Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations to Honor Military and Feature the Premier Big 33 High School Football Game on Sunday, May 24 with All-Stars from Pennsylvania and Maryland Plus Buddies and Cheerleaders
WHO/WHAT:
The 40-member Pennsylvania team for the 69th Big 33 Football Classic will be announced during a press conference. The Team Announcement and Roster Release video will be shared on Friday, February 13th at The Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center in Camp Hill, PA at 10:00 a.m. The full PA Football Team roster, along with the PA and MD Cheer Squads will be posted on Big33.org by Noon.
SPEAKERS AT THE BIG 33 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT INCLUDE:
- Garry Cathell, Executive Director, PSFCA and Big 33
- Nicole Whitmire, Big 33 Director
- PA State Senator Dawn Keefer
- PA State Representative Thomas Kutz
- Cumberland County Commissioners (invited)
- PA Big 33 Coach Don Holl, Gateway HS
- Local Big 33 PA Team Players
- Local Big 33 Cheerleaders & Buddies
- Title Sponsor Renewal by Andersen of Central PA
- The Peyton Walker Foundation
WHEN/WHERE:
Date/Time: Friday, February 13, 10:00 a.m.
Location: Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center, Room: Governor’s B, 1150 Camp Hill Bypass, Camp Hill, PA
***Note: Please park at the main hotel (Penn Harris) and enter at the main hotel entrance.
EVENT DETAILS:
The 69th PSFCA Big 33 Football Classic presented by Renewal by Andersen of Central PA will take place on Sunday, May 24 at Cumberland Valley High School’s Chapman Field in Cumberland County, PA. The game will kick off at 6:30 p.m. A FREE FanFest, Pre-Game Ceremonies, the Girls Flag Football Championship and Military Recognition will take place prior to the football game. Veterans and Military get FREE admission.
The Big 33 has been a hallmark of high school football excellence since 1957, and this year’s game promises to showcase the top talent from Pennsylvania and Maryland. This classic event, often called the “Super Bowl of High School Football,” continues to be supported by the Pennsylvania Scholastic Football Coaches Association (PSFCA), Cumberland County, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, alongside numerous sponsors.
Additionally, the Titan Threadz PSFCA East/West All-Star Games rosters will be announced on Monday, February 23rd (Small School) and Tuesday, February 24th (Large School) on the PSFCA website (www.psfca.net). These games are scheduled for Sunday, May 17 with the 1-3A Small Schools game at Noon and the 4-6A Big Schools game at 5 p.m.
Garry Cathell, Executive Director of PSFCA and the Big 33 Football Classic, said, “Each year, the Big 33 proudly highlights the exceptional student talent that sustains one of the most respected traditions in high school football. This year’s outstanding group of student-athletes, cheerleaders, and buddies truly represents the best of the best, coming together for one of the nation’s most prestigious games. Fans will have the opportunity to see tomorrow’s collegiate stars compete as members of the PSFCA Big 33 family. Beyond the excitement and elite level of play, the Big 33 experience is defined by its heart—creating lasting, meaningful moments for our Buddies with special needs as they team up with players and cheerleaders, often forming friendships that last a lifetime. We invite fans of all ages to join us for an unforgettable weekend featuring military recognition, exciting football, family-friendly events, and much more.”
Big 33 Director, Nicole Whitmire, adds, “We are incredibly proud of the meaningful impact the Big 33 Football Classic continues to have—both within our community and across the local economy. This year, the Football Classic and its surrounding events are expected to welcome more than 10,000 fans to Cumberland County. At its core, the Big 33 serves as a powerful platform to recognize and celebrate deserving student-athletes across football, cheerleading, and girls flag football—honoring not only their athletic excellence, but their character, leadership, and commitment to their communities. Beyond the excitement on the field, the Big 33 remains deeply committed to community engagement through initiatives such as our Buddy Program, Youth Clinics, Military and Veterans Recognition, and Clothing Drives. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our generous sponsors and dedicated Host Families. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Cumberland Area Economic Development Corporation (CAEDC) for their continued partnership, to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, to Renewal by Andersen of Central PA—proud Title Sponsor of the Big 33 Football Classic—and to all of our outstanding sponsors who help make this event truly special.”
Some Notable Big 33 Alumni and NFL Greats:
Some well-known Big 33 alumni include Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Tony Dorsett, Ricky Waters, Ben Roethlisberger, Kyle Brady, Jordan Hill, Garry Gilliam, and Damar Hamlin.
The Big 33 Buddy Program pairs youth with special needs with a Big 33 football player or cheerleader. Buddies participate in the halftime routine and enjoy time with their teammates throughout Big 33 weekend. The program also offers year-round special Buddy events, thanks to UPMC.
The Big 33 Host Family Program pairs Big 33 football players with local families, creating meaningful lifelong relationships. For more information to become a Host Family, contact Jillian Brubaker at [email protected].
For more information, visit www.Big33.org or follow the Big 33 on social media:
Facebook: @Big33FootballClassic
Instagram: @PFSCABig33FootballClassic
Twitter: @psfcabig33
Proceeds from the Big 33 Football Classic help support the PSFCA’s programs, including the Big 33 Buddy Program and military appreciation efforts during Memorial Day Weekend.