Kinnick Stadium will host Iowa City High and Liberty for football season opener

Weeks before the start of the high school football season, the City High Little Hawks announced Monday via social media that their Aug. 26 season opener against the Liberty Lightning will be held at Kinnick Stadium.

This will be the first time that the home of the Iowa Hawkeyes will play host to a regular-season high school game. The game was originally scheduled to be played at City High.

Little Hawks coach Mitch Moore called it an incomparable experience for his players, many of whom grew up attending games at Kinnick.

"Playing at Kinnick Stadium obviously brings another element to game one," Moore said. "You always want to put your best foot forward anytime you play a game on Friday night, but this opportunity for kids to play on a field that is such a big part of their childhood memories is pretty special."

Adding to the atmosphere, the rivals will be duking it out for the "Titans Trophy," which both teams have won twice.

The Little Hawks won it most recently after defeating the Lightning last season 41-0.

Moore said the game at Kinnick will benefit the entire community.

"For everybody involved, we recognize that is a unique experience." he said. "We all are so honored to be a part of it."

The Hawkeyes open their season Sept. 3 against South Dakota State. Kinnick holds 69,250 fans and its playing surface is artificial turf.