Visitors’ Bureau, located inside the Leslie Town Centre (purchases of ten or more tickets are discounted to $10/each).
For TSSAA information and playoff brackets, go to: www.TSSAA.org
For BlueCross Bowl information along with Cookeville area information, go to: www.RoadToCookeville.com