Hardin County, Tennessee : NAIA Football Championship

NAIA NATIONAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Jim Carroll Stadium
Savannah, TN

History of NAIA National Football Championship in Hardin County

How did a town without an NAIA college became the host for the National Championship? We worked for it!

In 1996, a group of local citizens decided it was time Hardin County had an event that it could call its own. After several months of preparation and talks with the NAIA staff, Hardin County was chosen as the host for the NAIA National Football Championship. A three-year contract was signed in 1996. The event was such a success that Hardin County was given a two-year extension in 1998. Addional three-year contracts were granted for 2001-2003 and 2004-2006. The 2005 game was broadcast in over 80 million households in the nation on CSTV.

Teams and fans are treated to true southern hospitality, complete with tours of Shiloh National Military Park. Catfish, hush puppies and BBQ ribs are the cuisine of the week. The trip to Hardin County left such an impression on Bob Young, Coach of 1996 National Champions, University of Sioux Falls, that his granddaughter, born in early 1997, is named "Savannah".

Hardin County residents are excited about this year's NAIA game and look forward to having you join us for the "Rumble on the River XI".

Quick Facts About the Championship

Location: Jim Carroll Stadium - Savannah, TN
Turf: Natural grass
Stadium Capacity: 5,000
Game time: Noon (CST)
Gates Open: 10:00 a.m (CST)
TV Coverage: Syndicated Regional Sports Network
Average Temp: Highs in mid 50s - Lows in mid 30s

Team Headquarters will be at the Pickwick Landing State Park, located at Pickwick Dam, TN

Tentative Championship Week Schedule of Events

Wednesday, December 13
TBA	Team arrive in Hardin County. Team Headquarters: Pickwick Landing State Resort Park.Convention Center

Thursday, December 14
TBA	Team Practice Pickwick Southside School
TBA	Character Counts Program at local schools
6:30 P.M.	Meet the Player Night Location TBA
8:00 P.M.	Sponsors Reception Hosted by Packaging Corporation of American Freddy T's Restaurant and Beach Club - Pickwick Dam, TN invitation Only

Friday, December 15
TBA	Team Practice Pickwick Southside school
Noon	Major Sponsors Luncheon with Teams
Noon	Spouses, Luncheon invitation Only
6:30 P.M.	Banquet of Champions Pickwick Landing State Park Conference Center

Saturday, December 16
Noon	"Rumble on the River XI" Jim Carroll Stadium - Savannah, TN

No coolers, large bags, backpacks or similar items will be allowed in the stadium. All bags are subject to being searched.

Ticket Information

Ticket release dates for the Championship Game and Banquet to be provided at a later Date.

Transportation

The two nearest airports with commercial service are Memphis and Nashville. Rental car service is available at each. Shuttle service will be operated between Pickwick Landing State Resort Park and area motels on a regular schedule.

NAIA Championship Hotline: (800) 552-3866
NAIA Website: http://www.naia.org/