IHSA postpones Saturday's state championship football games because of expected snowstorm

Illinois High School Association Postpones State Championship Football Games Amidst Snowstorm Warning

A surprise move by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) has postponed the state championship football games scheduled for Saturday at Hancock Stadium, citing an expected snowstorm that may pose a safety risk to teams and spectators alike. The decision comes as four major classes - 8A, 7A, 6A, and 5A - were set to compete in the title match.

The IHSA announced that ISU's campus will be closed on Saturday due to the weather conditions, prompting the postponement of the games. "This is unprecedented in our state playoffs' 51-year history," said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson in a statement. "We appreciate the patience and understanding of these schools and communities as we work to determine the best and safest solution to reschedule these contests."

The Class 1A through 4A championship games were played on Friday, as scheduled, but the higher-tier matches have been put on hold. The IHSA has announced that the games will not be held on Sunday, with no new dates confirmed for Classes 7A and 8A.

A temporary solution was found, however, with Tuesday's Class 5A/6A championship games rescheduled at ISU. The IHSA hopes to make a decision on Classes 7A and 8A by Saturday. Meanwhile, teams have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding their potential new dates.

The host university, Northern Illinois University (NIU), had previously shared hosting duties with the University of Illinois in rotating through state championship games every year, starting from 2023 when the event moved to ISU.

omg what do u think about this? so they're cancelling the football games because of snow lol i guess that's kinda fair tho if it's gonna be super bad out. did u no that isu was just a temporary host or something? like who hosts these thingy anyway? btw, can someone explain to me why monday is called monday again?

I cant believe this snowstorm is causing a major headache for the high school football teams! I mean, I get it, safety first and all that but postponing the whole thing feels like a total bummer for the fans who were hyped for the championship games . And what's up with the lack of clarity on new dates? Can't they just make it happen already?! It's not like it's the end of the world, but I guess you can't rush these things... or in this case, reschedule them .

OMG, I'm like so confused about this snowstorm thingy... I mean, I get why they wanna postpone the games, but now it's like Tuesday is still a bad day or something? And can we talk about how messed up it is that ISU's campus is closed on Saturday, but the Class 5A/6A championship games are being held there on Tuesday... doesn't that just seem kinda convenient? I guess they're trying to make things work, but it's like, come on, can we just have a clear plan or something?

I also don't get why the IHSA is being so secretive about when the games are actually gonna happen... like, isn't that what championship games are for? To bring some excitement and closure to these teams' seasons? It's just so frustrating. I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens next...

I feel bad for all the teams and fans who were super hyped for the championships... like, they've been preparing for this moment for weeks ! I'm sure it's not easy to reschedule games at the last minute . The IHSA should get in touch with all teams ASAP so we know what's up . This temporary solution of playing on Tuesday is kinda a silver lining tho ... at least the Class 5A/6A guys can still play now!

I don't get why they can't just play it anyway? It's just a little snow... I mean, we're not exactly in Hawaii or Florida here! They need to figure out a way to make it work, you know? Like, maybe have a big tent or something? And what's with the uncertainty? Teams are getting all mixed up about their new dates... that's just stressful for them. Can't they at least give us some clarity?

omg can u even blame them tho? safety first, idc about the championships lol its just a game the snowstorm warning is legit and they gotta make sure everyone gets home safe & sound

idk about this postponement tho they're saying it's for safety reasons but isn't football played on a field not in the snow? like what exactly are they worried about - frostbite or something anyway its kinda harsh that teams already made travel plans and stuff. source pls if there's some info im missing

Snow day blues are no joke, especially for high school football teams . I'm a big fan of sports, and seeing all those players and fans waiting around for the weather to clear is just so...unfair . On the bright side, at least ISU's campus is closed on Saturday, so they can stay warm and cozy while the games get rescheduled . Hope everything gets sorted out soon, and those championship titles aren't left hanging in the snow !

omg this is soooo frustrating ! i mean what's next? they're gonna cancel the whole state tournament? i get it snow is bad but can't they make it work? teams have been practicing for months, players are counting on that championship game... it's not fair to them. and now they're just gonna reschedule again? no dates confirmed? that's like, totally unclear . i'm so mad for the kids who were looking forward to this all year!

️ I'm kinda disappointed that the state championships are getting postponed due to the snowstorm... I was looking forward to watching all these talented high school football teams compete But at the same time, safety should always be the top priority especially when it comes to the kids playing on the field and the fans cheering them on

I'm curious, do you think the IHSA made the right decision in postponing the games? Should they have tried to find a way to make it work despite the weather conditions ? And what's with all the uncertainty about new dates for the higher-tier matches? Can't they give us some clarity on that?

ugh I was so stoked for this football game on Saturday and now it's all cancelled because of snow ... can't even blame the IHSA too much tho, safety first right? they're trying to be responsible and not risk anyone getting hurt. but seriously though, teams have been preparing for weeks and now their championship game is just up in the air ... fingers crossed they figure it out and reschedule soon