The Florida High School Athletic Association Football State Championships will take place at Camping World Stadium in Orlando for the next three years, the organizations jointly announced Thursday. The Central Florida Sports Commission will serve as the host for the event, in partnership with the City of Orlando.

"We're pleased and proud to continue hosting the FHSAA Football Finals at Camping World Stadium and showcase this newly-modernized facility to football fans from all around the state," said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. "For many of these kids, competing on the field within a big-time historic stadium is a dream come true." The 2016 Drive to December for Classes 1A-4A will culminate inside the 60,000 seat venue Dec. 2-3, with Classes 5A-8A competing Dec. 9-10. For the final two years of the current contract, the championships will be held on just one weekend (Dec. 7-9, 2017 and Dec. 6-8, 2018).

“After months of discussions, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with the FHSAA and have Orlando once again be the final stop on the ‘Drive to December,’” said Jason Siegel, Interim President/CEO of the Central Florida Sports Commission. “We’ve enjoyed our partnership with the FHSAA over the last nine years. The dedication of our local partners helps create a wonderful, seamless experience for the participating teams and we look forward to welcoming the coaches, student-athletes and staff from around the state of Florida back to Camping World Stadium in a just few short months.”

“We appreciate the Central Florida Sports Commission and the City of Orlando for giving us the flexibility to conduct the finale of our Drive to December on just one weekend following this year,” FHSAA Executive Director Dr. Roger Dearing said. “For the past nine years, they have proven to be exemplary hosts for this epic event. Their generosity helps our member schools tremendously and we are grateful to continue our positive partnership with both groups.” Since 2007, Camping World Stadium has been the last stop on the Drive to December. Following the end of this current contract, the stadium will have hosted the state championships more years than any venue in FHSAA history (12).

Information and article provided by Central Florida Sports Commission.