CHARLOTTE – The Carolina Panthers have announced that nominations are now open for the 2025 Keep Pounding High School Classic presented by Belk. This event offers high school football teams from North and South Carolina a chance to compete at Bank of America Stadium. The 2025 event will feature a doubleheader on Friday, August 22, with games scheduled at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
The nomination form is now available and will close on Monday, February 3. High schools in both states are encouraged to submit nominations for individual schools or specific Week 1 matchups. The form must be completed by an athletic director or head football coach for each school.
A selection committee will review all nominations and choose the participating teams, with schools being notified by mid-February.
“The Keep Pounding High School Classic highlights the crucial role high school football plays in our communities, offering teams, fans, and the football community an unforgettable experience at Bank of America Stadium,” said Kristi Coleman, CEO of Tepper Sports & Entertainment and President of the Carolina Panthers. “With Belk, we’re excited to offer this opportunity and deliver another memorable event for everyone involved.”
This marks the first year that Belk is sponsoring the event as part of their partnership with the Panthers.
“Playing football in a professional stadium is a special experience, and Belk is proud to partner with the Carolina Panthers to make it happen for local players, coaches, and their families,” said Don Hendricks, CEO of Belk. “This event showcases the talent and dedication of athletes across the Carolinas, while reinforcing Belk’s commitment to supporting local communities.”
The Keep Pounding High School Classic is part of the Carolina Panthers’ ongoing dedication to promoting football at the grassroots level. In addition to this event, the team will also host the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Women’s High School Flag Football Championship in May at Bank of America Stadium. Since 2022, the Panthers have helped expand women’s flag football, with nearly 120 competing high school teams and nearly half a million dollars contributed directly to schools to support their programs.
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